subject: China: Dish Untasted [print this page] When it comes to cuisine, China ranks high among the world's greatest, with an amazing variety of dishes and flavours that vary from region to region. In just about every part in the world are to be found Chinese restaurants, a testament to the enduring popularity of the Chinese cuisine, and travelers to China will have a chance to experience the authentic dishes firsthand in a traditional setting. There are distinct regional styles that reflect the geography and culture of each, and the cuisine of each region is best experienced in person. A tour of China with each major regional style in mind is a novel way to approach seeing the country.
Cantonese cuisine is the best-known regional style outside China and many of the popular dishes found in Chinese restaurants world-wide are based on Cantonese cooking. Cantonese cuisine originated in Guangdong province, in the southeast coastal region, and includes just about everything that can be eaten - some dishes may definitely be a challenge to Western palates, but the variety is wide and the are dishes to please anyone's tastes. Cantonese cooking features such famous dishes as Dim Sum and Shark's Fin Soup. Guangzho and Hong Kong are two cities where the tourist can experience Cantonese cooking at its best.
Szechuan (or Sichuan) cuisine comes from the Sichuan region in the Southwest. Szechuan cooking makes use of hot peppers, garlic and spices and has several sub-regional styles. Some popular Szechuan dishes include Kung Pao Chicken and Twice-Cooked Pork. Many famous sauces originated in Szechuan and though the region is known for hot and spicy dishes, many are not spicy at all, including Tea Smoked Duck. Chongqing and Chengdu are two great cities for the tourist looking for authentic Szechuan.
The city of Shanghai draws its influences from the surrounding regions and includes the use of sauces and sweet flavours in dishes that include various seafood from the coastal areas and tofu and other ingredients. 1000 Year-Old Eggs - preserved duck eggs also known as Pi Dan - are a famous Shanghai delicacy and the city is known also for dishes including Beggar's Chicken and Shanghai Fried Noodles.
Beijing cuisine is famous for its meat dishes, using duck, lamb, beef and pork in a variety of tempting dishes. Hot and Sour Soup comes from the Beijing area as well as Peking Duck, Lamb Hot Pot and many noodle and vegetarian dishes. Beijing food draws from many influences and has adapted dishes from various regions into its diverse variety of dishes.
China is a wonderful destination for the gourmand, and the people who call China home love to share their cuisine with discerning traveler's. While you're there, take advantage of cheap calls to China to tell everyone back home about your culinary adventures as they happen.
