Chinese culture has a lush history of food that dates back thousands of years. The nation’s cuisine has innovated in the culinary space longer than most countries have. As great as the culinary scene of China is, it may seem overwhelming to decide what dish is best for you. So, in this article, let’s highlight the ten most popular dishes in China to help you know what’s worth eating because of their popularity.
1. Kung Pao Chicken
There aren’t many Chinese dishes that are more popular than Kung Pai Chicken. The classic dish originates from southwestern China, specifically Sichuan cuisine, and is associated with general Chinese food and cuisine. It’s usually paired with peanuts, veggies, and chili peppers, making it a taste sensation no matter your food preference.
2. Hot Pot
Also known as a steamboat, a hot pot is known globally because of its preparation method. You begin the process by simmering a soup stock with other ingredients, making it cook at the table instead of in the back kitchen. It’s common throughout the notion and is usually done as a communal meal.
3. Mapo Tofu
For vegans and vegetarians, Mapo Tofu is on the spicy spectrum and is very popular in China. The process begins by setting the tofu in hot and spicy sauce; then, it simmers with bean paste, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns. If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t ignore this dish.
4. Char Siu
Char Siu is very popular for barbeque enthusiasts since it’s a Cantonese-styled barbeque pork that is tasty on levels that are hard to explain. It’s usually cooked in five-spiced powder, red yeast, and honey. The preferred cooking method is fire-roasted, which allows it to stay sweet and savory for those interested.
5. Chicken Fried Rice
Who doesn’t love fried rice? Though any variation is worth bringing up, chicken fried is usually the most common. The dish is cooked in a frying pan and tossed with egg, veggies, and chicken at a hot temperature. Many restaurants utilize local ingredients to put their local flare on the dish.
6. Wonton Soup
For a Northern Chinese dish, you have to try Wonton Soup. The dish is a dumpling type that’s draped in egg yolk wrappings. It’s covered, as most soups are, and thrown together with meats or seafood filling. Wontons are either fried or steamed, by the soup is much better paired with steamed wontons that are submerged in boiled chicken broth.
7. Cantonese Spring Rolls
Not to be confused with egg rolls, Cantonese spring rolls are known worldwide as the perfect side dish, and it makes sense why. Although initially used as a seasonal snack at Chinese New Year festivals, these rolls are eaten all year round and are filled with veggies, cabbage, and other meat fillings.
8. Chow Mein
Chow Mein is a reliable dish and is usually a signature dish at Chinese restaurants. With the central focus of stir-fried noodles, the dish typically allows you to pick a primary focus of tofu, veggies, or meat.
9. Dumplings
Dumplings are a prevalent and traditional food that originated in Northern China. The dish usually includes minced meat or chopped veggies and is wrapped in a thin dough skin. Options typically include pork, shrimp, chicken, beef, or vegetables.
10. Rice Bowl
Although more common in the West than in China, Rice Bowls are very popular because of how versatile the dish is. No matter your diet or food preference, the possibilities are endless with a rice bowl. Don’t just read about it! Visit us at Rice Bowl Deluxe in Edmonton to try it yourself.
