Top 14 Chinese dishes that make up the quintessence of culinary culture

China is not only famous for its long-standing culture but also makes a strong impression thanks to its rich and diverse cuisine. When it comes to Chinese cuisine, people immediately think of the sophistication in the preparation, the distinctive flavors and the delicate combination of ingredients. From rustic street food to royal specialties, each dish carries its own cultural story. If you are a foodie who wants to explore new and rich flavors, do not miss the list of outstanding Chinese dishes below.

1. Peking duck

Peking duck (Photo source: Collected)

Peking duck is one of the famous Chinese dishes, a symbol of the quintessence of Beijing cuisine . The duck chosen for processing is usually a fat duck with thin skin, raised according to traditional methods to ensure the best quality meat. Before roasting, the duck is thoroughly cleaned, then evenly coated with a special spice layer including malt, red vinegar, five-spice powder and some special herbs. When finished, the dish has a shiny brown, crispy skin, the meat inside is soft, fragrant, sweet and rich, making it difficult for diners to forget this unique flavor.

2. Stinky tofu

Stinky tofu (Image source: Collected)

As one of the unique Chinese dishes, stinky tofu makes many tourists curious because of its distinctive aroma right from its name. This dish often appears at bustling night markets or roadside stalls. Tofu is fermented in brine according to each place's own recipe, creating a fatty, fragrant and slightly passionate taste that is very unique. Although not everyone dares to try it the first time, once tasted, many people are "addicted" to its unforgettable strange flavor.

3. Dong Po Braised Pork

Dong Po Braised Pork (Photo source: Collected)

In the journey of discovering Chinese cuisine, Dongpo braised pork is always a prominent name that diners will never forget. The dish is named after the poet Su Dongpo - who created this unique recipe. Pork belly is the main ingredient, with lean and fat harmoniously blended, creating a soft, rich texture. When enjoying, diners will feel each piece of meat melt in their mouth, the light fatty taste is not greasy, combined with the strong aroma of wine to subtly awaken the taste buds.

4. Lamb hotpot

Lamb hotpot is one of the traditional dishes originating from Mongolian nomadic cuisine, often enjoyed at the change of seasons when the weather turns cold. The broth is carefully simmered from lamb bones, bringing a natural sweet and rich flavor. The lamb is thinly sliced, dipped in a hot pot and often served with green vegetables, mushrooms and typical spices. This is also a typical version of Chinese food with a strong Northern regional imprint, both delicious and warming.

5. Beggar Chicken

Beggar Chicken (Image source: Collected)

Beggar's Chicken is a famous Chinese dish, associated with an interesting folk tale that has been passed down through many generations. This dish impresses with its special preparation method: the chicken is marinated, then wrapped in lotus leaves and covered with a layer of clay before being tightly baked. Thanks to the method of baking without direct contact with fire, the chicken still retains its softness, sweetness and original flavor, creating an irresistible appeal in traditional Chinese cuisine.

6. Cung Bao Chicken

Gongbao Chicken is a famous Chinese dish originating from the Sichuan and Guizhou regions – famous for its rich and spicy cuisine. This dish is made from shredded chicken, stir-fried with dried chili, roasted peanuts and a special sauce. The combination of the soft sweetness of the chicken, the crunchiness of the peanuts and the spiciness of the dried chili brings a stimulating taste experience. This is the perfect choice for those who love spicy Chinese cuisine, want to explore Sichuan specialties and learn about the outstanding delicacies in traditional Chinese cuisine.

7. West Lake vinegar fish

West Lake vinegar fish is one of the special Chinese dishes originating from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. The main ingredients are usually grass carp, common carp or cinnamon fish - freshwater fish caught directly from the famous West Lake area. The special feature of this dish lies in the meticulous processing technique, helping the fish retain its natural softness and sweetness without any fishy smell. When enjoying, diners will clearly feel the refreshing taste of vinegar mixed with the rich sweetness of the fish meat - creating an unforgettable, sophisticated culinary experience.

