SIX OF THE BEST FOOD EXPERIENCES TO HAVE IN CHINA
Eating real Chinese food in China is one of the all-time great foodie dreams. And, while it would take a lifetime to discover the rich depth of China’s highly regional cuisines, here are six don’t-miss food experiences to enjoy in different cities.
Dim Sum in Hong Kong
If there’s one defining signature of the light, sweet flavours of Cantonese cuisine, it’s undoubtedly dim sum, the feast of dumplings, buns, balls, parcels and more. Make like a Hong Konger and eat it from morning through to afternoon, because dim sum is not a dinner dish. One great place to try? Tim Ho Wan, an affordable dumpling joint that’s won a coveted Michelin star.
Beijing Duck in Beijing
Beijing offers a wealth of food experiences, from dumplings to candies, but undoubtedly number one on the foodie traveller’s bucket list is Beijing duck. A far cry from the dry and miserable scratchings served up in the typical Western takeaway, Beijing duck is a delicate feast of perfectly crispy skin with succulent fat, and tender, melt-in-the-mouth meat. Try it at Li Qun, a heritage eatery where the ovens run on real fruit wood.
Mapo Doufu in Chengdu
Hot pot is a signature of Sichuan cuisine, for sure, but perhaps even more defining is the fiery tofu and meat dish known as “mapo doufu”. Sichuan pepper gives it the distinctive “numbing and hot” tingling flavour that’s essential to the experience. Try it at Chen Mapo Doufu, a restaurant which specialises in that, and that alone.
Green Tea Chicken in Hangzhou
Hangzhou is known for Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, a light, aromatic green tea with notes of soy sauce that also pairs well with the city’s delicious cuisine. Feast on green tea chicken and other Hangzhou delights at your nearest branch of the city’s signature chain, Wai Po Jia (Grandma’s House).
Harbin Barbecue
Up near the Korean border, and influenced by both Korean and Mongolian fare, Harbin boasts a phenomenal tradition of barbecue. Everything from oysters to chicken heads, by way of kidneys, liver, pork and lamb are served up on delicious skewers and cooked on a blazing grill. Try it at one of the JinGang Shan eateries scattered around the city.
Secret Cocktails in Shanghai
China’s glitziest city, Shanghai boasts a world-class bar scene, with a particular focus on secret or hidden bars. Discover it at Speak Low, a cartoon-perfect speakeasy accessed through a revolving bookshelf that’s a regular on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Before You Go, Set Your Phone Up Right…
Travel in China can get a whole lot easier with your phone set up for food. Waygo is a visual menu reader: just point your phone at the characters and it will tell you what is what. WeChat is China’s essential social media app. And if you’re planning on sharing any food or travel photos while you’re there, you’ll need a VPN to get past China’s block on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more. This is one place you could start.