Planning your next visit to a China restaurant but unsure about what to order? Chinese cuisine offers an incredible array of flavors, textures, and experiences, making it easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety. However, with the right guide, you can confidently sample dishes that highlight the best of Chinese cooking traditions.
Here’s a curated list of 12 must-try dishes that represent the depth and richness of Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re a beginner exploring Chinese food or a long-time enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Dim Sum
If your dining experience includes a dim sum menu, you’re in for a real treat. These bite-sized dishes are traditionally served in small bamboo baskets, featuring a variety of dumplings, buns, and spring rolls. Some popular dim sum items include Har Gow (steamed shrimp dumplings), Xiao Long Bao (soup-filled dumplings), and barbecue pork buns. Dim sum is about variety, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and textures.
Tip:
Pair your dim sum with jasmine tea for a more authentic experience.
2. Peking Duck
Peking Duck is a celebrated dish originating from Beijing with a history that spans over 600 years. Known for its incredibly crispy skin, tender meat, and savory-sweet hoisin sauce, this dish is often served with thin wheat pancakes and fresh scallions. It’s a luxurious choice that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ideal For:
Sharing with a group as the portions are often generous!
3. Kung Pao Chicken
A classic Sichuan dish, Kung Pao Chicken balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with a bit of crunch. Tender chicken pieces are stir-fried with peanuts, dried chilies, and vegetables in a rich sauce. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for something with a little bit of heat but not overwhelmingly spicy.
4. Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is a crowd-favorite among Sichuan dishes. This dish features silky tofu, minced pork or beef, and a spicy, aromatic sauce made with fermented bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s bold, flavorful, and best served over a plate of steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pro Tip:
If you’re not a fan of spice, ask your server to tone down the heat.
5. Sweet and Sour Pork
A staple of Cantonese cuisine, Sweet and Sour Pork is famous for its enticing blend of tangy and sweet flavors. Crispy battered pork pieces are wok-tossed with bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks in a vibrant orange sauce. This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike and is ideal for first-timers exploring Chinese food.
6. Hot Pot
Hot Pot isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. You’ll get a bubbling pot of broth at your table, where you cook various ingredients like thinly sliced meats, seafood, tofu, and vegetables. The interactive nature makes it a fun choice for group dining, and with plenty of dipping sauces to customize the flavor, it’s never the same meal twice.
Variety Check:
Choose from spicy Sichuan broth for bold flavors or milder herbal broths if you prefer less heat.
7. Chow Mein
Chow Mein is a stir-fried noodle dish made with egg noodles, vegetables, and your protein of choice, like chicken, beef, or shrimp. The slight crunch of the noodles and the savory sauce make it an eternally popular choice for noodle lovers.
Fun Fact:
“Chow Mein” translates to “stir-fried noodles” in Chinese.
8. Sichuan Boiled Fish (Shui Zhu Yu)
Looking for a dish with punchy flavors? Sichuan Boiled Fish is a fiery specialty where tender fish fillets are cooked in a flavorful soup infused with Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, and aromatics. The bold and spicy broth contrasts beautifully with the delicate texture of the fish.
Warning:
This dish is spicy! Perfect for chili lovers.
9. Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
Known as Hong Shao Rou in Mandarin, this dish is a favorite comfort food in China. Slow-cooked pork belly is coated in a soy sauce and sugar glaze, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat with a deep caramelized flavor.
Perfect Pairing:
Enjoy it with a side of steamed bok choy or rice to balance its richness.
10. Spring Rolls
Light, crispy, and filled with savory goodness, Spring Rolls are another classic favorite that’s great as an appetizer. Filled with shredded vegetables, meat, or seafood, these golden-brown rolls are often paired with a sweet dipping sauce.
Versatility:
Vegetarian? Order them with just vegetables for a lighter option.
11. Beef and Broccoli
This classic stir-fried dish features tender slices of beef and broccoli florets cooked in a savory oyster sauce. It’s flavorful yet mild, making it an excellent choice for those new to Chinese cuisine.
All About Balance:
The combination of protein, vegetables, and the umami-filled sauce makes it satisfying and nutritious.
12. Egg Tarts
End your meal on a sweet note with Egg Tarts, a popular Cantonese dessert often found in dim sum restaurants. These flaky, buttery pastry shells are filled with a creamy egg custard mixture and baked until golden. The perfect bite-sized treat to wrap up your dining experience.
Pro Tip:
Have them warm—your taste buds will thank you.
Closing Thoughts
Exploring Chinese cuisine goes beyond just eating—it’s about experiencing centuries-old traditions and rich cultural heritage. The next time you visit a Chinese restaurant like CQGF, step out of your comfort zone and try a mix of classic and adventurous dishes from this list.
Still not sure where to start? Begin with dim sum for variety or indulge in Peking Duck for an authentic Chinese culinary experience. Whatever you choose, one thing’s certain—you’re in for a flavor-packed adventure.
What’s your go-to dish at a Chinese restaurant? Share it in the comments below!
