Quote from Joy on August 29, 2025, 8:09 am

China is a food paradise, with each region offering unique flavors, from spicy Sichuan dishes to delicate Cantonese dim sum. If you're visiting, don’t miss these iconic dishes and street snacks!

1. Beijing (Northern Cuisine)

Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)

• What it is: Crispy roasted duck served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions.
• Where to try: Quanjude or Da Dong (famous restaurants).

Jianbing (煎饼) – Chinese Breakfast Crepe

• A savory crepe with egg, crispy cracker, and spicy sauce—perfect for breakfast!

2. Sichuan (Spicy & Numbing Flavors)

Hotpot (火锅)

• What it is: A boiling pot of spicy broth where you cook meat, veggies, and tofu.
• Must-try: Haidilao (famous chain with great service).

Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

• Silky tofu in a fiery chili and Sichuan peppercorn sauce.

3. Shanghai (Sweet & Savory Mix)

Xiaolongbao (小笼包) – Soup Dumplings

• What it is: Steamed dumplings filled with hot, flavorful broth and pork.
• Best place: Din Tai Fung (world-famous chain).

Shengjianbao (生煎包) – Pan-Fried Buns

• Crispy-bottomed pork buns with juicy filling.

4. Xi’an (Muslim-Influenced Cuisine)

Roujiamo (肉夹馍) – Chinese Hamburger

• Fluffy bread stuffed with braised pork, cumin, and chili.

Biang Biang Noodles (裤带面)

• Thick, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil and garlic.

5. Guangzhou (Cantonese Dim Sum)

Dim Sum (点心) – Small Bites

• Must-try:
  • Har Gow (shrimp dumplings)
  • Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork buns)
• Best experience: Morning tea at Lian Xiang Lou.

Roast Goose (烧鹅)

• Crispy-skinned, succulent goose with plum sauce.

6. Yunnan (Exotic & Fresh Flavors)

Crossing the Bridge Noodles (过桥米线)

• A DIY noodle soup with raw ingredients cooked in hot broth.

Wild Mushroom Hotpot (野生菌火锅)

• Seasonal mushrooms cooked in a rich broth.

7. Street Food You Can’t Miss

• Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) – Smelly but delicious fermented tofu.
• Bing Tanghulu (糖葫芦) – Candied fruit skewers (popular in winter).
• Lamb Skewers (羊肉串) – Grilled with cumin and chili (best in Xinjiang).