The 10 Most Popular Dishes in China

Kung Pao Chicken

The history of China and Chinese culture goes back thousands of years. China's culture has always been ahead of the curve, with groundbreaking innovations in numerous fields, including ceramics, architecture, music, literature, martial arts, the visual arts, philosophy, and religion. However, there is a notable exception. For millennia, China has been at the forefront of culinary innovation. The world continues to be amazed by the culinary mastery of China's restaurants and chefs. In honor of the forthcoming Chinese New Year, we provide a list of the top 10 meals in China that everyone should try at least once.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Kung pao chicken, one of China's most iconic meals, seems like a great place to start when compiling a list of people's favorite Chinese foods. This dish, which is synonymous with traditional Chinese cuisine, has its roots in the Sichuan region of the country. This dish's refined simplicity—chicken, peanuts, veggies, and chili peppers stir-fried together—is sure to please.

Peking Roast Duck

The Western Chinese cuisine of sweet and sour pork is a global favorite and can be seen on the menus of Chinese restaurants all over the world. A sweet and sour sauce, commonly consisting of sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, and soy sauce, is used to stir-fry deep-fried pork as the major ingredient in this meal. The addition of other ingredients like onions, pineapple, and green pepper has helped this dish reach the level of fame it has attained in China.

Mapo Tofu

Peking roast duck, originally developed for the Ming Dynasty, is now a popular Beijing specialty. Peking duck is traditionally served hot out of the oven, with the skin still crisp and golden-braised from being seasoned before roasting. The duck is complemented by a sweet bean sauce, cucumber, and spring onion side dish.

Chow Mein

When it comes to spicy food, Mapo Tofu is the real deal, making it one of the most popular meals in China. Spicy bean paste, beef, hot roasted chili oil, and a few of the notorious tongue-numbing Sichuan peppercorns boil with tofu in a hot and spicy sauce. If you think spicy food is the best, you shouldn't let this opportunity pass without tasting this peppery treat.

Chinese Hot Pot

There is no fault in the tried and true. One of China's most beloved meals, chow mein is now a staple menu item at Chinese restaurants around the world. Chow mein is a simple and reliable dinner that consists of stir-fried noodles and your choice of sautéed tofu, vegetables, or meat.

Spring Rolls

The hallmark of the Chinese hot pot, also known as a steamboat, is its preparation: the raw ingredients are added to a simmering pot of soup stock and cooked right at the table. This style of Chinese cooking originated at affluent banquets but has now spread throughout the country to become a staple of any large gathering.

Wonton Soup

It's easy to see why spring rolls have become practically synonymous with other Chinese food and Chinese cuisine; they're the ideal accompaniment to just about any main course. Fried buns stuffed with cabbage, vegetables, or other meat fillings are a popular Chinese side dish that originated as a celebration food eaten throughout the spring.

Chicken Fried Rice

It's easy to see why spring rolls have become practically synonymous with other Chinese food and Chinese cuisine; they're the ideal accompaniment to just about any main course. Fried buns stuffed with cabbage, vegetables, or other meat fillings are a popular Chinese side dish that originated as a celebration food eaten throughout the spring.

Char Siu

This dish is prepared by steaming fried rice, eggs, vegetables, and chicken in a wok or frying pan. Chicken fried rice is a popular dish around the world, and there are various ways to prepare it, especially when using local ingredients. Some versions of chicken fried rice don't even use chicken at all, opting instead for seafood or other meats.