Enjoy the best Chinese food on your Trip
Chinese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and traditions that have been honed over thousands of years. From the bold, spicy dishes of Sichuan to the delicate flavors of Cantonese dim sum, China offers a culinary adventure that goes far beyond the takeout we’re used to back home. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to expand your palate, here are five must-try dishes that will make your taste buds sing as you explore China.
1. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – The Juicy Pocket of Joy
If you’re in China, especially Shanghai, you simply cannot miss out on Xiaolongbao. These delightful little soup dumplings are like a delicious surprise party in your mouth! Each dumpling is filled with tender pork and a burst of hot, savory broth that’s trapped inside a delicate doughy wrapper. It’s a fun little challenge to eat them without spilling the soup, but that’s all part of the experience.
How to Eat Xiaolongbao:
To avoid a “soup explosion,” use a spoon to catch the broth, and gently bite a small hole to let the steam escape before enjoying the whole thing. It’s honestly such a satisfying and comforting food that you’ll be craving them long after you leave.
2. Peking Duck – Crispy Skin, Tender Meat, Total Perfection
Known worldwide, Peking Duck is a quintessential Beijing dish that’s all about crispy, succulent indulgence. The duck is carefully roasted until its skin is ultra-crispy and golden, while the meat stays juicy and flavorful. Typically, you’ll be served thin slices of both skin and meat, which you’ll wrap in a thin pancake with sweet hoisin sauce, cucumber, and spring onions.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
Peking Duck is all about the balance of textures and flavors. The crispy skin, savory duck, sweet sauce, and fresh vegetables all come together in one unforgettable bite. Even if you’re not usually a fan of duck, this dish will likely change your mind—it’s like no other roast you’ve ever had!
3. Mapo Tofu – A Fiery, Flavorful Delight
If you love spice, you’re going to be head over heels for Mapo Tofu. This famous Sichuan dish features soft tofu cubes cooked in a spicy, savory sauce made with minced pork, fermented black beans, and plenty of Sichuan peppercorns. The peppercorns add a unique tingly, numbing sensation that’s characteristic of Sichuan cuisine, giving you a warming (and addictive) flavor that’s hard to resist.
Spice Lovers, Rejoice!
Mapo Tofu is known for being pretty spicy, but that’s part of its charm. The combination of silky tofu with the complex, fiery sauce makes for a dish that’s comforting, exciting, and absolutely packed with flavor. If you can handle the heat, this is a dish you’ll want to try!
4. Jianbing (Chinese Crepes) – The Perfect Street Food Snack
Jianbing is one of China’s most popular street foods, especially for breakfast, and for a good reason—it’s delicious, quick, and endlessly customizable! Think of it as a Chinese crepe filled with savory goodies. The batter is made from wheat and mung bean flour, then spread thinly on a hot griddle. It’s topped with a cracked egg, chopped scallions, and a crispy wonton cracker before being folded with a drizzle of sauce, fresh herbs, and any fillings of your choice.
The Street Food You’ll Want to Have Every Day
Jianbing is slightly crispy on the outside, warm, and savory on the inside—a perfect mix of textures that’s satisfying at any time of day. Each vendor puts their spin on jianbing, so every one you try will be a little different. Look for jianbing stands in busy markets or street corners, where you’ll usually find locals lined up for their morning fix.
5. Hot Pot – The Ultimate Social Dining Experience
Hot pot is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! Hot pot restaurants are found throughout China, and they’re ideal if you’re traveling with friends or want to make new ones. At its core, hot pot involves a simmering pot of broth placed at your table, where you’ll cook a variety of fresh ingredients yourself. Options include thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, seafood, tofu, and an array of dipping sauces.
Why Hot Pot is Unmissable:
The beauty of hot pot is that you get to customize your meal entirely. Broths range from mild and herbal to the fiery, red-oil chili broths famous in Sichuan. Plus, the social aspect of everyone cooking together and sharing makes it one of the most fun ways to eat in China. Even if you’re traveling solo, you can easily join a communal table and make new friends over the shared love of good food.
China’s food scene is an absolute paradise for anyone who loves trying new flavors. Each dish not only tastes incredible but also tells a story of regional traditions, history, and culture. Whether you’re biting into a juicy soup dumpling or dipping meats into a bubbling hot pot, every meal in China is an experience.