China is home to one of the world’s richest and most diverse culinary traditions. From fiery Sichuan spices to delicate Cantonese dim sum, Chinese cuisine offers an incredible range of flavors, textures, and aromas. Whether you’re new to Chinese food or a long-time fan, there are certain dishes that you simply must try to experience the true essence of authentic Chinese flavors.
Here’s a list of 10 must-try Chinese dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!
1. Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
A symbol of imperial Chinese cuisine, Peking Duck is a world-famous dish that originated in Beijing. This dish features a perfectly roasted duck with crispy, golden-brown skin and tender meat, traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce.
🔹 Why You Should Try It: The contrast between the crispy skin and juicy meat is an unforgettable experience!
🔥 Best Place to Try: Beijing’s Quanjude or Da Dong restaurants.
2. Xiaolongbao (小笼包) – Soup Dumplings
A Shanghai specialty, xiaolongbao are delicate dumplings filled with a flavorful broth and juicy pork or crab meat. Each dumpling is steamed to perfection, and the secret is in the thin, yet sturdy, dough that holds the delicious filling.
🔹 Why You Should Try It: The burst of hot, savory soup when you bite into one is pure magic!
Best Place to Try: Din Tai Fung (worldwide) or Nanxiang Mantou Dian in Shanghai.
3. Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
If you love spicy food, Mapo Tofu is a must-try! This fiery dish from Sichuan consists of silken tofu in a spicy, numbing sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns, ground pork, and fermented black beans.
🔹 Why You Should Try It: The tingling, numbing sensation (mala) from Sichuan peppercorns makes this dish stand out.
Best Place to Try: Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.
4. Char Siu (叉烧) – Cantonese BBQ Pork
A staple in Cantonese cuisine, Char Siu is roasted pork coated in a sweet and savory glaze made from honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice. The meat is caramelized to perfection, giving it a slightly crispy, sticky exterior.
🔹 Why You Should Try It: The balance of sweet and smoky flavors makes this one of the best BBQ dishes in the world.
Best Place to Try: Hong Kong’s famous roast meat shops.
5. Hot Pot (火锅)
Hot Pot isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience! This dish involves cooking thinly sliced meats, seafood, and vegetables in a boiling pot of flavorful broth, often spicy or herbal. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy Chinese cuisine.
🔹 Why You Should Try It: You can customize your ingredients and enjoy the social aspect of cooking at the table.
Best Place to Try: Chengdu (for Sichuan-style spicy hot pot) or Beijing (for Mongolian-style hot pot).
6. Dan Dan Noodles (担担面)
Another Sichuan classic, Dan Dan Noodles are spicy, savory, and nutty. They are topped with ground pork, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and sometimes peanut or sesame paste for a rich umami flavor.
🔹 Why You Should Try It: The combination of spicy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors is irresistible!
Best Place to Try: Street vendors in Chengdu.
7. Dim Sum (点心)
Dim Sum is not just one dish—it’s an entire Cantonese dining experience featuring small plates of dumplings, buns, and rolls. Some favorites include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and BBQ pork buns.
🔹 Why You Should Try It: It’s the perfect way to taste multiple bite-sized dishes in one meal.
Best Place to Try: Hong Kong teahouses or Michelin-starred restaurants like Tim Ho Wan.
8. Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)
A world-famous dish, Kung Pao Chicken consists of stir-fried chicken, peanuts, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns in a rich, slightly sweet sauce. It’s spicy, tangy, and crunchy all at once!
🔹 Why You Should Try It: It’s one of China’s most popular dishes globally, and it packs a flavorful punch.
Best Place to Try: Chengdu or any authentic Sichuan restaurant.
9. Jianbing (煎饼) – Chinese Savory Crepes
Often called “China’s breakfast of champions,” Jianbing is a street food favorite. It’s a thin crepe filled with eggs, scallions, crispy crackers, hoisin sauce, and chili paste.
🔹 Why You Should Try It: It’s crispy, savory, and customizable—perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
Best Place to Try: Street vendors in Beijing or Tianjin.
10. Beggar’s Chicken (叫化鸡)
A legendary dish with a fascinating history, Beggar’s Chicken is a whole chicken marinated with spices, wrapped in lotus leaves, and baked in clay. This traditional technique keeps the meat incredibly juicy and aromatic.
🔹 Why You Should Try It: It’s a centuries-old recipe that delivers a unique and rich flavor.
Best Place to Try: Hangzhou, where the dish originated.
Leave a comment