Regional Chinese cuisine - and where to eat it in Beijing...

When we think of Chinese food ,all that comes to mind is Fried rice, Chop suey or similar dishes we've had at the restaurants back home...
After coming to China though what we've realized is all that is so far from authentic Chinese food and that each region has it's own style and flavor.

I've tried putting up some popular cuisines and some popular restaurants in Beijing where you can try them.

Sichuan cuisine - Spicy, tongue numbing or "mala" as they call it here. This style originates from Chongqing province. Most dishes are spicy. My mouth's watering as I'm writing this one. Sichuan food is my favorite!

Mapo tofu. Source: Internet

What to eat: Kungpao chicken, Mapo tofu (Spicy tofu) , Yuxiang rousi (Pork with a fish aroma),  Shui zhu yu ( Water cooked spicy Fish) and Dan Dan Mian

Where to eat: South Beauty (multiple locations) - http://www.southbeauty.com/

Yunnan cuisine: Most dishes are stewed and braised for flavours. Dishes have a Mongolian influence and are also popular for its cheese and yoghurt.

Pineapple rice. Source: Internet

What to eat: Pineapple rice, Fish wrapped in banana leaves, Rubing (Goat's milk cheese), Baijiao hua (Banana flower stir fried)

Where to eat:  Middle 8th (multiple locations) http://www.middle8th.com/

Hunan cuisine: Well known for its spicy flavors, unlike the Sichuan cuisine that numbs the tongue,Hunan cuisine uses fresh red and green chillies that gives it a touch similar to Indian food.

Gan guo ji Source: Internet

What to eat: Hot and sour pork, Steamed mandarin fish, Dry pot chicken (Gan guo ji)

Where to eat: Karaiya Spice , Sanlitun http://hatsunesushi.com/

Xingjiang cuisine: From the muslim province, this cuisine is similar to Arabic food. Mostly halal dominated by mutton.

Dapanji. Source: Internet

 What to eat: Dapanji (Spicy chicken stew, with flat noodles as part of the gravy/soup), Chuanr (BBQ sticks),

Where to eat: Crescent Moon, Dongzhimen http://www.timeoutbeijing.com/venue/Food__Drink-Chinese-Xinjiang/10251/Xinjiang-Crescent-Moon-Uighur-Muslim-Restaurant.html

Shanghai cuisine: Known as Hu cuisine, less spicy than the above cuisines. Mostly popular for the dumplings.

Hairy crab. Source: Internet

What to eat: Beggar's Chicken, Hairy Crab, Xiaolongbao (soup filled dumplings), Wontons in soup

Where to eat: Din Tai Fung (multiple locations) http://www.dintaifung.com.cn/

Cantonese cuisine: Coming from Guangdong province this cuisine is what we are mostly familiar with. Common ingredients include Oyster sauce, Hoisin sauce, Vinegar, Sesame Oil and Spring onions.

What to eat: Dimsum, Pork buns

Dimsum. Source: Internet

Where to eat: Macau Taste , Sanlitun http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing/restaurants/chinese/macau-taste/

Tibetan cuisine: Everything is made with Yak's milk/ butter/ cheese. The meat is well cooked and melts in the mouth.

Makye Ame. Source: Internet

What to eat/ drink:  Roasted Khampa Lamb ribs, Tibetan butter tea (made with Yak milk)

Where to eat: Makye Ame, Guomao https://plus.google.com/108182761742411811072/about?gl=in&hl=en


I hope this post will make ordering Chinese food a little easier the next time you visit a restaurant. We love Chinese food, the authentic kind. It can take some time to get used to the flavors or aroma, but once you do... you cannot stay away. Happy eating!

More food posts on my blog:
http://sandra-jacob.blogspot.sg/2013/05/noodle-kingdom.html (Noodles)
http://sandra-jacob.blogspot.sg/2011/06/my-fav-chinese-dishes.html (Must try Chinese dishes)
http://sandra-jacob.blogspot.sg/2012/05/restaurant-review.html (Sichuan fish - Shui zhu Yu)