Famous Food in China

If you are planning to visit China for its Great Wall, bustling cities, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s also a great opportunity to explore its rich and diverse cuisine. Just like Indian food, China food culture is deeply rooted in tradition, using fresh ingredients and bold flavors. If you are wondering what to eat and where to eat in China, this blog is for you with a detailed list of the famous food in China. It also covers the best five vegetarian Chinese dishes, and the best Indian restaurants in China for a taste of home.

Chinese Food Culture

China has a deep-rooted food culture that reflects its rich history and diverse regions. Influenced by geography and climate, Chinese cuisine varies widely across the country. Northern China favours wheat-based dishes like dumplings and noodles, while the South prefers rice. Due to its vast coastline, seafood is a staple in many regions. Stir-frying, steaming, and braising are common cooking techniques. Spices like garlic, ginger, and Sichuan pepper add bold flavours.

Traditional meals often include a balance of flavours—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Tea is the most popular beverage, while rice porridge and steamed buns are common breakfast choices.

China popular dishes

Here are some of the most popular and iconic Chinese dishes that are loved both in China and around the world by travelers:

Top 10 famous food in China

Peking Roasted Duck

This is one of the most famous dishes in China, especially in Beijing. It is made by roasting a whole duck until the skin turns crispy and golden. The duck is sliced and served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and spring onions. This dish is rich in flavour and is a must-try for visitors to China.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a famous Chinese dish known for its bold flavours. It is made with diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, dried chillies, and a savoury-sweet sauce. Originally from Sichuan cuisine, it has a slight spicy kick and is often served with steamed rice.

Yangzhou Fried rice 

Yangzhou Fried Rice is a popular Chinese rice dish known for its colourful ingredients. It is made with rice, eggs, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp or ham, stir-fried to perfection. This dish is light, flavourful, and a favourite in many Chinese restaurants.

Hot Pot

Hot Pot is a traditional Chinese meal where diners cook meat, vegetables, and tofu in a simmering pot of flavourful broth. It is a fun and social dining experience, perfect for cold days. Different regions have their own styles, from spicy Sichuan hot pot to mild herbal broths.

Ma Po Tofu

Mapo Tofu is a spicy and aromatic dish from Sichuan cuisine. It consists of soft tofu cooked in a rich, spicy sauce made with chilli, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. The dish is often served with rice and is loved for its bold flavours.

Spring rolls

Spring Rolls are crispy, golden-fried snacks filled with vegetables, sometimes mixed with meat. They are a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine, served with dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce.

Chow mein 

Chow Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish made by stir-frying noodles with vegetables, soy sauce, and sometimes meat or tofu. It is tasty, quick to prepare, and a favorite street food in China.

Char Siu

Char Siu is a famous Cantonese-style barbecued pork. The meat is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasted to a glossy red color. It is commonly served with rice or in noodle dishes.

Wonton

Wontons are Chinese dumplings filled with minced meat or vegetables, often served in a warm broth or deep-fried as a crispy snack. They are comforting, delicious, and enjoyed across China.

Bao Buns

Bao Buns are soft, fluffy steamed buns that are a popular street food in China. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, mushrooms, or tofu. The buns have a slightly sweet taste and a pillowy texture, making them a delicious and satisfying snack. They are often served with sauces and fresh herbs for extra flavour.

Vegetarian food of China

Mapo Tofu (Vegetarian Version)

This is a famous Sichuan dish made with soft tofu cooked in a spicy and flavourful sauce. The vegetarian version replaces meat with mushrooms or soy protein. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice and is perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavours.

Buddha’s Delight (Luo Han Zhai)

A traditional Buddhist dish made with a mix of vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. It is lightly seasoned and stir-fried, making it a healthy and delicious meal. This dish is often eaten during festivals and is loved for its simple yet rich taste.

Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)

These crispy and flaky Chinese pancakes are made with flour, water, and fresh scallions. They are pan-fried until golden brown and served with soy sauce for dipping. This dish is a popular street food snack, perfect for a quick and tasty bite.

Stir-Fried Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

A flavourful dish where eggplant is cooked until soft and coated in a sweet, spicy, and garlicky sauce. It is a popular choice in Chinese cuisine, often enjoyed with steamed rice. The rich sauce makes this a comforting and satisfying dish.

Hot and Sour Soup (Vegetarian Version)

A tangy and spicy soup made with tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and vinegar. The vegetarian version skips meat but keeps the bold flavours. This soup is warm, comforting, and perfect for cold weather.

Best restaurants in China

Cai Yi Xuan

Cai Yi Xuan, located in the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, is an elegant destination for authentic Cantonese cuisine

Notable Dishes: Poached Chicken with Grated Ginger and Mantis Prawns with Salt and Pepper

Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet in Shanghai offers a multi-sensory culinary journey with a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Notable Dishes: Truffle Burnt Soup Bread and Pop Rock Oysters

DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant

If you’re in the mood for Italian flavours, DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant in Hong Kong serves delicious Tuna Tartare and Penne Pasta ‘Jerome,’ paired with an extensive wine selection

Notable Dishes: Italian dishes

Asia Bistro

Asia Bistro, at JW Marriott Hangzhou, is a great choice for those who enjoy a mix of Asian cuisines

Notable Dishes: Roasted Oysters, Steamed Crabs, and Salmon Wellington

Lost Heaven

Lost Heaven in Shanghai offers a taste of Yunnan cuisine, blending Southeast Asian influences making it a must-visit for those looking to explore unique regional flavours.

Notable Dishes: Lamb Samosas, and Stir-Fried Kale

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