Chinese food - 20 classic dishes you must try

Writer: Helena Bergström

Chinese food is perhaps one of the most varied cuisines in the world. We Swedes have a relationship with the ”four small dishes” that you can eat in Swedish Chinese restaurants. It can certainly be good, but Chinese food in China is something completely different, and much more exciting.

In this guide, we take a look at what to eat in China - and list 20 classic Chinese dishes you won't want to miss.

What do you eat in China? - a quick overview

The food naturally varies greatly in the vast country of China, but there are some common denominators:

• Rice and noodles: Staple food in many dishes
• Meat: Pork, chicken, duck and beef
• Small dishes: Dumplings and dim sum
• Flavours: Soy, ginger, garlic and chilli
• That's how you eat: Common dishes that are shared

I have travelled in China twice and together we have visited the country once. We have also found good Chinese restaurants in other Asian countries, and in some cases in Europe. Good Chinese food is something I can longing After!

Today we are going to immerse ourselves in Chinese cuisine! However, I have to borrow photos, because we have been very careless with the camera at the Chinese restaurants ...

Typical Chinese food - 20 classic dishes

Here we list Chinese dishes that are interesting to try, including small dishes, street food, sweets and drinks.

1. Peking duck (Beijing duck)

One of China's most famous dishes and a real classic in Beijing. And my absolute favourite! The duck is served with crispy skin, a kind of thin pancakes, spring onions and hoisin sauce - and you roll everything up yourself into small wraps.

2. Kung pao chicken (Gongbao jiding)

A popular dish with chicken, peanuts and chilli. The combination of sweet, salty and spicy makes it a favourite both in China and in Chinese restaurants around the world.

3. sweet and sour pork

This dish is perhaps one of the most recognised internationally. Crispy fried pork is served with a sweet and sour sauce and often paprika and pineapple.

4. mapo tofu

A classic dish from Sichuan province with tofu in a spicy sauce with chilli and Sichuan pepper. It has a unique “numbing” heat that is typical of the region.

5. chow mein (fried noodles)

Fried noodles with vegetables and often chicken, beef or prawns. It's a simple but very popular dish that can be found everywhere.

6. Fried rice (fried rice)

A classic dish often made with leftovers and mixed with eggs, vegetables and meat or prawns. It's a perfect quick dish and common in both restaurants and street food stalls.

7. Hot pot

This is more than a dish - it's a social dining experience. You cook your own meat, vegetables and noodles in a pot of broth right at the table.

8. Sichuan beef

A flavourful dish with beef, chilli and Sichuan pepper. It is often quite spicy and is suitable for those who like heat.

9. Dumplings (jiaozi)

Small dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. They can be boiled, steamed or fried and are often served with soya and vinegar. This is a favourite that we also like to order in Asian restaurants in Sweden.

10. dim sum

A collection of small dishes served in bamboo baskets, often for lunch. You'll find everything from dumplings to steamed buns and small desserts.

11. spring rolls (spring rolls)

Crispy rolls filled with vegetables or meat. They are a classic that can be eaten both at parties and in everyday life.

12. bao buns

Soft, steamed bread filled with meat or vegetables. They are fluffy and flavoursome, and have also become more popular in Sweden.

13. Jianbing (Chinese pancake)

A popular breakfast dish sold on the street. It is a thin pancake with eggs, sauce and crispy elements rolled up.

14. wonton soup

A mild soup with dumplings filled with meat. It's both warming and easy to eat.

15. mooncake

A traditional cake eaten during the Moon Festival. It often has a lotus seed or bean paste filling and is quite sweet.

16. Tangyuan

Small round rice balls often filled with black sesame or peanut butter and served in a hot, sweet soup. Traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival and at weddings, the balls symbolise unity.

17. Jian Dui (sesame balls)

Deep-fried balls with sesame seeds and sweet filling. The balls are crispy on the outside and soft inside.

18. mango pudding

A modern dessert that is particularly popular in Hong Kong. It is creamy, sweet and much appreciated by tourists.

19. Chinese tea

Tea is a central part of Chinese culture. There are many varieties, such as green tea, oolong (between green and black) and jasmine tea.

20th bubble tea

A modern favourite originating in Taiwan. Made with tea, milk and tapioca pearls, it is particularly popular with younger people.

Chinese food culture and traditions

Food in China is not just about flavour, but also about community. Dishes are usually served in the centre of the table (sometimes on a round disc that can be spun) and all dishes are eaten together. It's nice!

• Meals are often shared between everyone at the table
• Balance between flavours and textures is important
• Food is seen as a central part of social interaction
• Chopsticks are used instead of cutlery

Food in different parts of China

Chinese cuisine varies greatly depending on the region:

• Beijing: Classic dishes like Peking duck
• Sichuan: Hot and spicy food
• Canton (Guangdong): Milder flavours and dim sum
• Shanghai: Sweeter dishes and lots of fish

More about food in other countries

Here you can find more stories about food in different countries:

• Sri Lankan food - 15 dishes to try in Sri Lanka
• Thai food - 20 classic dishes
• Malaysian food - 15 Malaysian dishes
• Uzbek food - 12 Uzbek specialities
• Vietnamese food - 20 dishes in Vietnam