Travellers visiting the world’s most populous country are discovering a lot more than just some of the most significant historic sites on the planet.
The diversity of cuisines and flavours in China is a welcome surprise for many visitors. To help you navigate your tastebuds around this fascinating country, Insider Journeys shares its insights into its top five food cities.
“Chinese cuisine has a history that is steeped in tradition, influenced by the diverse geography and available resources,” said Insider Journeys Managing Director Paul Hole. “Today tourists flock to China, and it is no secret that one of the main attractions is its food.
“A trip to China will certainly awaken all of the senses, but perhaps none more than taste. Each of the listed five cities highlight a standout restaurant where travellers can sample the most authentic Chinese food.”
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China’s top five food cities preferred by foreign travellers are:
1. Beijing
With a 1000-year history, China’s capital is a captivating city rich in heritage. Reminders of its imperial past are found amongst some of the world’s most extraordinary examples of modern architecture. As you’d expect, its cuisine is also unique.
Peking duck, or roast duck, is one of its most celebrated dishes and has been served here for more than four centuries.
Known for its thin and crispy skin, traditional Peking duck with all the trimmings is a must-eat dish. For an authentic Jing cuisine experience, Quanjude is one of the best duck restaurants in the capital.
ADDRESS: Quanjude, 9 Shuaifu Hutong, Wangfujing.
2. Chengdu
Chuan Cuisine, originating from Sichuan Province in southwestern China, is the most widely-served style in China and is the ‘flavour’ of its major city, Chengdu.
The dishes of Chuan Cuisine are famous for their hot-spicy taste – often blisteringly hot – and the flavour of Sichuan pepper that is rare in other regional cuisines.
Yu’s Family Kitchen chef, Yu Bo, is widely considered the ‘guardian’ of authentic Sichuan cuisine, serving one of eight major culinary traditions in China with a twist.
Located in an apartment in a chic private residential estate, the restaurant offers guests a degustation consisting of 20 signature dishes, including Gong Bao chicken, twice-cooked pork, Zhong dumplings in spicy garlic sauce and green beans in ginger sauce.
For a chance to dine at one of China’s most talked about chef’s restaurants, bookings need to be made well in advance.
Address: Shuanglin South Branch Rd, Chenghua, Chengdu.
3. Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a well-earned reputation as a shopping mecca but there’s much more to this vibrant city and food is one of its major attractions.
High above the bustling streets sits a restaurant with a name that links back to Beijing’s old city – ‘Hutong’ – and its menu and décor were inspired by the Chinese capital’s atmospheric old neighbourhoods.
Hutong restaurant offers mouth-watering Northern Chinese cuisine, including signature crispy de-boned lamb ribs and soft shell crab with chilli, with stunning views overlooking Victoria Harbour where nightly ‘Symphony of Lights’ shows can be seen from 8pm.
Address: Hutong, 28/F One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
4. Xian
China’s oldest city was considered one of the most culturally important in the world, serving as the imperial capital for 1000 years and also an important hub on the ancient Silk Road.
Today, Xian remains a melting pot of cultures and cuisine styles, rich in colourful sights and culinary experiences especially in its lively Muslim Quarter.
The Muslim Quarter can be explored day or night. Venture beyond the Grand Mosque to San De Long Restaurant, set in the main pedestrian street of the Muslim Quarter.
This local eatery serves a range of delicious dishes flavoured with exotic spices acknowledging the ancient traders of the Silk Road.
Address: San De Long Restaurant, No. 141 Beiyuanmen, Lianhu District, Xian.
5. Shanghai
This super city is full of surprises and delights at every turn and is unlike anywhere else in the country.
Situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta, it’s China’s largest city and embodies contemporary China as does many of its restaurants.
South Beauty is one of these restaurants and offers a contemporary interpretation of Sichuan food, toning down the traditionally mouth-numbing chilli-spice to a comfortable level, while maintaining the distinctions of authentic Sichuan cuisine.
Served in a chic setting that overlooks the Huang Pu River and Bund, this eatery skilfully combines sleek décor with beautifully-presented dishes, some dramatically cooked at diners’ tables.
Address: South Beauty, Level 10, Super Brand Mall, 168 Lujaizui Xilu, Pudong.
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