17 Must-Try Authentic Chinese Dishes for Food Lovers

Chinese food is one of the most beloved cuisines in the world, bursting with flavor and tradition. This may be your go-to takeout order, but there’s so much more to it than what you’ll find on a typical takeout menu. Check out this Chinese cuisine packed with savory, authentic dishes that are sure to impress.

Peking Duck

A Beijing specialty, Peking Duck is famous for its crispy skin and tender meat. The preparation involves air-drying the duck and coating it with a sweet maltose syrup before roasting. Traditionally served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced green onions, this dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The crispy skin is a particular highlight, often carved tableside for added drama.

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

These steamed buns from Shanghai are filled with a delicious broth and a meat filling. The broth inside the dumplings is created by adding a gelatinous meat aspic that melts when steamed. The trick is to carefully bite into them to savor the hot, savory soup inside. Xiao Long Bao are typically enjoyed with a dipping sauce of black vinegar and ginger.

Kung Pao Chicken

A Sichuan classic, Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy stir-fry dish made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. The dish balances the heat from the chili peppers with a slight sweetness, and the Sichuan peppercorns add a unique numbing sensation. It’s a favorite for those who love spicy food and appreciate the complexity of flavors typical of Sichuan cuisine.

Mapo Tofu

Another Sichuan staple, Mapo Tofu features soft tofu set in a spicy, numbing sauce made from fermented black beans, ground pork, and Sichuan peppercorns. The dish is named after a pockmarked (ma) old woman (po) who supposedly invented it. It’s a dish that perfectly showcases the region’s bold flavors, combining the smooth texture of tofu with the robust, spicy sauce.

Char Siu (BBQ Pork)

This Cantonese dish involves marinating pork in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasting it to perfection. The marinade typically includes honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a distinctive red exterior. Char Siu is often enjoyed with steamed rice or in noodle dishes.

Hot Pot

Hot Pot is a communal dish where diners cook their own ingredients in a simmering pot of broth. It’s popular in many parts of China, with regional variations in the broth and ingredients. Common ingredients include thinly sliced meat, vegetables, tofu, and seafood. The experience is social and interactive, making it a favorite for gatherings.

Dim Sum

A Cantonese tradition, Dim Sum consists of a variety of bite-sized dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Popular items include dumplings, buns, and rolls, often enjoyed with tea. Dim Sum is typically eaten during brunch hours and is known for its wide array of flavors and textures, from savory to sweet.

Beef Noodle Soup

This hearty dish features tender braised beef, hand-pulled noodles, and a flavorful broth. The broth is usually simmered for hours with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns, resulting in a rich and aromatic base. It’s a comforting meal that showcases the rich flavors of Chinese cooking, particularly popular in Taiwan.

Spring Rolls

Crispy and golden on the outside, spring rolls are filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood. They are typically served with a dipping sauce such as sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce. Spring rolls are a popular appetizer and are enjoyed for their crunchy texture and flavorful fillings.

Sichuan Boiled Fish (Shui Zhu Yu)

This dish features tender fish fillets cooked in a spicy, numbing broth made from chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The fish is usually poached in the broth until tender, then served with a generous amount of chili oil and spices. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors and the characteristic numbing sensation of Sichuan cuisine.

Zhajiangmian

Hailing from northern China, Zhajiangmian is a noodle dish topped with a thick, savory sauce made from fermented soybeans and ground pork. The sauce is rich and umami-packed, and it’s typically served with fresh vegetables such as cucumbers and bean sprouts for added crunch. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for a quick meal.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Originally from Hainan province, this dish is widely popular in Southeast Asia. It features poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce and a light soup. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the rice is aromatic and flavorful, making it a simple yet delicious dish.

Chongqing Spicy Chicken

This dish is famous for its intense heat and bold flavors. Chicken pieces are stir-fried with a generous amount of dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a mouth-numbing sensation. The dish is often garnished with peanuts and green onions, adding a crunchy texture to the spicy chicken.

Beggars Chicken

A traditional dish from Jiangsu province, Beggars Chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then baked to preserve its natural flavors and juices. The clay is cracked open before serving, revealing incredibly tender and aromatic meat. The cooking method helps to infuse the chicken with the subtle fragrance of lotus leaves.

Lion’s Head Meatballs

These large, juicy pork meatballs are stewed with cabbage and other vegetables, creating a flavorful and comforting dish. They are named for their resemblance to a lion’s head and mane, with the cabbage representing the mane. The meatballs are tender and succulent, and the broth is rich and savory.

Sweet and Sour Pork

A popular dish both in China and abroad, Sweet and Sour Pork features crispy fried pork in a tangy, sweet sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. The dish is often garnished with bell peppers and pineapple, adding a burst of color and additional layers of flavor.

Tea Eggs

These hard-boiled eggs are simmered in a mixture of tea, soy sauce, and spices, creating a unique and flavorful snack. The marbling effect on the eggs’ surface adds to their visual appeal, and the savory taste makes them a popular street food item.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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