Looking for the most famous food in China? China’s cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region offering unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking styles. From the bold, fiery spices of Sichuan to the delicate, sweet notes of Cantonese dishes, popular food in China reflects centuries of rich culinary tradition.
Whether you love spicy, savory, or sweet dishes, China has something to satisfy every palate. This guide explores 15 best food to eat in China, covering everything from iconic street food to renowned restaurant specialties, giving you a complete taste of the country’s culinary landscape.
Image Source: Photo by Jennifer Chen on Unsplash
Non-Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine
- 1. Peking Duck
- 2. Dim Sum
- 3. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
- 4. Kung Pao Chicken
- 5. Hot Pot
- 6. Mapo Tofu
- 7. Char Siu
- 8. Cantonese Roast Pork
- 9. Szechuan Peppercorn Chicken
- 10. Beef Noodles
- 11. Egg Fried Rice
- 12. Lotus Leaf Rice
- 13. Sweet and Sour Pork
- 14. Jianbing (Chinese Pancake)
- 15. Red-Braised Pork
- FAQs
1. Peking Duck
Peking Duck is one of the most famous food in China, originating from Beijing. Renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, it’s a symbol of Chinese culinary excellence. Roasted in specially designed ovens, the duck delivers golden-brown crispiness while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful, making it a must-try among popular food in China.
Must Try: The classic Peking Duck, where the crispy skin is dipped in hoisin sauce and wrapped in a pancake with fresh scallions.
Price Range: INR 1,500/125.68 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:China Visa – E-Visa Requirements, Eligibility & How To Apply
2. Dim Sum
Dim Sum represents traditional Cantonese cuisine and includes a variety of bite-sized dishes such as dumplings, buns, and savory rolls. Served in steamer baskets or on small plates, Dim Sum is often paired with tea, offering a delightful blend of flavors. It’s one of the best food to eat in China for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers.
Must Try: Shrimp dumplings (Har Gow) and pork buns (Char Siu Bao).
Price Range: INR 800/ 67.02 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:China With Kids
3. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings from Shanghai, is a beloved dish where delicate thin skins hold savory broth and minced pork (or crab). Steamed to perfection, these dumplings offer a perfect combination of tender meat and rich, flavorful broth, ranking among the popular Chinese dishes in China.
Must Try: The classic pork-filled Xiaolongbao or the luxurious crab version.
Price Range: INR 600/ 50.26 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:China on a Budget
4. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken, a staple of Sichuan cuisine, features bite-sized chicken pieces stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. This spicy and savory dish is one of the most famous food in China, celebrated for its bold flavors.
Must Try: Kung Pao Chicken with extra peanuts for added crunch.
Price Range: INR 800/ 67.02 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:China Visa Extension for Indians
5. Hot Pot
Hot Pot is a communal dining experience and one of the best food to eat in China. Diners cook a variety of ingredients including meats, tofu, vegetables, and noodles in a bubbling pot of broth, customizing flavors and enjoying a fun, interactive meal.
Must Try: A combination of thinly sliced beef, tofu, and mushrooms in a spicy broth.
Price Range: INR 1,200/ 100.53 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read: 11 Reasons for China Visa Rejection for Indian Nationals
Vegetarian Chinese Cuisine
6. Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is a spicy Sichuan classic made with silky tofu, ground meat, and a fiery sauce of fermented beans and chili paste. This flavorful dish is a staple among popular food in China, with vegetarian versions also widely available.
Must Try: Vegetarian Mapo Tofu with extra chilli oil and a sprinkle of Sichuan peppercorns for more heat.
Price Range: INR 700/ 58.65 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:China Visa Photo Size Requirement & Specification Guide
7. Char Siu
Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that gives the meat a glossy, caramelized finish. It is roasted to perfection and is one of the famous food of China that travelers and locals alike love.
Must Try: Char Siu served with steamed buns or rice.
Price Range: INR 900/75.41 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read: How To Check China Visa Status In India
8. Cantonese Roast Pork
Cantonese Roast Pork (Siew Yoke) features crispy roasted pork belly marinated with soy sauce, spices, and herbs. Its crunchy skin and succulent meat make it a top choice among popular Chinese dishes in China.
Must Try: Cantonese Roast Pork with soy sauce and a side of rice.
Price Range: INR 850/ 71.22 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read: How to Book a Visa Appointment for China
Street Food In China
9. Szechuan Peppercorn Chicken
Szechuan Peppercorn Chicken is a fiery dish from Sichuan province, combining diced chicken, dried chilies, and Szechuan peppercorns. Its unique numbing spice and bold flavors make it one of the most famous food in China and a must-try for spice lovers.
