The Chinese food It has spread so much throughout the world that it is known and enjoyed in the most distant places on the planet. But still, when we talk about Chinese cuisine Generally people think of the famous Chinese rice, noodles or chop suey, for being the most classic dishes.
However, Chinese gastronomy is as rich in flavors as in a variety of dishes, so here, we have prepared a list with the typical dishes of Chinese cuisine so you dare innovate the next time you go out to dinner at your favorite Chinese restaurant. We will also give you some interesting facts about these succulent oriental recipes.
Origin of Chinese gastronomy
In Chinese gastronomy we can find very varied dishes, ingredients and techniques and interesting. This is because this gastronomy is the result of more than 5,000 years of culture passed down from generation to generation.
In his recipes a great relationship with religious beliefs and philosophical currents, being Confuncio, Taoism and Buddhism, those that stand out and influence the most. In Chinese culture, food is believed to be closely related to a person’s happiness and physical well-being.
Therefore, the Chinese are very careful with the ingredients they use in their recipes. They watch from the way they are cultivated, to the way they are treated during their preparation and cooking. All these cares are the result of years of traditions and experiences of their ancestors, which have lasted until today forming the diverse Chinese gastronomy.
On the other hand, there is exotic Chinese dishes made based on the use of animal organs and unusual parts such as the tiger’s penis and claws. These traditional dishes were considered a symbol of economic and social status and those same ingredients were used in the preparation of medicine.
Other factors that have influenced the incorporation of certain ingredients in Chinese food have been the warlike problems in which this country has been involved. This is how the dehydration of meat and grains, which preserves food for a longer time, became part of Chinese gastronomy.
Types of Chinese cuisine
China is the third largest country in the world (the first in population), and its gastronomy varies greatly depending on where you are. We could say that Chinese gastronomy is divided into 8 important types of traditional kitchens, distributed throughout its territory.
This distinction is not made frequently in Chinese European restaurants, but increasingly, specialized establishments appear in the kitchen of one of these corners, which will allow you to enjoy a much more authentic and traditional experience than the typical dishes adapted to the western palate.
Sichuan cuisine
Sichuan is the fourth most populous province in China, and its gastronomy is one of the most outstanding in the country.
It is characterized by being tasty and using very strong flavors. They prepare their dishes with many spices and spicy ingredients. The famous kung pao chicken comes from the Sichuan cuisine. Also the fermented chilis paste and the dry frying technique.
Shandong Kitchen
The Shandong’s kitchen It is known for being healthy, as it usually uses fresh, low-fat and light ingredients. In addition, it is characterized by the use of fish and shellfish. One of the dishes that this gastronomy has is the sweet and sour tent.
Zheijiang food
In Zheijiang food has characteristics very similar to those of Shandong cuisine, but it uses many preparations made by steam and accompanied by fries.
This gastronomy is well known for the use of bamboo in several of its preparations. Vinegar fish is an example of Zheijiang food.
Anhui Kitchen
Another of the most outstanding gastronomies in China is the Anhui kitchen, coming from the mountainous Huangshan region. It is characterized by the use of wild terrestrial and aquatic herbs.
Among its most famous dishes are the Pekingese lacquered duck, the famous egg dumplings and the tofu bagongshan.
Huaiyang Kitchen
Cooking from Huaiyang is the kitchen of the eastern Chinese coast, in it we can see the common use of shrimp, eels, crabs, along with fresh vegetables and much more elaborate preparations than the rest. They say that this kitchen has the best crabs in the China region and among its most outstanding dishes are crab soup dumplings.
Hunan or Xiang Kitchen
For its part, in the Hunan’s kitchen, which is an agricultural area, the use of food typical of crops and farms is more observed.
It makes moderate use of chili peppers, garlic, and lots of spices in preparing its dishes. The duck with beer or the famous stew of lovers are typical of this kitchen.
Fujian food
The Fujian gastronomy It is another of diners’ favorites for its light but tasty subtle flavor dishes. A good example of Fujian kitchen is the oyster omelette and bak kut teh, which is a unique flavor soup made from pork ribs.
Canton Food (Guangdong)
Last but not least, we have the Canton cuisine, known internationally and one of the most varied of the eight.
The dishes that we find in this kitchen are made with quite basic methods, but just as succulent since they stand out for being juicy and tasty. A good example of this Chinese cuisine is the famous shark fin soup. Its typical ingredients are Hosin sauce, oyster sauce, sweet and sour sauce or fermented tofu.
Characteristics of Chinese gastronomy
With such a long history and with so many variants that influenced its development, Chinese gastronomy is endowed with a large number of characteristics due to its extensive repertoire of procedures and dishes.
Among these characteristics we can name the following.
- The use of ingredients of various flavors to create unique blends is one of the most outstanding features of Chinese gastronomy.
- Apart from the varied flavors we also find the use of various methods to preserve aromas natural and juices that food has.
- Various are usually used vegetables as a decorative element of the dishes.
- Chinese food is rich in carbohydrates and starch present in noodles and rice.
- It is considered an art, as it adds beauty and meaning to the plate aesthetics, as well as its smells and flavors.
- The main basic component of this gastronomy is the rice.
