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01. Dim Sum 点心
Let’s start in Guangdong, the home of dim sum. If you’ve ever been to a dim sum restaurant, you know it’s not just about the food—it’s an experience.
Servers push carts filled with steamed dumplings, fluffy buns, crispy spring rolls, and sweet egg tarts, and you get to pick whatever looks good. Some of the must-try dishes include:
• Shrimp dumplings (Har Gow) – thin, translucent wrappers filled with juicy shrimp.
• BBQ pork buns (Char Siu Bao) – soft, slightly sweet buns stuffed with rich, flavorful pork.
• Egg tarts – buttery, flaky crust with a smooth, creamy custard filling.
Dim sum is not just a meal—it’s a social event, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
2. Peking Duck 北京烤鸭
Next, let’s head north to Beijing, where we find one of China’s most famous dishes—Peking Duck.
This dish dates back to the imperial era and is known for its crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat. The best part? It’s served in thin pancakes with sweet bean sauce, scallions, and cucumber, creating the perfect bite.
Eating Peking Duck is an experience in itself. The chef usually slices the duck right in front of you, and there’s a special way to eat it—roll it up in a pancake, take a bite, and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
3. Sichuan Hotpot 火锅
Now, let’s turn up the heat and go to Sichuan, famous for its spicy and numbing hotpot. If you love bold flavors, this is for you.
Sichuan hotpot is all about the mala (麻辣) taste, which comes from chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The broth is spicy, aromatic, and makes your mouth tingle in the best way possible.
You cook your own food by dipping thinly sliced meats, tofu, vegetables, and noodles into the bubbling broth. Some must-try ingredients include:
• Beef slices – super tender and full of flavor.
• Duck blood tofu – a unique ingredient with a smooth texture.
• Lotus root – slightly crunchy and absorbs all the spicy goodness.
Sichuan hotpot is not just about eating—it’s about the experience of cooking, sharing, and challenging your spice tolerance.
4. Xiaolongbao
Finally, let’s visit Shanghai, home of the famous xiaolongbao (小笼包), or soup dumplings.
These delicate dumplings are filled with juicy pork and hot, flavorful broth. The trick is to eat them without burning your mouth! Here’s how:
1. Pick up the dumpling carefully with chopsticks.
2. Bite a small hole in the wrapper to let the steam escape.
3. Sip the soup inside.
4. Eat the rest and enjoy!
Xiaolongbao are a must-try if you love dumplings, and they’re best enjoyed with a little vinegar and ginger on the side.
