Top 10 Chinese Dishes to Try Near You

The vast territory and culture of China provide the country with a rich and diverse culinary culture, offering a multitude of culinary specialties. Chinese food can be divided into 8 types of cuisines, including sweet and sour flavors as well as spicy aromas. Whether in an Asian restaurant, a caterer, traveling to China, or cooking, here are a top 10 of the best Chinese dishes that you absolutely must try in your life, and which are accessible even without crossing borders:

1- Chinese ravioli

Chinese dumplings (饺子) are a staple of Chinese culture, widely consumed at family gatherings during the Chinese New Year, especially in the northern regions. These bites were invented by Zhang Zhongjing, an eminent Chinese doctor, over 1,800 years ago to treat frostbite in the ears. Nowadays, the Chinese mix meats such as ground pork, chicken, mutton or beef with vegetables. This stuffing is then wrapped in a thin dumpling, which is closed into an ear shape. For the New Year, the Chinese also wrap brown sugar, dates or peanuts, to bring good fortune.

2- Imperial Chicken

The tasty Imperial Chicken, also called Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁) definitely has its place in this top 10, and is very popular among the Chinese. Its sweet and sour flavor and a hint of spice make Imperial Chicken a favorite among foreigners. The chicken should be sliced and stir-fried to perfection, with a handful of peanuts and dried chili peppers, for a slightly spicy flavor and crispy texture.

3- Chinese Stir-Fried Noodles

Chinese stir-fried noodles, also known as Chow Mein (炒面) are undoubtedly one of the best and most popular Asian specialties. Behind the simplicity of this dish lies a perfect balance of stir-fried noodles, onions, minced meat, green peppers and carrots. Without meat, they will delight vegetarians. The noodles are first pre-cooked, cooled, and then stir-fried in a pan or wok with the other ingredients, until they reach a very appetizing golden color. This simple and fortifying dish is a quality delicacy for Chinese party-goers, on their way home from a long night.

4- Yangzhou Fried Rice

Yangzhou fried rice (扬州炒饭), is a type of fried rice similar to Cantonese rice. It is the most popular type of rice in Asian restaurants around the world. It is named after the city of Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province, and its origins date back over 2,500 years. There are several variations, and the key ingredients are debated, even in Yangzhou. Rice and scrambled eggs are still the staples, and it is often topped with barbecued pork, shrimp, or peas. If you want to try it at a restaurant near you, it is often called "special rice" or "house fried rice."

5- Pork with Yuxiang sauce

Minced pork with Yuxiang sauce (鱼香肉丝) is typical of Sichuan cuisine. This rather modern dish has a fishy flavor although it is cooked without any seafood. This atypical taste comes from the sweet and sour sauce of Yuxiang, made from soy sauce, sugar and pickled peppers. The minced pork is stir-fried in this slightly spicy sauce, with mushrooms, garlic and ginger. This dish with its fresh and spicy flavors is one of the most popular in Chinese restaurants, where it is usually served with rice.

6- Caramelized pork

Caramelized pork (糖醋里脊), or caramel pork, is an Asian staple to try near you. The minced pork is coated in starch for a crispy texture, then topped with cooked ketchup for its sweet and sour flavor. This dish is usually a hit with kids because of its sweet taste, and can be a great way to introduce them to the delights of Chinese cuisine.

7- Baozi

THE Baozis (包子), are succulent steamed stuffed buns. As delicious as they are beautiful, they were originally usually stuffed with minced beef and mutton, but more recently have expanded to include a multitude of different fillings. They are made with pork, beef, cabbage, mushrooms, tofu, and more. Sweet versions also exist, and are usually filled with red bean paste.

8- Spring Rolls

Very popular in the West, Chinese spring rolls (春卷) should not be confused with their Vietnamese cousins, better known in France, which are wrapped in a transparent raw rice pancake. But don't underestimate the delicious Chinese version! In China, spring rolls are also wrapped in a rice pancake, but are fried. They are thus a bit like the nems of Vietnamese cuisine. The stuffing is generally made of chicken, beef or pork, and vegetables, mushrooms, or bamboo shoots. In China, they are mainly eaten during the Chinese New Year, the famous Spring Festival, which is where they get their name. In France, they are not very common in Chinese restaurants, but tasting a Chinese spring roll is worth the detour!

9- The Peking Duck

Peking duck (北京烤鸭), typical of Beijing, has already proven itself in the West and is one of the symbols of Chinese cuisine. It is a dish from the imperial court of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which has crossed the ages to delight our taste buds. The duck is traditionally lacquered with a honey-based mixture, then roasted until it obtains crispy skin and tender, delicate flesh.

10- Sweet and sour pork

This dish, as popular in China as it is outside its borders, will introduce you to the typical flavors of the Middle Kingdom. The pork is covered in sugar and vinegar, giving it its unique flavor. The meat is covered in flour, making it deliciously crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Its rich and unique taste will delight you from the first bite. Sweet and sour pork is sometimes combined with other flavors, often tangy and sweet, such as pineapple, apple or tomatoes.