Chinese cuisine is known for its vibrant colors, aromatic aromas, and wide range of regional cuisines and ingredients, and is considered the largest cultural exchange between China and other countries. The ten dishes that follow are all unique in their own way, but they all have exquisite flavors, beautiful presentations, and profound cultural significance.
With these Top 10 most popular Chinese Dishes you can bring that specific something special to your house.
1. Hotpot
Hotpot is a “dish” that distinguishes true Chinese food connoisseurs. You are genuinely a Chinese cuisine aficionado if you enjoy hotpot rather than ordering fried rice, chow mein, and dim sum all of the time.
The broth, in which all the meat slices and veggies are cooked, is the key to determining if a hotpot is delicious or not. Normally, you get to choose the flavor of your broth, such as mushroom, tomato, original, or spicy. However, the flavor will vary depending on the sauce you use to accompany the meat. There are hundreds of varieties, including peanut butter with smashed garlic and minced onion dressed in sesame oil, which is a classic.
2. Shrimp with Vermicelli and Garlic
Shrimp with vermicelli and garlic is a popular dish among not just foreigners but even the younger Chinese generation in recent years.
The aromas of everything are brought out in this steamed meal. The flavor of strong garlic combined with a seafood sauce complements the freshness of juicy shrimp. The vermicelli at the bottom absorbs every drop of delicious liquid that runs down. The secret to this delicacy is a little Chinese yellow wine to capture the aroma and emphasize the flavor.
3. Dumplings
Minced meat and chopped vegetables are wrapped in a thin dough covering to make dumplings. Dumplings are a prominent traditional meal in North China, with a history dating back over 1,800 years.
Minced pork, chopped shrimp, ground chicken, beef, and veggies are all popular fillings. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, and frying. Dumplings are a classic Chinese New Year's Eve dish.
4. Chow Mein
The Chinese letters above are pronounced chow mein in Cantonese, which means stir-fried noodles. Noodles, meat (typically chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork), onions, and celery are the main ingredients in this stir-fried dish.
The noodles must be boiled in boiling water for a bit before being used in chow mein. After they have cooled, proceed to the procedure of stir-frying.
5. Peking Roasted Duck
Peking duck is a world-famous Beijing delicacy that is also regarded one of China's national meals.
The thin, crispy skin of Peking duck is prized. Peking duck slices are frequently served with pancakes, sweet bean sauce, or soy sauce with crushed garlic. In Beijing, it's a must-try meal!
6. Steamed Vermicelli Rolls
One of the must-orders during each dim sum meal is steamed vermicelli rolls! They are a delicacy for many people's breakfasts in China's middle-class restaurants, as well as an expert choice in Guangzhou teahouses, morning tea restaurants, and street food night bazaars.
Various fillings are rolled into white rice starch sheets. Beef/pork, shrimp, and even oysters are popular options, along with mushroom, egg, lettuce, and watercress. The rolls are steamed until all of the flavors are combined, then topped with cooked peanut oil, raw soy sauce, chili sauce, or sesame paste, depending on personal choice.
7. Fried Shrimp with Cashew Nuts
Another popular meal among expats in China is fried shrimp with cashew nuts. Its name is self-explanatory. The tenderness of peeled shrimp and the crispiness of cashew nuts are combined in this dish. The shrimp is dependably soft, juicy, and simple to handle. If you're traveling with kids, this is a healthy and practical option!
8. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a well-known Sichuan speciality that is popular among both Chinese and foreign visitors. Diced chicken, dried chiles, and fried peanuts are the main ingredients.
People in Western countries have developed a Western-style gong bao chicken, which consists of diced chicken covered in cornstarch, veggies, sweet and sour sauce, and mashed garlic.
9. Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is one of Chuan Cuisine's most well-known dishes, having a more than 100-year history. Ma () refers to a fiery and hot flavor that comes from pepper powder, a common condiment in Chuan cuisine.
Brownish red ground beef and minced green onion are added to the milky tofu. It's a delicious delicacy.
10. Wontons
Since the Tang Dynasty (618–907), wontons have been a traditional delicacy for people to consume around the winter solstice.
A wonton's most adaptable shape is a right triangle, which is akin to Italian tortellini. Wontons are usually boiled and served in soup, although they can also be deep-fried. Wontons can be filled with minced pork or diced shrimp.
