Dining Guide
Complete guide for eating in China
Stage 8: Dining & Food Guide
Local cuisines, ordering tips, and food safety in China
Sichuan
Famous for bold flavors and famous mala (numbing-spicy) taste. Rich, hot, and bursting with flavor.
Famous for bold flavors and famous mala (numbing-spicy) taste. Rich, hot, and bursting with flavor.
Popular Dishes:
Pro Tips:
- ✓Ask for mild if you cannot handle spice
- ✓Mala numbs your lips temporarily
- ✓Rice helps with the heat
Cantonese
Light, fresh flavors with emphasis on natural taste. Famous for dim sum, seafood, and delicate preparation.
Light, fresh flavors with emphasis on natural taste. Famous for dim sum, seafood, and delicate preparation.
Popular Dishes:
Pro Tips:
- ✓Best dim sum in morning (7-11 AM)
- ✓Try various small dishes
- ✓Green tea aids digestion
Beijing
Rich imperial cuisine with famous Peking Duck. Bold flavors and substantial portions.
Rich imperial cuisine with famous Peking Duck. Bold flavors and substantial portions.
Popular Dishes:
Pro Tips:
- ✓Book Peking Duck restaurant in advance
- ✓First visit to duck restaurant is a must
- ✓Street food is excellent for snacks
Hotpot
Interactive dining where you cook ingredients in a bubbling broth. Social and customizable.
Interactive dining where you cook ingredients in a bubbling broth. Social and customizable.
Popular Dishes:
Pro Tips:
- ✓Dip beef in egg yolk for tenderness
- ✓Try mala oil sauce
- ✓Beware of bone pieces
Street Food
Affordable, tasty, and everywhere. Great for quick bites and local experiences.
Affordable, tasty, and everywhere. Great for quick bites and local experiences.
Popular Dishes:
Pro Tips:
- ✓Choose stalls with long queues (fresh)
- ✓Wash with bottled water
- ✓Best after sunset