Best Food Destinations to Try in China

China is one of the most diverse countries in the world in terms of food and it provides the traveler with an opportunity to discover food that is based on centuries of culture, history, and regional influences. Aromatic street foods to lavish imperial cuisine, Chinese gastronomic traditions are a real treat to the senses. Regardless of whether you are roaming through the busy cities or the remote towns, one of the most memorable experiences on your trip will always be the food.

In case you are considering the idea of visiting the most delicious food venues in China, you should get ready to the fact that the journey is not only about eating, but it is a lot about traditions, tastes, and lifestyles of local people. Every province is different and this is why food takes center stage in Chinese traveling. Before you embark on this trip, apply China visa with Go Kite Tours to get a smooth trip as you prepare to enjoy the following food trails.

Here are the Best Food Destinations to Try in China

1. Beijing - the capital of Peking Duck

Beijing, the capital city is by far one of the best food destinations in China to visit. The city is also renowned the world over in its specialty dish of Peking Duck. The crispy skin and the tender meat and thin pancakes make this dish a favorite since the time of the imperial Ming Dynasty. It is paired with scallions, cucumber and sweet bean sauce and it is a must try experience in the traditional restaurants of Beijing. Besides Peking Duck, Beijing also offers such delicious snacks as Jianbing (Chinese crepes), lamb skewers, and hotpot. A Beijing food tour offers the best of both worlds in terms of fine dining and street food, so it is a must-visit destination to be enjoyed by food enthusiasts.

2. Chengdu - the capital of Sichuan food

Chengdu is officially declared a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and there is a reason why. Chengdu is a food destination in China with bold flavors, spicy peppers and mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns. The city is the hometown of such famous dishes as Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and the globalized Sichuan Hotpot. Touring Chengdu also provides you with the opportunity of touring its busy night markets where delicacies such as Dan Dan Noodles and spicy rabbit head are favorite among the locals. Chengdu should be one of the first destinations to visit on your Chinese gastronomic tour, should you be a fan of spice and adventure in eating.

3. Xi-an- The land of ancient flavours

Xi an is the starting point of the Silk Road and as such a mixing pot of cultures and their cuisine is reflected in the food. Xi an is also one of the best food destinations to visit in China because it is known to have flavorful dishes that are wheat-based. Roujiamo, the so-called Chinese hamburger, is famed in the city and includes tender meat that is put in a crispy bun. Biang Biang Noodles are another must-try, thick and chewy in texture and rich in sauces. The Muslim Quarter of Xi an is especially well-known among travellers, where skewers, lamb soup and sesame bread are the representatives of Islamic influence. Xi an is a fascinating combination of history and taste to foodies.

4. Guangzhou -The Heart of Cantonese Cuisine

Cantonese cuisine is the most popular Chinese food and it is found in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. This is one of the most significant food destinations to visit in China since it is the place where dim sum was introduced in the world. Wholesome and nutritious, dim sum includes shrimp dumplings, barbecue pork buns, egg tarts, rice rolls, and many other delicious small dishes that are designed to be shared. Guangzhou is also known to have seafood, with popular dishes such steamed fish and white-cut chicken. Having a rich history of culinary sophistication, the city is commonly seen as one of the gastro-capitals of China.

5. Shanghai A Meld of the East and the West

The cuisine of Shanghai is a mixture of Chinese culture and the world culture, so it is a distinct destination on your culinary tour. Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) is a dish that is famous all over the world and is associated with this city. These are fine dumplings stuffed with pork and tasty soup, an explosion of flavours in each bite. Street food culture is also robust in Shanghai, and scallion pancakes, fried bun, and crab are the most popular. Shanghai is one of the most cosmopolitan food destinations to visit in China that offers a modern and yet authentic food experience.

6. Hong Kong -Food Street Heaven

Hong Kong is one of the ultimate culinary centers in China though technically a Special Administrative Region. It is well-known as the place with dim sum culture, but also has a rich street food culture that includes fish balls, egg waffles and stinky tofu. Food is a way of life in Hong Kong and visitors can take advantage of the excellent Michelin-starred restaurants to the lively dai pai dong (street-side eateries). Hong Kong is one of the most approachable food places to visit in China with a mix of traditional Cantonese tastes to the western influences.

7. Hangzhou- An Elegant Taste

Hangzhou (usually translated as Heaven on Earth), is not only known because of its West Lake scenery, but also because of its refined cuisine. Cuisine served here focuses on fresh, seasonal produce and on the balance of tastes. The most renowned one is West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy that is a mixture of sweetness and sourness. Hangzhou is also famous about Dongpo Pork which is a slow-braised pork belly dish named after the poet Su Dongpo. Hangzhou is also one of the best food destinations in China that one can visit in case they prefer lighter and more delicate flavors.

8. Kunming The Land of Yunnan Flavors

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province is also known as the City of Eternal Spring and has a rich food culture due to the ethnic mix. Its most famous dish is called Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles which is accompanied by a delicious broth and a wide variety of fresh toppings. The food here is also influenced by Southeast Asia with the use of spices, mushrooms, and flowers in all food. Kunming is a great place of adventure to food lovers as it offers one of the rarest food destinations in china.

9. Harbin - A Russian Influence on the Chinese Food

Harbin, in the northeast of China, has a totally different taste. Being a historical land of Russian influences, Harbin is also known to have its cuisines that are hearty including smoked sausages, bread, and stews. During winter, street vendors sell skewers of candied fruit that are loved by the locals and foreigners. Harbin is one of the most exciting food spots to visit in China in case you want something that is not the traditional southern Chinese dishes.

10. Nanjing - The Duck and More

Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, is especially known as a duck dish. Salted Duck and Duck Blood Soup are the most typical dishes that characterise the city cuisine. Soups and stews are also strong in Nanjing, as is its culinary tradition. Duck is not the only street food in Nanjing, other specialties include dumplings and sesame pancakes. In case you want to find a more authentic and a bit less touristy place in the Chinese food map, Nanjing is a hidden treasure.

Conclusion

China is heaven to food lovers and the food differs in each region. Hotpots of Chengdu, dim sum of Guangzhou, each city has its own food identity. The exploration of these food destinations to taste in China is not only about trying some delicious meals but also about being in touch with centuries-old traditions and various cultures.

When you make your travel plans, be sure to procure China visa through Go Kite Tours to make your journey smooth and hassle-free into the center of Chinese food. Go Kite Tours offers you the opportunity to experience fully-planned travel packages where you can concentrate on what is important to you the most the exploration and the best food experiences in China. Take a trip and allow your taste buds to be your guide to one of the richest culinary terrains in the world.