A vibrant image with a variety of flavors and embellishments is how Chinese cuisine is frequently preferred. Each dish is a perfect combination of ingredients and preparation, not only delicious but also good for health. Chinese cuisine spans a wide range of flavors that result in many dishes with an outstanding characteristic flavor.
Chinese food is highly well-known worldwide and has an impact on Asian nations. The characteristic dishes in China have a strong flavor from garlic and onions, which is mostly processed through frying, grilling, and steaming. As a result, the color of each dish is striking and visually appealing. Furthermore, the meal display here is incredibly sophisticated and careful adding to the cuisine’s uniqueness. Through the characteristics of Chinese cuisine, the culture of this country could be more explored.
1. Peking roasted duck: A typical representative of the capital’s cuisine
Peking roasted duck is considered a symbol and a must-try dish on any travel trip to China. Nowadays, Peking duck has been available all over the world, but only Chinese restaurants can provide the most typical and traditional flavor. The duck breeds frequently used to prepare this dish must be carefully selected, with priority given to those raised using natural methods. Before roasting, the duck is cleaned and marinated with typical spices such as red vinegar, or five-spice powder. Delicious Peking duck has dark brown, thin, and crispy skin, and soft, sweet meat.
When you bite into a piece of roasted duck, you will feel the sweetness of the duck meat and the crispy skin on top. This dish is often served with carrots, cucumbers, and green onions, rolled with a thin piece of rice paper, and dipped in its sauce. Just the first time you taste it, you will understand why Peking roast duck has captivated many diners, including ancient Chinese emperors for so many centuries. Peking duck has become a signature dish of Chinese cuisine, passed down to this day with many innovations and becoming popular all over the world.
2. Sichuan mapo tofu: A rustic dish imbued with Chinese culture
The next must-try Chinese food when visiting China is Sichuan tofu. While the dish’s ingredients aren’t particularly complex, the flavor will undoubtedly catch customers off guard. You will experience a harmonious fusion of flavors as the pure tastes of young tofu, minced beef, shiitake mushrooms, and spices are consumed.
Sichuan tofu, while initially only a well-known dish, embodies the spirit of China as it perfectly satisfies the seven attributes that define this well-known cuisine, including juicy, spicy, hot, fresh, soft, aromatic, and crispy. Mapo beans do taste as good as fresh and wonderful soft tofu, but they also have a somewhat fatty flavor similar to minced meat that has been blended with stir-fried oil and concentrated in the spicy scent of fresh and dried chilies, green pepper, black pepper, and many other alluring Sichuan spices. Together with Beijing roasted duck or Hunan spicy beef, all of them contribute to a scent that is both enticing and unforgettable, making this spicy meal deserving of the title of national cuisine of China.
3. Longevity noodles: A meaningful cultural feature is reflected in the dish
Longevity noodles are a traditional noodle dish, born more than 300 years ago in Zhejiang province. This dish is even more meaningful from the perspective of Chinese culture, which attaches great importance to longevity. According to traditional beliefs of the ancients, the longer the noodles are, the healthier and longer the person who eats them will live. Besides the meaning of age, Chinese longevity noodles are also associated with luck and prosperity. Therefore, they are an indispensable delicacy on the New Year’s table.
Longevity noodles do not get shorter throughout processing as opposed to regular noodles. In addition, there are significant differences in dietary habits. To convey their desire for longer life, diners must consume the entire noodle in one gulp while placing it in their mouth. It is said to be unlucky to bite off a noodle halfway through. This is a distinctive feature that distinguishes Chinese cuisine culture.
Longevity noodles have grown in popularity and reputation over time. Not only is this meal a local favorite, but this dish also soon entered the list of sought-after Asian delicacies, especially for those who have the opportunity to visit the most populous country in the world. Travelers from China have traveled from all over the world to partake in this flavorful and symbolic meal in the hopes of extending their lives.
4. Dongpo braised pork: Famous meat dish on Tet holiday in China and Vietnam
Dongpo braised pork is a familiar dish on the dinner table of Chinese and Vietnamese people. This Hangzhou specialty that is also included on the list of top Chinese cuisines is made by pan-frying. There won’t be a greasy or uninteresting feeling after eating. The wine scent would rather give the food a special appeal.
Dongpo braised pork has a not-too-complicated preparation method but is rich in flavor and served well with rice. Pork belly is cut into bite-sized squares, and marinated with soy sauce, soy sauce and Shao Xing wine. The meat is then fried in hot oil, keeping the outside golden brown and the skin slightly crispy. Place the meat in the pot with the marinade mixture and simmer for 3 hours until the meat is fully cooked. This dish, which is best served with rice and vegetables, is a favorite specialty in the cold season.
