China
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy China's cuisine safely and confidently.
Check food hygiene standards in China
While China generally has good food hygiene standards, it's always wise to choose restaurants that appear clean and well-maintained.
Drink bottled water in China
In China, it's recommended to drink bottled water, especially in rural areas where water quality may vary.
Be cautious with street food in China
Street food in China can be delicious and safe, but choose vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYVegetarian options are increasingly available in China, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations.
vegan
LOW AVAILABILITYVegan options can be limited in China, as many traditional dishes include animal products. However, major cities may have specialized restaurants.
gluten-free
LOW AVAILABILITYFinding gluten-free options in China can be challenging. Consider learning key phrases to explain your dietary needs.
Common Allergens
Nuts
MEDIUM PREVALENCEVarious nuts are common in China's cuisine, particularly in desserts and some savory dishes.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Dairy
HIGH PREVALENCEDairy products are widely used in China, featuring in many traditional dishes.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Wheat
HIGH PREVALENCEWheat is a staple in China's cuisine, used in bread, pastries, and many other foods.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define China's food culture for travelers.
北京烤鸭 (Běijīng Kǎoyā) - Peking Duck
A famed dish from Beijing, featuring crispy roasted duck skin served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. Its history dates back to the imperial era, and it's a must-try for its unique flavor and cultural significance.
麻辣火锅 (Málà Huǒguō) - Spicy Hot Pot
A communal dining experience where ingredients are cooked in a simmering pot of spicy broth. Originating in Sichuan, it's known for its numbing and spicy flavors, customizable to individual preferences.
小笼包 (Xiǎolóngbāo) - Soup Dumplings
Delicate steamed dumplings filled with flavorful broth and minced pork, originating from Shanghai. The thin skin and rich soup create a unique culinary experience.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase China's diverse culinary traditions.
宫保鸡丁 (Gōngbǎo Jīdīng) - Kung Pao Chicken
A stir-fried dish with diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chilies, originating from Sichuan cuisine. It's a popular dish enjoyed throughout China for its sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
Allergens:
鱼香肉丝 (Yúxiāng Ròusī) - Fish-Fragrant Pork
A Sichuan dish featuring shredded pork stir-fried with a distinctive combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Despite its name, it doesn't contain fish but uses ingredients that traditionally flavor fish.
Allergens:
麻婆豆腐 (Mápó Dòufu) - Mapo Tofu
A classic Sichuan dish featuring silken tofu in a spicy sauce made with fermented black beans, chili bean paste, and ground meat. It's known for its bold flavors and numbing sensation.
Allergens:
Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of China.
Sichuan (四川)
Known for its bold and spicy flavors, Sichuan cuisine utilizes a variety of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a unique 'ma la' (numbing and spicy) sensation.
Cultural Significance:
Sichuan's fertile land and abundant resources have contributed to its rich culinary tradition, with influences from various ethnic groups.
Signature Dishes:
- Mapo Tofu
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Spicy Hot Pot
Key Ingredients:
Cantonese (广东)
Cantonese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and light cooking methods, such as steaming and stir-frying. It's known for its delicate flavors and wide variety of seafood dishes.
Cultural Significance:
Located on the coast, Guangdong has a long history of trade and cultural exchange, influencing its diverse culinary landscape.
Signature Dishes:
- Dim Sum
- Roast Goose
- Sweet and Sour Pork
Key Ingredients:
Shandong (山东)
Shandong cuisine features fresh seafood and a variety of cooking techniques, including braising, stewing, and stir-frying. It's known for its rich flavors and use of vinegar and garlic.
Cultural Significance:
Shandong's coastal location and agricultural richness have shaped its cuisine, with influences from both land and sea.
Signature Dishes:
- Braised Sea Cucumber
- Sweet and Sour Carp
- Dezhou Braised Chicken
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in China's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
汤圆 (Tāngyuán) - Glutinous Rice Balls
Sweet glutinous rice balls filled with various sweet fillings, often served in a sweet soup. They are traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival and symbolize family unity.
月饼 (Yuèbǐng) - Mooncakes
Rich pastries traditionally filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks, eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They symbolize the full moon and are often given as gifts.
糖葫芦 (Tánghúlu) - Candied Hawthorns
Hawthorn berries coated in a hardened sugar syrup, often served on a stick. They are a popular street food snack, especially during winter.
Traditional Beverages
Discover China's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
白酒 (Báijiǔ) - Baijiu
A strong distilled spirit made from sorghum or other grains. It's the national liquor of China and comes in various flavors and strengths.
黄酒 (Huángjiǔ) - Yellow Wine
A fermented rice wine with a lower alcohol content than Baijiu. It's often served warm and has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
啤酒 (Píjiǔ) - Beer
Beer is increasingly popular in China, with both domestic and international brands available. It's often served cold and enjoyed with meals.
Soft Beverages
Discover China's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
茶 (Chá) - Tea
Tea is an integral part of Chinese culture, with a wide variety of types and brewing methods. Green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea are among the most popular.
豆浆 (Dòujiāng) - Soy Milk
A plant-based milk made from soybeans, often consumed for breakfast. It can be served hot or cold and is sometimes sweetened.
王老吉 (Wánglǎojī) - Wong Lo Kat
A popular herbal tea known for its slightly sweet and cooling properties. It's often consumed as a refreshing beverage.