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China Food and Drink
Chinese cuisine is one of the most diverse and influential in the world, with a long culinary tradition shaped by geography, climate and regional culture. Each region has its own distinctive flavours and cooking styles, making food an essential part of travelling in China.
Meals often centre around shared dishes, with staples such as rice, noodles, vegetables and meat forming the basis of most meals. Regional cuisines vary significantly, from the bold and spicy flavours of Sichuan to the lighter, more delicate dishes of Cantonese cooking.
Street food is widely available and forms an important part of daily life, particularly in cities and night markets. Visitors will find a wide variety of dishes, though it is advisable to choose busy stalls where food turnover is high. Restaurants range from simple local eateries to high-end establishments, particularly in major cities.
Tap water in China is not generally considered safe to drink. Visitors are advised to use bottled or boiled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
Peking duck: A famous Beijing dish featuring roasted duck with crisp skin, served with pancakes, spring onions and sauce.
Dim sum: A Cantonese style of dining consisting of small dishes such as dumplings, buns and rolls, traditionally served with tea.
Hot pot: A communal meal where diners cook meat, seafood and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth at the table.
Mapo tofu: A Sichuan dish made with tofu, minced meat and a spicy, numbing sauce using Sichuan peppercorns.
Sweet and sour pork: A widely known dish combining fried pork with a tangy sauce.
Fried rice: A staple dish made with rice, eggs, vegetables and often meat or seafood.
Chow mein: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat or seafood.
Dumplings (jiaozi): Boiled, steamed or fried parcels filled with meat or vegetables, especially popular in northern China.
Baijiu: A strong distilled spirit made from grains, widely consumed in China.
Chinese tea: A central part of Chinese culture, with varieties including green, black, oolong and pu-erh tea.
Rice wine: Traditional fermented alcoholic beverages commonly consumed with meals.
Tipping is not traditionally expected in China and is generally not practised in most settings. In some high-end hotels or establishments catering to international visitors, a service charge may be included, but additional tipping is not usually required.
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