Must Try: Szechuan Peppercorn Chicken served with steamed rice.
Price Range: INR 750/62.84 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:Visa Free Countries for China Passport Holders
10. Beef Noodles
Beef Noodles is a comforting and filling dish enjoyed across China, especially in the north. The dish consists of hand-pulled noodles served in a rich, aromatic broth with tender beef slices. The noodles soak up the flavours of the broth, which is often seasoned with soy sauce, star anise, and other spices.
Must Try: Beef Noodles with a generous amount of beef and herbs in the broth.
Price Range: INR 600/50.26 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read: 25 Top Things to Buy in China
11. Egg Fried Rice
Egg Fried Rice is a quintessential Chinese dish made with stir-fried rice, scrambled eggs, and a medley of vegetables. The rice is typically cold before being fried, which prevents it from becoming mushy. Soy sauce is often used for seasoning, giving the dish its savoury flavour.
Must Try: Egg Fried Rice with a combination of vegetables, and for a protein boost, add shrimp or chicken.
Price Range: INR 500/41.89 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read: 12 Must-Visit Buildings in China
Desserts In China
12. Lotus Leaf Rice
Lotus Leaf Rice is a fragrant and delicious dish that wraps sticky rice in a lotus leaf and steams it to perfection. The rice is often flavoured with ingredients such as salted egg yolks, mushrooms, and sometimes, chicken or pork.
Must Try: Lotus Leaf Rice with salted egg yolks and a variety of fillings.
Price Range: INR 600/50.26 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:Hong Kong Famous Food
13. Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved dish that combines crispy, battered pork pieces with a tangy and sweet sauce made from vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. The contrast of flavours—tartness from the vinegar, sweetness from the sugar, and umami from the soy sauce—creates a balanced dish that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Must Try: Sweet and Sour Pork with extra pineapple and crispy pork.
Price Range: INR 700/ 58.65 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:Your Ultimate Guide to Shopping Malls in China for Tourists
14. Jianbing (Chinese Pancake)
Jianbing is a popular Chinese street food, often eaten for breakfast. It’s a savoury pancake made from a thin layer of batter cooked on a hot griddle, then topped with a variety of fillings such as eggs, scallions, coriander, crispy wonton chips, and sweet soy sauce.
Must Try: Jianbing with crispy wontons and a drizzle of sweet soy sauce.
Price Range: INR 350/29.32 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:Explore the 11 Picture-Perfect Lakes in China
15. Red-Braised Pork
Red-braised pork is a classic China famous food where chunks of pork belly are simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and various spices until they are tender and coated in a rich, glossy sauce. The pork is slowly cooked to perfection, with the sauce caramelising around the meat, creating a deep, savoury-sweet flavour.
Must Try: Red-braised pork served with steamed white rice for the perfect balance of flavours.
Price Range: INR 1,000/83.78 Chinese Yuan onwards
Suggested Read:Discover the Wonders: Unveiling China’s Most Iconic Monuments
FAQs
What is the best time to visit China for food lovers?
The best time is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant, and seasonal ingredients are at their peak.
Is Chinese food in China very different from what I get in other countries?
Yes! The flavours are often more authentic food in China, with fresher ingredients and a wider variety of spices. Street food culture is also much more prominent in China.
Can I find vegetarian food easily in China?
Absolutely! China offers a range of vegetarian dishes, especially in regions like Sichuan and Zhejiang, where plant-based ingredients are staples in the local cuisine.
What are the must-try street foods in China?
Some must-try street foods include Jianbing (Chinese pancakes), Baozi (steamed buns), Chuan (grilled skewers), and Roujiamo (Chinese burger).
How spicy is Chinese food?
Chinese food varies in spiciness depending on the region. Sichuan cuisine, for example, is known for its fiery dishes, while Cantonese food tends to be milder.
What is the most famous dessert in China?
Chinese desserts include delicacies like Mooncakes (filled with sweet lotus paste) and Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). However, sweet options like Mango Pudding are also quite popular.
What type of tea is commonly served with Chinese food?
Green tea is commonly served with meals, but oolong and jasmine teas are also popular choices to accompany Chinese dishes.
Are there any food restrictions in China for travellers?
Generally, there are no specific food restrictions for travellers, but it’s advised to check with local authorities about any regional dietary laws or health regulations.
