Chinese food is a rich source of culinary experiences that can be savored through taste, touch, smell, and sight. This is because the country has a very rich cultural and historical background and this is evident from the diversity of the Chinese food. But among all these dishes, which one can be considered the most famous? In this blog, I will discuss some of the most popular Chinese dishes that are consumed by people around the world.
Top Most Famous Chinese Dishes
Peking Duck
Peking Duck is undoubtedly one of the most famous Chinese dishes that are known all over the world. This dish comes from Beijing and has a long history that can be traced back to the Imperial period. Peking Duck is one of the most exquisite dishes that chefs love to prepare, and it takes a lot of effort. The duck is salted and dried at room temperature and then baked in an oven until the skin becomes crispy and reddish-brown in color. The skin is the star in this dish, thin and crunchy, while the meat stays juicy and flavorful. It is eaten with thin pancakes called ‘banh nuong’, hoisin sauce and sliced green onions.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is one of the most famous dishes originating from Sichuan province and is very spicy. This dish is prepared by frying diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables and chili peppers together. The sauce is prepared using soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and Sichuan peppercorn which gives it a very unique taste that is a combination of salty, sweet, and spicy.
Sweet and Sour Pork
The dish that is familiar to many people and which many people like is Sweet and Sour Pork. The dish involves using pork which is cut into small pieces, which are then coated in a layer of batter and deep fried. These pieces are then covered with a very colorful sauce that is prepared from vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. The end product is not only good to look at, but it also tastes great as well. The sugar makes it sweet while the vinegar gives it the sharp taste that makes it irresistible. This dish is one of the most famous dishes in Chinese restaurants and it is commonly ordered by people who have never eaten Chinese food before.
Dim Sum
Dim Sum is not only a dish, but it is a unique way of eating as well. Derived from the Cantonese term “Yum Cha” which means drinking tea, Dim Sum entails a number of tasty mouthfuls of food such as dumplings, buns, and rolls. These portions are often presented in steamer baskets or on small plates. As mentioned before, Dim Sum is usually taken during breakfast and is a social affair where one takes the food with his/her family and friends. The choice is rather wide, and the difference between the dishes is not only in the taste but also in the consistency.
Ma Po Tofu
Ma Po Tofu is a Sichuanese dish that is well known for its spicy and pungent taste and the numbing sensation it leaves on the tongue. It is a dish that involves soft tofu being placed in a hot, oily sauce that is made from fermented black beans, minced meat which can either be pork or beef, and Sichuan peppercorn. The peppercorns are the key that make the dish spicy and leave the numbing feeling in the mouth that is typical for Sichuan dishes.
Spring Rolls
Spring Rolls are one of the appetizers of Chinese cuisine. These are thin rolls made from vegetables, meat, or seafood and are usually rolled in a cylindrical manner. These rolls are then fried until they are brown and crispy on the outside. Spring Rolls are crispy and not too heavy, which makes them ideal to be eaten as appetizers. They are also a part of the Chinese New Year meals as they are believed to bring prosperity and wealth.
Chow Mein
Chow Mein is a familiar dish in the Chinese food list that is enjoyed by many people. This is a dish that consists of noodles that are stir-fried and combined with vegetables, meat, or shrimp. The noodles themselves are tender, but there is a very slight crunch to them due to the stir-frying. The noodles and ingredients are coated with the sauce made from soy sauce and sesame oil.
Hot Pot
The Hot Pot is not just a dish; it is a cultural experience. It involves a pot of boiling broth placed in the middle of the table. It is possible to add different kinds of ingredients to the broth: thinly sliced meat, vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Everyone grills his or her meal, which makes it a very enjoyable and engaging process for everyone. The broth that accompanies the noodles can be mild or spicy, depending on the eater’s preference.
Fried Rice
Fried Rice is one of the most popular dishes that originated in China and is commonly eaten by people all over the world. It is prepared using cooked rice and can be prepared in a wok with vegetables, eggs, and a protein such as meat or seafood. The soya sauce and the sesame oil are used to enhance the taste of the dish. Fried rice is a very delicious dish that can be prepared with leftovers and therefore is convenient.
What is the Healthiest Chinese Food Takeout?
Steamed dumplings are often considered one of the healthiest options when it comes to Chinese food takeout. Unlike their fried counterparts, steamed dumplings are lower in calories and fat. Packed in custom printed Chinese takeout boxes, dumplings are the best choice for many people.
What is the Hardest Chinese Dish to Make?
“Suodui” is one of the hardest Chinese dishes to make due to its unique cooking method. Mastering precise timing and technique to ensure the stones are heated evenly without damaging other ingredients requires considerable skill and experience in Chinese culinary arts.
Summarizing
Chinese foods are diverse with different foods having their own story to tell. Starting from the sophisticated Peking Duck to the homey Fried Rice, the dishes are a sure delight. The dishes listed above are among the most popular and beloved ones all over the world. It also reveals the versatility and innovation in Chinese cuisine. These dishes are perfect for beginners in the world of Chinese cuisine or for those who have already tried a lot of restaurants.
