7 Most Popular Chinese Foods to Try At Home

Chinese food is among the cuisines that reached every part of the world. The traditional aesthetic won the hearts by becoming part of a lot of regional treats. The ability of Chinese food to be modified according to taste and region is behind this success. Soups, sausages, noodles, and chopsticks are the Chinese food and utensils almost everyone aware of. But the diversity and variety in Chinese cuisine are still unknown to many of us. They differ with the region, resources, cooking practices, and culture.

To have an overview of Chinese street food click here.

For now, I am presenting 7 Gems from Chinese Cuisine. Wish you a good flavorful read!

1. Chinese Noodles
2. Dumplings
3. Peking Roasted Duck
4. Tofu
5. Chinese Soups
6. Moon Cake
7. Chinese Tea

1. Chinese Noodles

Noodles are probably the most famous Chinese cuisine around the globe. The most famous form of Chinese noodles are instant noodles. But the Chinese noodles differ both in texture and shape. They can either be made of wheat, rice, or soybean flour. They can be served fried, boiled, or dried. There are endless possibilities to experiment with noodles to make them your own signature taste. 

If we talk about some noodle recipes than Shou Mian must be the first one to be explored. As, the wheat, egg noodles are considered as a source of long life and health. Shou Mian is a rich treat of noodles, veggies, and meat. They are popular serves at Chinese events like birthdays and new year. To know the recipe of traditional Chinese Shou Mian click here.

2. Dumplings 

Dumplings are among the Chinese cuisine that is not only easy and fun to make at home but also good to eat at any time of the day. The dough dumplings can be crafted with flour, bread, or potatoes. Vegetables, meat, cheese, or fruits can be stuffed in the dough before baking, boiling, steaming, or frying them according to the choice. They can be crescent-shaped, soft buns, or unsealed to show the filling. Dip them in sausages, vinegar, or any sort of flavor you love.  There is a simple Chinese dumpling recipe for you to try at home. 

3. Peking/Beijing Roasted Duck

Beijing/Peking roasted Duck is a famous traditional Chinese food known for crisp and flavor. Roasted duck is probably the national food symbol of China. It is also served in western restaurants with a slight signature variation.  It can be tried with flavored dips, onions, or pancakes. Whole roasted duck is presented in the restaurants before slicing it. The side dishes vary with the restaurants. Chinese love the roasted duck in winter. Summer is considered less favorable for the dish as it becomes greasy and heavy. It is tough to bring the Beijing Roasted Duck to perfection at home but this recipe can make it easy for you.

4. Tofu

Tofu is a protein-rich Chinese cuisine made from soya milk. The soft white blocks are also called bean curd. It is highly variable in taste and texture as the production techniques are diverse. Dried, smoked, and fried tofu are among the types of cuisine. Fried tofu with rice is great for dinner or lunch’s main course. Chopped green onion, grounded beef, and powdered peppers are specialties of Ma Po Tofu.

Stinky Tofu is known for its smell. It is a side dish and abundantly available along roadsides and night markets. It is used as protein energy bars. If you want to try tofu at home, check this Ma Po Tofu recipe.

5. Chinese Soups 

Chinese cuisine is the world’s richest cuisine (in my opinion) with respect to soups. From basic chicken soup (Jītāng) to pork and fish broths everything is full of flavors and veg variations. Licorice root and wolfberry are among the herbs used in Chinese chicken soup. Yútāng is Chinese soup made from fish after frying and boiling it. Yútāng is whitish in color and has a slightly sweet taste. One of the famous Chinese soups is Hot and Sour Chinese soup. It is a flavor-rich vegetable and meat soup. Hot and sour soup is also good for individuals who are working to lose weight.

Jītāng is good to start with Chinese soups at home. While this Hot and Sour soup recipe can enhance the flavors of your winters.

6. Chinese Moon Cake 

Chinese Moon Cakes are among the famous dishes of Mid-autumn festival. Thick paste filling of moon cake is made of red beans or lotus seeds while the crust is made of duck egg’s yolk. The fillings can also be of jujube paste, five kernels, or sweet bean’s paste. While the types of crusts can include chewy, flaky, or tender crusts. The chewiness of crust is because of sugar syrup. The flaky crust moon cakes resemble puff pastries that are prepared by layering the oily dough and flour. While for the tender crust sugar, flour, water, and oil are mixed for a homogeneous mix.

Moon cakes can make your deserts’ party awesome. Try this recipe at home!

7. Chinese Tea 

China is one of the countries where tea originated. Chinese love to have there green, yellow, black, and white tea with snacks and after meals. These types of Chinese tea are according to the cultivation region and type of plant. Chinese tea is famous for weight loss, to gain energy, and to clear the body from toxins. It also reduces stress and instantly refreshes the mood.

To know the types, benefits, and tea making methods check this all in one.

Ending Note

Chinese cuisine can be a healthy and delicious part of any regional cuisine. Seasoning and cooking techniques are highly important in Chinese food and demand a lot of time to master in the craft. This article is not only an introduction to 7 most popular Chinese foods but also a guide to starting with basic Chinese dishes. Hope you enjoyed it. Stay healthy! Don’t forget to Subscribe.