Top Food And Drink To Try In China

Hey Tourist! When immersing one's self in a large experience as special as visiting a new country, there are so many things to engage with. The language, the people, the historical buildings, and sites. However, one of the best ways to understand a foreign place and to expand one's own personal knowledge is by trying the unique food and drink. One destination, in particular, that is infamous for the countless delicious dishes and beverages is China. Therefore, the following is a compilation of the top food and drink that tourists must try when visiting this vibrant nation.

Ma Po Tofu

The first big dish than any sightseer visiting China should try Ma Po Tofu, a common favorite in this traditional country that is much better prepared in the homeland. This dish, in particular, has lasted over one-hundred years and is a spicy option on the menu. Typically made with tofu, ground beef, and various vegetables, the concoction is then added to the delicious sauce and placed upon a pile of rice. Tasty, filling, and with a bit of a kick, this meal is something that many locals opt for during a night out and for a good reason. A must-try for any adventurous tourists.

Now that you know about the delicious favorite in China, Ma Po Tofu, the following slide offers a common dish around the world, but one that is far better when experienced in China.

Dumplings

Dumplings make for another fantastic dish that is very common in China. One of the great things about a dumpling is the general classification of the dish; typically a dumpling is any dish that incorporates a filling of some sort which is wrapped in dough. Doughs vary from bread to potato or flour and are encouraged to explore the many different opportunities for inside content; fish, beef, veggies, tofu, and more. Dumplings are incredibly popular because they are simple to make, affordable and not incredibly filling which make them an ideal started item for meals or a snack to carry one’s hunger for a bit. Regardless, trying a traditional dumpling while in China is a must-do.

Dumplings make a great way to start a meal or for a delicious snack. However, next up is a delicacy that will strike the heart of all desert enthusiasts.

Mooncakes

Mooncakes are one of the coolest desserts available in China with a rich history engraved in Chinese culture. This cherished delight is a bakery product that was typically eaten during a Mid-Autumn festival, celebrated by many. The festival was an appreciation for the moon and incorporated a night event of watching lunar patterns and has been widely regarded as one of the most significant festivals in China. The baked good is typically offered among friends and family as a delicacy. The round pastry is often about ten centimeters long and four centimeters thick, and has a thick filling comprised of yolk from duck egg; a customary gift for the businessman as well.

Although mooncakes are delicious, the following meal is just as phenomenal for those meals that need a bit of a kick.

Hot And Sour Soup

Although there are a couple of soup dishes named on this list, the hot and sour soup is most definitely one among the best options to try. A very typical choice for locals in China is this tasty treat that is great for starting off a meal at a local restaurant or treating one’s self at home. Being a regional cuisine, both Beijing and Sichuan refer to this item as a top food. Typically being meat-based, this item is cooked with ingredients such as pork, mushrooms, tofu, carrots, peppers and more. Making sure to explore this choice while staying in the awe-strikingly beautiful and foreign culture in China is paramount.

Now that you know about hot and sour soup, the following slide will offer a strong drink to satisfy those cravings.

Baiju

For those looking to explore a stronger beverage within China’s traditional refreshments, a good option would be Baiju. Also referred to as Shaojiu, this drink is sure to do the job as it is an incredibly potent alcoholic liquor that possesses an incredible fifty-two percent alcohol content and is one-hundred-four proof. Visually, the drink is a clear liquid which is embodied by its name which translates to “white alcohol.” This spirit is typically distilled from grain and left to ferment which is what produces the reputable kick this beverage has to offer. Oddly enough, Baiju is one of the most prominently drank liquors in the world, although it is scarcely found internationally on menus.

Baiju is a great evening drink which often makes for a fun night, and perfect to pair is the dish on the upcoming slide.

Sweet And Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is a staple dish in China that requires attention from visitors. Although this meal is typical in westernized Chinese restaurants, the quality of food is far superior in China compared to America or Canada. Usually, a sweet and sour pork dish is prepared with deep fried pork which is cut into bite-size bits and tossed in a sauce. Sauces vary a little more but can consist of anything from vinegar, sugars, vegetables and more. This meal is quite filling when paired with steamed rice, or can be used as a smaller portion in an appetizer fashion for starters. Although this is a common dish worldwide, trying the traditional style while in China is highly recommended.

Now that you're aware of the delicious sweet and sour pork that China is known for, the following slide has a soup that is just as good and perfect for any meal.

Wonton Soup

Wonton soup is, again,

one of those dishes that has become quite popular worldwide, but deserves attention as a dish that is especially delicious in China. In Cantonese food, the wonton is typically filled with a form of beef or pork or seafood and is then served in a bowl with wonton noodles. Often, another contributor to the tasty and distinct flavor that accompanies wonton soup is the red vinegar. By boiling the meat of the dish, flavors sink into each dish which comprises a full meal. With all of the tasty possibilities that go along with the wonton soup dish, as an appetizer or main course, globetrotters heading to China should allow some time to sample this great food.

Wonton Soup is a delectable appetizer or tasty main dish. To follow up for dessert is a yummy treat that many go crazy for.

Egg Tart

For a vast majority of true adventure enthusiasts, exploring a foreign culture is an incredible opportunity to expand one’s knowledge and understanding, and a great way to do so is through a nation's food. Although main course dishes are great, trying deserts is just as awesome, if not more. With that being said, the next item on the list is an egg tart. Egg tarts are a yummy pastry specialty that is often filled with an egg custard wrapped in a crust that is then baked to perfection. Before judging, tourists should be sure to keep an open mind to this treatment as it is quite popular in China and for a good reason.

Egg tarts are a special dessert that most are eager to try. However, the last item on the list may be one of the most notable drinks from China which blows most refreshments out of the water.

Bubble Tea

Bubble Tea is a fun drink that has become quite popular across the globe. A tasty beverage that is easy to sip on for a while or get down quick, these concoctions are made with tapioca and a tea substance. Originally called Boba tea, the beverage is a Taiwanese drink which was invented in the 1980’s and since then has exploded as a ginormous success. Made in various ways, the drink has even been mechanicalized to seal plastic sheets as lids and is now served in big chain restaurants which allow customers to customize their drink to their preferred specifications.