Food & Dining in China
China offers one of the world's most diverse and delicious food cultures. From street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, discover what to eat and how to order.
🗾 Regional Cuisines
China has eight major culinary traditions. Each region has distinct flavors and specialties:
Sichuan (川菜)
Famous for bold, spicy flavors and the famous "numbing" sensation from Sichuan peppercorns. Try: Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken.
Cantonese (粤菜)
Light, fresh flavors with emphasis on seafood. Try: Dim Sum, Char Siu, Wonton Noodles.
Shandong (鲁菜)
Northern style, known for seafood and scallions. Try: Braised Pork Knuckle, Dezhou Braised Chicken.
Jiangsu (苏菜)
Elegant, refined dishes with sweet notes. Try: Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs, Steamed Fish.
Hunan (湘菜)
Similar to Sichuan but spicier and more varied. Try: Steam Fish Head with Chili, Pork Belly with Bamboo.
Fujian (闽菜)
Coastal cuisine with emphasis on soup and seafood. Try: Buddha Jumps Over Wall, Oyster Omelette.
🍡 Street Food
Street food is an essential part of Chinese food culture. It's delicious, cheap, and a great way to experience local life.
Must-Try Street Foods:
- Jianbing (煎饼): Chinese "crepe" with egg, crispy wonton, sauce
- Chuan (串): Skewered meat, lamb most common
- Xiaolongbao (小笼包): Soup dumplings
- Tanghulu (糖葫芦): Candied fruit on sticks
- Stinky Tofu: Fermented tofu, crispy outside
Tip: Choose busy stalls with high turnover. Freshly cooked food is safer and more delicious.
🏪 Restaurant Types
- Hot Pot (火锅): Cook your own ingredients in a communal pot. Try Haidilao for a premium experience.
- Dim Sum (点心): Small dishes for breakfast or lunch. Push carts around the restaurant.
- Local Restaurants: Look for places with Chinese-only menus—they're often the best!
- Food Courts: In shopping malls, offer variety at fixed prices
- Da Ping Huo (大排档): Open-air night markets with grilled seafood and beer
📱 Ordering Tips
- Scan to order: Many restaurants use Alipay/WeChat mini-programs for ordering
- Pictures: Point to photos on the menu or other tables
- Translation apps: Use Google Translate or Pleco to read menus
- Spice level: Learn "bu la" (不辣, not spicy) and "shao la" (少辣, less spicy)
- Dietary restrictions: "Su song" (素食) for vegetarian; "bu fang ren" (不放葱) for no green onion
🍽️ Dining Etiquette
- Chopsticks: Don't stick them upright in rice (looks like incense for the dead)
- Pouring drinks: Others pour for you; you pour for others
- Toasting: The youngest or lowest rank drinks first; raise your glass with both hands
- Finishing food: Finishing everything shows the host provided enough
- Burping: Acceptable and shows enjoyment
- Split the bill: "AA制" (AA zhi) means everyone pays their share
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