Dumplings
饺子Boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, jiaozi come with many fillings. They are especially associated with northern Chinese food traditions, including family New Year meals.
Open guideDelicious
Explore delicious regional dishes, street food, tea traditions, and useful phrases.
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Noodles
面条A bowl of noodles can be a quick breakfast or a regional speciality. Wheat noodles, rice noodles, broths, and dry-mixed dishes offer very different textures and flavours.
Open guideHot pot
火锅Diners cook ingredients in a simmering broth. Regional styles include fiery broths as well as mild ones; hot pot does not always mean spicy food.
Open guideTea
茶Tea belongs to everyday breaks and social visits as well as more formal settings. Leaf processing, preparation, and ways of sharing tea differ across communities.
Open guideZongzi
粽子These rice parcels are closely associated with Dragon Boat Festival. The shape, leaves, and sweet or savoury filling depend on local traditions.
Open guideMooncakes
月饼Mooncakes are a familiar Mid-Autumn food and gift. Pastry styles and fillings range widely, so one mooncake cannot represent them all.
Open guidePeking duck
北京烤鸭Roast duck is served with crisp skin, pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. The carving and wrapping are part of the experience.
Open guideMapo tofu
麻婆豆腐Soft tofu is cooked with fermented broad-bean paste, chilli, and Sichuan pepper. The balance of heat and numbing spice varies by restaurant.
Open guideKung Pao chicken
宫保鸡丁Diced chicken, peanuts, dried chillies, and a sweet-sour sauce make this Sichuan classic widely recognised across China and abroad.
Open guideTwice-cooked pork
回锅肉Pork is simmered, sliced, and stir-fried again with vegetables and fermented bean paste. It is a familiar Sichuan home-style dish.
Open guideFAQ
Is Chinese food always spicy?
No. Chinese cuisines include mild, savoury, sweet, sour, aromatic, and spicy dishes. Spice levels also vary by region, restaurant, and family recipe.
How should I order for a shared meal?
Start with the number of diners, choose a few dishes with different textures, and ask about portion size. Add rice, noodles, or soup if the table needs them.
Are the dishes on this page found everywhere in China?
Some foods are familiar nationwide, while others are strongly associated with a region. Names, ingredients, and cooking styles can still vary from one household or restaurant to another.
What should I know when someone serves me tea?
Thank the person and receive the cup carefully. In a formal setting, two hands can show extra respect, but everyday tea service is usually relaxed.
Are festival foods the same in every family?
No. Dumplings, zongzi, mooncakes, tangyuan, and other foods have strong associations, but local ingredients and family traditions can lead to different choices.