China’s cuisine is as diverse as its geography, with each region boasting distinct flavours, ingredients, and cooking techniques. From the fiery spices of Sichuan to the subtle sweetness of Cantonese cuisine, China offers a fascinating array of dishes that reflect its rich cultural history. Whether you are a lover of spicy foods, prefer mild and savoury, or have a penchant for sweet delicacies, China’s famous food will trap you with mouthwatering flavours.
In this guide, we’ll explore 15 must-try dishes from the vast and varied landscape of China, taking you on a culinary journey that spans from street food in China stalls to world-renowned restaurants.
Non-Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine
1. Peking Duck
Peking duck is one of China’s most famous dishes, and it originated in Beijing. Known for its crispy skin and tender meat, it’s a symbol of Chinese culinary excellence. Traditionally, the duck is roasted in a specially designed oven, which gives the skin a golden-brown crispness while keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Must Try: The classic Peking Duck, where the crispy skin is dipped in hoisin sauce and wrapped in a pancake with fresh scallions.
Price Range: INR 1,500/125.68 Chinese Yuan onwards
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2. Dim Sum
Dim Sum is a traditional Cantonese cuisine that refers to a variety of bite-sized dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates. It includes dumplings, buns, pastries, and savoury rolls, offering a medley of flavours in each meal. Dim Sum is often accompanied by tea, which enhances the flavours of the dishes.
Must Try: Shrimp dumplings (Har Gow) and pork buns (Char Siu Bao).
Price Range: INR 800/ 67.02 Chinese Yuan onwards
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3. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, are a delicacy from Shanghai, known for their delicate thin skin that holds a flavorful broth inside. The dumplings are filled with minced pork (or sometimes crab), and once steamed, they become a perfect blend of tender meat and savoury broth.
Must Try: The classic pork-filled Xiaolongbao or the luxurious crab version.
Price Range: INR 600/ 50.26 Chinese Yuan onwards
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4. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a beloved dish originating from Sichuan cuisine. This flavorful stir-fry combines bite-sized pieces of chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, all coated in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
Must Try: Kung Pao Chicken with extra peanuts for added crunch.
Price Range: INR 800/ 67.02 Chinese Yuan onwards
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5. Hot Pot
Hot Pot is a communal Chinese dish where a variety of ingredients—meats, vegetables, tofu, and noodles—are cooked in a bubbling pot of broth. It’s a fun and interactive dining experience, with diners dipping their chosen ingredients into the hot broth and cooking them to their preferred level of doneness.
Must Try: A combination of thinly sliced beef, tofu, and mushrooms in a spicy broth.
Price Range: INR 1,200/ 100.53 Chinese Yuan onwards
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Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine
6. Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is a beloved Sichuan dish that features silky tofu in a spicy, savoury sauce made from fermented beans, chilli paste, and Sichuan peppercorns. The dish combines soft tofu with ground pork or beef, but it’s also commonly made in a vegetarian version.
Must Try: Vegetarian Mapo Tofu with extra chilli oil and a sprinkle of Sichuan peppercorns for more heat.
Price Range: INR 700/ 58.65 Chinese Yuan onwards
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7. Char Siu
Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce that gives it its distinct red colour and deliciously tender texture. The pork is roasted or barbecued to perfection, and the sauce—made from hoisin sauce, honey, and five-spice powder—coats the meat in a shiny, caramelised glaze.
Must Try: Char Siu served with steamed buns or rice.
Price Range: INR 900/75.41 Chinese Yuan onwards
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8. Cantonese Roast Pork
Cantonese Roast Pork, also known as Siew Yoke, is a mouthwatering dish made from crispy roasted pork belly. The pork is marinated with a blend of soy sauce, spices, and herbs, and then roasted until the skin turns perfectly crispy and golden.
Must Try: Cantonese Roast Pork with soy sauce and a side of rice.
Price Range: INR 850/ 71.22 Chinese Yuan onwards
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Street Food In China
9. Szechuan Peppercorn Chicken
Szechuan Peppercorn Chicken is a signature dish of Sichuan cuisine, known for its fiery spice and unique numbing effect. The dish combines diced chicken with dried chillies, Szechuan peppercorns, and a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Must Try: Szechuan Peppercorn Chicken served with steamed rice.
