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A Journey Through China’s Regional Cuisines (Part 1)
 
China is a vast country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage. Each region has its own unique flavors and cooking techniques, resulting in a wide variety of dishes that reflect local cultures and traditions.
Here’s an introduction to some of the most famous regional cuisines in China. Chinese cuisines have typically been divided into ‘Eight Great Cuisines’ 八大菜系 (bā dà cài xì) as a means of simplifying this vast and complex tradition and pinpointing regional characteristics.
This is part one of our article. Read part two if you want to find out more about Chinese cuisines.
 
Sichuan Cuisine (川菜 - Chuān cài)
Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, especially its spiciness. This cuisine often uses chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and garlic to create a distinctive numbing and spicy taste. Dishes like "Kung Pao Chicken" (宫保鸡丁 - Gōng bǎo jī dīng) and "Mapo Tofu" (麻婆豆腐 - Mápó dòufu) are famous for their rich flavors and aromatic spices.
 
Cantonese Cuisine (粤菜 - Yuè cài)
Cantonese cuisine, originating from Guangdong Province, is known for its fresh ingredients and light flavors. Steaming, stir-frying, and roasting are common cooking methods, which help to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients. Dim sum (点心 - Diǎnxīn), a variety of small dishes often served with tea, is a highlight of Cantonese cuisine. Other popular dishes include "Char Siu" (叉烧 - Chā shāo), a type of barbecued pork, and "White Cut Chicken" (白切鸡 - Bái qiē jī).
 
Shandong Cuisine (鲁菜 - Lǔ cài)
Shandong cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on seasoning and the use of a variety of cooking techniques, including braising, frying, and stewing. Known for its rich flavors and the use of garlic and onions, Shandong dishes often have a savory and slightly sweet taste. One of the most famous dishes is "Sweet and Sour Carp" (糖醋鲤鱼 - Táng cù lǐ yú), which combines the sweetness of sugar with the sourness of vinegar.
 
Jiangsu Cuisine (苏菜 - Sū cài)
Jiangsu cuisine, also known as Huaiyang cuisine, is famous for its delicate flavors and beautiful presentation. The dishes are often light, fresh, and slightly sweet, with an emphasis on the natural taste of the ingredients. "Braised Lion’s Head" (红烧狮子头 - Hóng shāo shīzi tóu) is a classic dish made from minced pork, which is then braised in a rich sauce. Another notable dish is "Yangzhou Fried Rice" (扬州炒饭 - Yángzhōu chǎo fàn), which is a staple in many Chinese restaurants around the world.
 

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