There are many dishes that are unique to Chinese cuisine, from Hunan to Shandong, and even some from outside of China. Let’s explore some of the best dishes of the region. Cantonese cuisine is one of the most well known, but what do you know about Shandong cuisine? Here’s a brief guide. Whether you’re a traveler or a local, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy!
Hunan cuisine
In terms of Hunan cuisine, it is a region in southwest China that is open to the north and features a damp climate. As a result of this climate, locals have developed various methods for preserving meat, including smoking. Smoking has a long history in Hunan, and some traditional methods still exist today. Below, we discuss some of the popular methods used by locals. You might be surprised by what you find!
Cantonese cuisine
Cantonese cuisine traces its roots back to the city of Guangzhou, which is the provincial capital of Guangdong. While Chinese cuisine is primarily based on local ingredients, there are also many imported foods that have found their way into this cuisine. Cantonese dishes include almost all types of meat, although goat and lamb are not nearly as common as in other regions. Popular cooking methods include steaming, stir frying, and double steaming. Braising and deep-frying are also common.
Cantonese noodle soup
If you’ve ever been to China or Hong Kong, you’ve probably tried Cantonese noodle soup. Served in hot broth, this soup often includes wontons, leafy vegetables, and lean pork. It was originally a street food and later found its way to Chinese restaurants and cafes. Today, this Chinese classic is enjoyed throughout the world. In addition to the famous wonton soup, you may also try Shanghai small wontons.
Shandong cuisine
Shandong cuisine is famous for its high quality and diet courtesy. The meals are fresh, crisp and well-cooked. Moreover, Shandong’s cuisine is also very appealing, as the province is known for its many kinds of soups and broths. Even the locals take pride in the soups and broths made by hand. The clear broths give Shandong dishes a compelling taste. And the brewers have made a thriving business out of brewing these special liquors.
Shandong tea
You may be tempted to drink Shandong tea to go with your Chinese food. This tea comes from China’s Shandong Province. It’s grown far north of most tea producing regions. The climate in Laoshan is particularly unique, being close to the sea. Farmers in Laoshan cultivate tea in extensive greenhouses to ensure that they can grow tea during the winter. Black Dragon, a Chinese black tea grown without pesticides, is a popular variety from Shandong.
Shanghai cuisine
The Chinese food from Shanghai combines many aspects of the cuisine of Huaiyang province, which is located between the Yangtze River and the Huai River. Shanghaine cuisine is a bastardized version of Huaiyang cuisine. Popular ingredients in Huaiyang cuisine include pork, freshwater fish, and crustaceans. It is also known for its sweet and sour flavor, with sugar added to almost every dish.