Chinese cuisine has long been famous for its diversity, rich flavors, and long-standing traditions. Each region has its own unique dishes that reflect the culture, climate, and lifestyle of the local people. If you're planning a trip to China or simply passionate about food, here is a list of must-try dishes in China.

1. Peking Duck – The Premier Dish of Chinese Cuisine

Peking Duck is one of the most famous dishes in China and a symbol of Beijing cuisine. The duck skin is crispy and golden, while the meat is tender and fragrant, served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and a special sauce.

What makes it special is the meticulous roasting technique – the duck is marinated carefully and roasted in a specialized oven. This dish is usually served in high-end restaurants and is a must-try experience when visiting the Chinese capital.

2. Xiao Long Bao – “Small Bun with Great Power”

Xiao Long Bao is a specialty of Shanghai and is famous worldwide. Each tiny bun is filled with rich broth inside. When eaten, you can feel the thin, soft wrapper and the hot, aromatic soup bursting out.

Xiao Long Bao is usually steamed in bamboo baskets and served with black vinegar and shredded ginger. This dish requires high skill because any mistake in the technique can cause the broth to leak out.

3. Hand-Pulled Noodles (La Mian) – Art in Every Strand

La Mian is a famous noodle dish from Lanzhou (Gansu province) and is entirely handmade. The chef uses skillful kneading and pulling techniques to create long, even noodles without using a knife.

La Mian is usually served in beef broth, with thinly sliced beef, herbs, and spicy chili. Each bowl of noodles is a perfect combination of light sweetness, chewy texture, and distinctive aroma.

4. Mapo Tofu – Spicy and Rich, True to Sichuan Style

Sichuan is known for its spicy, bold cuisine, and Mapo Tofu is a signature dish. It consists of soft tofu cooked with minced meat, spicy sauce, chili oil, and Sichuan pepper – which creates a numbing sensation on the tongue.

This dish is spicy, aromatic, and rich, making it a perfect choice for spicy food lovers. It's often eaten with white rice for an unforgettable culinary experience.

5. Sichuan Hot Pot – A Flavor Explosion

When it comes to Chinese hot pot, Sichuan hot pot is a must-try. Its distinctive feature is the extremely spicy broth with a thick layer of chili and pepper, giving off a signature aroma.

You can dip anything from beef, seafood, mushrooms, vegetables to fresh noodles. Sichuan hot pot is not just a dish but a cultural experience that shows connection through shared meals.

6. Beggar’s Chicken – A Dish “Revived” from Legend

Beggar’s Chicken originated from Jiangsu province and is famous for its unique preparation. A whole chicken is marinated, wrapped in lotus leaves, covered with clay, and slow-cooked.

Once cooked, the clay is cracked open to reveal a fragrant chicken with tender, flavorful meat. This dish is tied to a legend about a beggar who created this recipe out of poverty, adding to its charm.

7. Chow Mein – A “Multi-national” Noodle Dish

Chow Mein is a stir-fried noodle dish popular not only in China but also around the world. Its main ingredients are egg noodles stir-fried with vegetables, chicken or beef, shrimp, and savory soy sauce.

The noodles are crispy yet soft, the vegetables remain fresh – a dish that's enjoyable and never boring. It's a favorite for family meals or buffet parties.

8. Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing) – An Addictive Snack

Cong You Bing is a savory pancake made from wheat flour mixed with scallions, pan-fried until golden and crispy on both sides. This snack has a fragrant scallion flavor, crispy outside and chewy inside.

Chinese people often eat it for breakfast or as a light snack during the day. With its simple appearance but appealing taste, scallion pancakes are addictive from the very first bite.

9. Dimsum – The Quintessence of Cantonese Cuisine

Dimsum is a collection of small dishes that are steamed or fried, usually served in small bamboo steamers. There are over 100 types of dimsum: dumplings, shumai, salted egg yolk buns, turnip cakes…

Dimsum is not just food, but a part of the “tea and snacks” culture typical in Guangdong – where people spend hours chatting, drinking tea, and enjoying each delicate piece of dimsum.

10. Char Siu Bao – Rich Roasted Pork Flavor

Char Siu Bao is filled with sweet roasted pork marinated in soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine. The bun is soft, fluffy, hot, and mildly fragrant with wheat flour.

This dish is popular in dimsum restaurants, breakfast shops, and is loved by children. You can eat it right away or take it as a quick meal.

11. Stinky Tofu – A Challenge for Newcomers

The most controversial dish is stinky tofu – a specialty in Chinese night markets. As the name suggests, this tofu has a strong smell due to fermentation. However, once you overcome the “barrier” of its smell, you’ll enjoy its rich, smooth, and distinctive flavor.

This is a culinary experience worth trying if you're someone who loves discovery and is not afraid of challenges.