- Various types of animal fats to enhance and add flavors to the dishes.
- Much of their dishes use many spices.
- Chinese dishes are usually served accompanied by different sauces, being the best known soy sauce.
- It attaches great importance to colors have the preparation.
- Use exotic and peculiar ingredients, such as shark fins, penis and tiger nails, among others.
10+ 1 typical and representative dishes of China
It is clear to us that Chinese food, like its entire culture, is extensive, varied and that some of its dishes have become an emblem of the eastern country in foreign lands due to the fame they have acquired.
Now we present you a list of typical Chinese dishes to encourage you to try them on your next visit to your favorite Chinese food restaurant.
1. Shark fin soup
In China this dish is well known and loved, as well as relating it to good health, physical well-being and as a sign of good reputation. This dish is commonly prepared at special occasions and celebrations, such as the New Year or weddings.
As its name implies, shark pectoral fins are used to prepare it, which remove the skin and allow it to dry. Before the soup is prepared, the fins are soaked, and when serving, it is accompanied by oyster sauce.
2. Dim sum
Dim sum is a small portion of stuffed dough, well known in China. It is usually eaten in the morning or in the afternoon accompanied by tea. It has very varied presentations, because you can find it boiled, steamed, fried or roasted. They can also be sweet or salty, and as for the filling, we can find from seafood and fish to fruits and vegetables.
Its name means “touch the heart”, and it is one of the most common and popular dishes in China.
3. Kung Pao Chicken
Surely you have already heard of this dish, because it is not only known in China, but it is worldwide. This sublime scent recipe also has a very spicy flavor. This is due to the amount of chili and pepper in the recipe.
Kung pao chicken is made from pieces of marinated chicken, placed on a sauce made with chillies and Sichuan pepper in a wok. Later the chicken is sautéed with vegetables and peanuts. So if you are not afraid of spicy, dare to try this magnificent dish.
4. Chop Suey
In reality, this world-renowned Chinese dish does not descend from any ancient recipe or technique. Its creation is attributed to a Chinese who lived in the United States during the 19th century. But this does not take away the fame and international recognition that it enjoys.
Its name means “mixed pieces” and that is literally that is chop suey, a mixture of vegetables like celery, pepper, onion and bean sprouts mung green plus chicken or shrimp sautéed in a wok.
5. Chow mein
Chow mein is a dish that includes rice noodles, an ingredient widely used in Chinese gastronomy. These noodles are fried after previously passing them through boiling water to be cooked.
They are fried together with several minced vegetables and meat that is usually beef, pork or sometimes you can find it with seafood. This is another Chinese dish that has managed to expand worldwide.
5. Lacquered or Pekingese duck
As its name suggests, this recipe originates from Beijing and is one of the best known and requested dishes, both in its country of origin and in other countries of the world. Its appetizing appearance and crisp effect when consuming it is what enchants those who try it.
Its preparation is quite peculiar, since the bird, after a previous preparation, is inflated until the meat is separated from the skin that surrounds it. Subsequently it is fried and, to achieve a caramelized effect, it is covered with molasses.
Finally, it is baked hanging from a skewer for the necessary time until it is very crisp. It is not a low cost dish, but it is worth every coin paid for by it.
6. Wonton soup
Also known as wan so, it is a rich soup made from small pieces of wheat flour dough filled with pork, shrimp or vegetables.
This delicious broth also has noodles and Chinese onion. This dish is usually prepared to receive the Chinese New Year, but they incorporate silver coins into the mass of the wontones, and are symbols of good omen.
7. Sweet and sour pork
There is no Chinese restaurant where they do not have this classic dish on their menu.
The pork is prepared with sour ingredients such as wine vinegar and sweets such as honey, sugar or others. Although it is a dish rich in calories, its exquisite flavor is well worth those extra pounds.
8. Spring rolls
This preparation is highly requested by lovers of Chinese food. They consist of a preparation based on rice flour to which they incorporate a rich filling and then fry or steam. Quite abundant and seasoned filling, generally long strips of different vegetables some type of meat.
This preparation is also prepared for Chinese New Year celebrations.
9. Chinese dumplings
This dish is traditional Chinese are known as Chinese ravioli, since they consist of a tasty stew of meat and vegetables very well seasoned that serves as a filling to a delicate layer of dough. These rich dumplings are steamed or fried according to the taste of the diner.
It is a Chinese dish with more than 1800 years of history and is part of the typical food eaten to receive the Chinese New Year from the lunar calendar.
10. Yangchow Fried Rice
Nothing represents Chinese food better than fried rice, and it is in the Yangchow region that they prepare the best-known Chinese rice in the entire eastern country. Shrimp, ham pieces, mushrooms, and vegetables are generally used in their preparation.
Although there are different versions of Chinese rice, depending on the ingredients incorporated, they cannot miss corn kernels and crumbled eggs.
And to finish a dessert: Youtiao
Our plus one we have reserved for a traditional Chinese dessert: the youtiao. A fried churro that is used to having at breakfast. Its introduction in the menu of Chinese restaurants is not typical, but it would be an essential dish in a brunch oriental.
Now tell us: which of the typical dishes of Chinese cuisine from our list you have already tasted and which one would you like to try?