Price Range: INR 750/62.84 Chinese Yuan onwards
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10. Beef Noodles
Beef Noodles is a comforting and filling dish enjoyed across China, especially in the north. The dish consists of hand-pulled noodles served in a rich, aromatic broth with tender beef slices. The noodles soak up the flavours of the broth, which is often seasoned with soy sauce, star anise, and other spices.
Must Try: Beef Noodles with a generous amount of beef and herbs in the broth.
Price Range: INR 600/50.26 Chinese Yuan onwards
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11. Egg Fried Rice
Egg Fried Rice is a quintessential Chinese dish made with stir-fried rice, scrambled eggs, and a medley of vegetables. The rice is typically cold before being fried, which prevents it from becoming mushy. Soy sauce is often used for seasoning, giving the dish its savoury flavour.
Must Try: Egg Fried Rice with a combination of vegetables, and for a protein boost, add shrimp or chicken.
Price Range: INR 500/41.89 Chinese Yuan onwards
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Desserts In China
12. Lotus Leaf Rice
Lotus Leaf Rice is a fragrant and delicious dish that wraps sticky rice in a lotus leaf and steams it to perfection. The rice is often flavoured with ingredients such as salted egg yolks, mushrooms, and sometimes, chicken or pork.
Must Try: Lotus Leaf Rice with salted egg yolks and a variety of fillings.
Price Range: INR 600/50.26 Chinese Yuan onwards
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13. Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved dish that combines crispy, battered pork pieces with a tangy and sweet sauce made from vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. The contrast of flavours—tartness from the vinegar, sweetness from the sugar, and umami from the soy sauce—creates a balanced dish that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Must Try: Sweet and Sour Pork with extra pineapple and crispy pork.
Price Range: INR 700/ 58.65 Chinese Yuan onwards
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14. Jianbing (Chinese Pancake)
Jianbing is a popular Chinese street food, often eaten for breakfast. It’s a savoury pancake made from a thin layer of batter cooked on a hot griddle, then topped with a variety of fillings such as eggs, scallions, coriander, crispy wonton chips, and sweet soy sauce.
Must Try: Jianbing with crispy wontons and a drizzle of sweet soy sauce.
Price Range: INR 350/29.32 Chinese Yuan onwards
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15. Red-Braised Pork
Red-braised pork is a classic China famous food where chunks of pork belly are simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and various spices until they are tender and coated in a rich, glossy sauce. The pork is slowly cooked to perfection, with the sauce caramelising around the meat, creating a deep, savoury-sweet flavour.
Must Try: Red-braised pork served with steamed white rice for the perfect balance of flavours.
Price Range: INR 1,000/83.78 Chinese Yuan onwards
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FAQs
What is the best time to visit China for food lovers?
The best time is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant, and seasonal ingredients are at their peak.
Is Chinese food in China very different from what I get in other countries?
Yes! The flavours are often more authentic food in China, with fresher ingredients and a wider variety of spices. Street food culture is also much more prominent in China.
Can I find vegetarian food easily in China?
Absolutely! China offers a range of vegetarian dishes, especially in regions like Sichuan and Zhejiang, where plant-based ingredients are staples in the local cuisine.
What are the must-try street foods in China?
Some must-try street foods include Jianbing (Chinese pancakes), Baozi (steamed buns), Chuan (grilled skewers), and Roujiamo (Chinese burger).
How spicy is Chinese food?
Chinese food varies in spiciness depending on the region. Sichuan cuisine, for example, is known for its fiery dishes, while Cantonese food tends to be milder.
What is the most famous dessert in China?
Chinese desserts include delicacies like Mooncakes (filled with sweet lotus paste) and Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). However, sweet options like Mango Pudding are also quite popular.
What type of tea is commonly served with Chinese food?
Green tea is commonly served with meals, but oolong and jasmine teas are also popular choices to accompany Chinese dishes.
Are there any food restrictions in China for travellers?
Generally, there are no specific food restrictions for travellers, but it’s advised to check with local authorities about any regional dietary laws or health regulations.
