China’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its geography, with eight major cuisine traditions and countless regional specialties. This guide helps foreigners navigate Chinese food culture with confidence.
Eight Major Chinese Cuisines
| Cuisine | Region | Characteristics | Signature Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sichuan (川菜) | Sichuan | Spicy, bold flavors | Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken |
| Cantonese (粤菜) | Guangdong | Light, fresh, subtle | Dim Sum, Roast Duck |
| Shandong (鲁菜) | Shandong | Salty, crispy, seafood | Sweet & Sour Carp |
| Jiangsu (苏菜) | Jiangsu | Sweet, delicate | Braised Pork Belly |
| Zhejiang (浙菜) | Zhejiang | Fresh, tender | West Lake Vinegar Fish |
| Fujian (闽菜) | Fujian | Umami, soups | Buddha Jumps Over Wall |
| Hunan (湘菜) | Hunan | Hot & sour | Chairman Mao’s Pork |
| Anhui (徽菜) | Anhui | Wild herbs, braised | Stewed Turtle |
Must-Try Street Foods
- Jianbing (煎饼): Chinese savory crepe with egg, crispy wonton, scallions
- Chuan’r (串儿): Grilled meat skewers, popular in Beijing
- Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐): Fermented tofu, crispy outside, soft inside
- Roujiamo (肉夹馍): Chinese hamburger with braised pork
- Bingtanghulu (冰糖葫芦): Candied fruit skewers
Dining Etiquette Tips
- Wait to be seated – don’t choose your own table
- Tea is poured for others first, then yourself
- Tap the table twice to thank someone for pouring tea
- Leave some food on your plate to show you’re full
- Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funeral incense)
Food Delivery Apps
Two major platforms dominate food delivery in China:
- Meituan (美团): Yellow app, largest coverage
- Ele.me (饿了么): Blue app, owned by Alibaba
Both apps have English interfaces in major cities and accept WeChat/Alipay payment.