8. Crossing the Bridge Noodles

Crossing the bridge noodles (Photo source: Collected)

Crossing the Bridge Noodles is a famous Chinese dish originating from Yunnan, loved by many diners when exploring Chinese cuisine. This dish impresses with its delicate combination of many ingredients such as chicken, pork, seafood, chicken eggs, tofu and fresh green vegetables. The broth is simmered from chicken bones for many hours, creating a sweet, mild, fatty and characteristic aroma. When eating, the ingredients are arranged separately on small plates, diners will take turns putting them into the bowl of boiling broth and enjoying them with soft, fresh noodles. This is one of the Chinese specialties with a strong Yunnan culinary imprint, often appearing on the list of traditional Chinese delicacies worth trying.

9. Sichuan Tofu

If you are a fan of spicy food, Sichuan tofu is definitely a Chinese dish that you cannot miss. This dish is famous for its soft tofu, soaked in rich sauce, combined with minced meat, shiitake mushrooms and spices typical of Sichuan cuisine. The spicy and fragrant flavor that spreads from the first time you enjoy it will make you remember it forever.

10. Longevity noodles

Longevity noodles (Image source: Collected)

As one of the most meaningful Chinese dishes, longevity noodles originated in Zhejiang province, appearing more than 3 centuries ago. Unlike regular noodles, the noodles in this dish are kept in their original length, not cut short, expressing the wish for a long and healthy life. According to custom, diners need to eat the whole noodle in one go to fully preserve the lucky meaning that the dish brings.

11. Eggs

Hundred-day eggs (Image source: Collected)

The Hundred-Day Egg is a traditional Chinese specialty, prominent in the Chinese culinary treasure trove with thousands of years of culture. This was once a rare dish, only reserved for kings. The eggs are carefully incubated in a mixture of mud, rice husks and lime for many weeks until the egg white turns dark brown, while the yolk becomes moss green, smooth and has a characteristic salty taste. A curious Chinese dish, the Hundred-Day Egg often appears in traditional breakfasts and is considered a special egg dish associated with traditional culinary style. This is also one of the unique Chinese dishes that tourists love to explore when learning about Eastern culinary culture.

12. Yangzhou Fried Rice

Yangzhou fried rice is one of the famous Chinese dishes, loved not only in China but also popular in many Asian countries, including Vietnam. This dish is often made from cold rice combined with eggs, shrimp, pork, Chinese sausage and chopped vegetables. When fried, each grain of rice is firm and golden, mixed with the fatty taste of eggs, the sweetness of seafood and the crispiness of vegetables, creating an attractive whole in both color and flavor. This is the ideal choice for a quick meal that is still full of nutrition.

13. Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot

In the journey to discover Chinese cuisine, spicy Sichuan hot pot is an indispensable choice. The dish stands out with its rich broth, cooked from stewed bones combined with dried chili and vinegar, creating a characteristic spicy taste mixed with a bit of sourness that is very attractive. The flavor spreads from the first bite, making it unforgettable for diners. Hot pot is often served with ingredients such as beef, chicken and vegetables, both rich and flavorful, creating the unique appeal of Sichuan cuisine.

14. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (Image Source: Collected)

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is one of the famous Chinese dishes, considered a symbol of luxury and sophistication in Fujian cuisine. This dish is not only impressive because of its unique name but also because of its outstanding nutritional value, helping to purify the five internal organs and enhance resistance, especially effective in preventing colds. To prepare Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, people use more than 30 rare ingredients, including premium ingredients such as ginseng, abalone and shark fin, contributing to the rich and delicate flavor, which is difficult to find in any other dish.

Chinese cuisine is not just a combination of aroma, color and taste, but also a symphony of tradition, history and culture. From spicy hotpots to elegant dim sum, all bring an enchanting culinary experience for anyone who loves to explore. If you are looking for a unique culinary journey, China is definitely the ideal stop to enjoy unique and unforgettable delicacies.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-trung-quoc-v17278.aspx