- August 17,2023
China is a nation with a rich culinary history that can be traced back to ancient times. The country's cuisine is diverse and has been influenced by various factors such as geography, climate, and cultural traditions. Chinese food is a combination of flavors, smells, colors, and textures that all add up to create unique tastes that are difficult to replicate. In this article, we'll take a look at three traditional foods that are a must-try when in China.
1. Dumplings
Dumplings, known as Jiaozi in Mandarin, are one of China's oldest and most popular traditional foods. They come in various shapes and sizes, but most common shape is a crescent moon. Dumplings are made by rolling out dough and filling it with a mix of vegetables, meat, seafood, or a combination of these. The filling is then shaped into small balls and wrapped inside dough. Dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or fried, and are often served with a flavorful dipping sauce. They are a staple food during Chinese New Year, where families gather to make and eat them as a symbol of good luck.
2. Peking Roast Duck
Peking Roast Duck, also known as Beijing Duck, is a famous dish that originated in Beijing. The dish consists of roasted duck that has been marinated with a blend of spices and then slow-roasted until skin is crispy and golden brown. The meat is then carved into thin slices and served on thin pancakes with a mix of scallions, cucumbers, and hoisin sauce. The dish has been around for over 600 years and is considered a national dish of China. It's a must-try when in Beijing, and some of best places to get Peking Roast Duck are Quanjude and Bianyifang restaurants.
3. Hotpot
Hotpot, also known as Huo Guo, is a communal meal that's popular throughout China. It's a type of soup that's cooked at table in a massive pot that sits in middle of table. The pot is filled with a flavorful broth that's been simmered with an assortment of herbs and spices. Guests then choose from a variety of raw ingredients such as meats, vegetables, noodles, and tofu, which are added to hot pot to cook. Once ingredients are cooked, they are removed and dipped in a variety of dipping sauces, adding to dish's complexity of flavors.
In conclusion, Chinese cuisine is diverse and has a long history of culinary tradition. These three traditional Chinese foods are a small representation of countless flavors that China has to offer. Dumplings, Peking Roast Duck, and Hotpot represent complexity and variety of Chinese food, making them a must-try when visiting this fascinating country.
