A Chinese Food Guide for the Adventurous Beginner

A Taste of the Regions

• Sichuan (spicy and numbing): If you crave a thrill for your taste buds, seek out Sichuan cuisine. The hallmark of this western region is the “mala” flavor—a combination of dried chilis and the famous Sichuan peppercorn, which creates a numbing, tingly sensation.
  • Try: Mapo Tofu, a saucy dish with tender tofu and minced meat.
  • For a list of Chinese restaurants serving Sichuan (Szechuan) food, click here.
• Cantonese (fresh and delicate): The most widespread Chinese cuisine globally, Cantonese food emphasizes freshness and gentle flavors. Ingredients are often steamed, poached, or stir-fried to preserve their natural taste.
  • Try: Dim sum, a wide range of bite-sized dishes, or a classic steamed fish.
  • For a list of Chinese restaurants serving Cantonese food, click here.
• Jiangsu (rich and balanced): Found in the eastern part of China, Jiangsu food is celebrated for its precise knife skills and beautiful, delicate presentation. The sauces are often rich and dark but never overpowering.
  • Try: Classic Yangzhou fried rice or braised meatballs in brown sauce.
• Hunan (bold and smoky): Hailing from south-central China, Hunan food is known for its intense and powerful spicy flavors. Unlike the numbing heat of Sichuan, Hunan spice is a “dry heat” that is often enhanced by smoking and curing.
  • Try: Steamed fish with chopped chilis or stir-fried pork.
  • For a list of Chinese restaurants serving Hunan food, click here.

Pro Tip:  Want to try other Chinese Cuisines?  Check this list.

Your Personalized Flavor Quiz

1. How do you feel about heat? Are you a fire-breathing chili enthusiast, or do you prefer to keep things mild?
   • Spicy Lover: Try Sichuan or Hunan food.
   • Heat-Sensitive: Stick to the fresh, gentle flavors of Cantonese and Jiangsu cuisines.
2. What’s your texture preference? The tactile experience of food can be as important as its flavor.
   • Crunchy: You’ll love the crisp-skinned Peking duck from Northern China or the fried spring rolls of Cantonese cuisine.
   • Chewy: Consider the wide variety of dumplings and noodles, which are staples in many regions.
   • Smooth: The silky tofu in mapo tofu (Sichuan) or the tender, steamed fish (Cantonese) might be your favorite.
3. Are you an ingredient-forward eater? Do you prefer dishes where the main ingredients shine, or do you want a more complex, saucy experience?
   • Ingredient-Focused: You’ll appreciate Cantonese dishes, where steaming and light stir-frying allow the natural flavors of the protein and vegetables to dominate.
   • Sauce-Focused: Look to Jiangsu for rich, braised flavors or Hunan for intense, smoky sauces.

How to Order Like a Pro

• Don’t go it alone. Chinese dining is often family-style, with several dishes shared among the table. This is the best way to sample a variety of flavors. A good rule of thumb is one dish per person, plus rice or noodles.
• Balance your order. A well-composed meal includes a variety of flavors and textures. Pair a spicy dish with a mild one, and balance meat with a vegetable stir-fry.
• Explore the full menu. Tourist-heavy restaurants often have an abbreviated English menu. If you can, ask for the full Chinese menu—it often has more authentic and exciting options.