A Guide to Chinese Cuisines
There are countless delicious recipes and dishes that originate from regions from across the country. They are usually divided between eight cuisines that span across northern and southern China.
Here, our guide looks at what you can expect from traditional Chinese cuisine and what goes into making it.
If you need further inspiration, our online Chinese supermarket has everything you need to begin your journey into the delicious realm of Chinese cuisine!
The Diversity of Chinese Cuisine
As such a big country, China is home to enormous environmental diversity which has played a part in how food and cuisine have developed.
Areas populated by mountains, river, forests and deserts contribute to a wide variety of regional food. The differing climates of the frozen north and tropical south mean that dishes originating from different regions can be vastly diverse.
Flavour or ingredients are not the only things that will characterise different regional dishes. Colour, aroma, cooking method and presentation will also distinguish particular cuisines.
You will often see Chinese cuisine broken down into eight categories, seven of which originate from the south. It is worth noting that these groups do not represent the entirety of Chinese food and only account for around a quarter of all cuisines from the country.
Below, we elaborate on each of the eight main traditions included in Chinese cuisine.
Cantonese
Many western ideas about Chinese food come from Cantonese cuisine, as the majority of immigrants come from the south-eastern Guangdong region and have introduced their dishes to the western world.
Cantonese cooking is known for its use of various sauces and spices to create salty but sweet flavoured dishes including stir-frys, dim sum and char siu, a barbeque pork dish.
Szechuan
Located in southwest China, the Szechuan or Sichuan province is famous for its hot, spicy dishes that give a tasty kick.
Bold, intensely strong flavours derived from chilli, garlic and the renowned Szechuan pepper are particular favourites of this region.
One famous dish from this region includes kung pao chicken which contains spicy fried chicken and dried peppers.
Shandong
Of the eight main Chinese cuisines, this is the only one to originate from northern China. Another very popular and traditional cuisine, Shandong recipes are some of the oldest and most influential.
Shandong cuisine is often split into two main styles; one that favours the use of seafood to create light dishes and the other that makes use of soup to enhance meals.
The preferred cooking methods focus on simplicity and cooking delicious food quickly, so flaming wok fires are key! Shandong food is considered to be the most influential cuisine when it comes to culinary history in China.
Did you know that one of the oldest meatball dishes in the world originated from this tradition?!
The western favourite of Peking duck also comes from the Shandong region.
Jiangsu
Jiangsu cuisine comes from the coastal region along the lower parts of the Yangtze River. Due to its coastal location, seafood is a frequent addition in many recipes which helps to give the cuisine its unique character.Water plants like water bamboo and water chestnuts are also commonly used here. Favoured techniques include steaming and frying with liberal use of sauces and gravy.
The flavour profile most notedly contains sweet and salty bursts; with all the fresh, aromatic ingredients, you’re bound to find a fishy dish in this cuisine that you’ve never had before!
One must-have signature dish from the area is umami deep-fried prawns; it’s no wonder Jiangsu cuisine is considered gourmet!
Anhui
This cuisine is less frequently found in the western world, but the healthy and simple dishes are full of unique flavours worthy of exploring.
The poorer province in the Huangshan Mountains is known for its rustically-styled meals and traditional cooking techniques that include stewing and braising.
Like with Jiangsu, there is an emphasis on fresh, hearty meals, but less focus is put on fish-based dishes. Instead, recipes here will showcase the locally grown herbs and vegetables. Braised and fermented dishes like Mandarin fish and hairy tofu are also popular here.
Fujian
Like Jiangsu, the Fujian area is well-known for its especially good seafood. However, as the region is located between the sea and mountainous areas, locals are able to make the most of a variety of ingredients. This results in dishes full of exotic ingredients with sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours.
Wholesome soups and broths are the main feature of this cuisine. Usually, a soup will be served with every meal!
Hunan
As seasons change in the Hunan province, so does their preferred cuisine; colder months see the rise of chilli-based dishes while hot weather prompts the enjoyment of cooling meals.
Hunan dishes can rival Szechuan cuisine in terms of spiciness but will also draw on sour and smoking flavours to add depth.
Favourites of the region include fried pepper pork and a poached chicken dish flavoured with chilli.
Zhejiang
Here there is a focus on deep but delicate flavours, and dishes are often presented with dainty refinement. Bamboo shoots are a key ingredient as well as a wide variety of seafood and seasonal vegetables.
Many dishes within this cuisine feel fresh and clean rather than greasy, providing the perfect opportunity for health-conscious food lovers to try something new.
Longjing Shrimp is a tasty dish from this region that involves cooking shrimp in Longjing tea which perfectly exemplifies the subtle but richly defined flavours important to the cuisine.
Other Chinese Cuisines
Hopefully, we have opened your eyes to how vast and variant Chinese cuisine can be! As previously mentioned, there are many other regional cuisines that don’t necessarily fit into the eight traditional classifications. These include, but are by no means limited to:
• Dongbei: known for Suan Cai Tang; a pickled cabbage soup.
• Shanxi: known for beef and mutton dishes.
• Gansu: famous for its Lanzhou beef pulled-noodle recipe.
• Guizhou: sour soups are popular here.
If you’ve been tempted to try something new, remember to check out our store stocked full of authentic ingredients from across Asia!
