China’s food culture is as vast and diverse as its landscape. From the spice-laden dishes of Sichuan to the delicate flavours of Cantonese cuisine, every region offers a distinct gastronomic identity. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Chinese cuisine promises more than just a meal. It offers an experience. 

Here are 10 must-try dishes in China that are worth flying for.

1. Peking Duck (Beijing)

Arguably China’s most iconic dish, Peking Duck is a culinary masterpiece from the capital. Roasted until the skin is perfectly crispy, it’s traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce.

Why You Should Try It:

The method of preparation is centuries-old and considered an art. The contrast between the crisp skin and tender meat makes it unforgettable.

2. Xiaolongbao (Shanghai)

These delicate soup dumplings are steamed in bamboo baskets and filled with seasoned pork and hot broth. Eating them involves a careful bite and a quick slurp!

Why You Should Try It:

Xiaolongbao is a Shanghai staple, and trying it at a local dim sum house is a must for any traveller with a taste for traditional flavours.

3. Mapo Tofu (Sichuan)

Spicy, numbing, and deeply savoury, Mapo Tofu is made with silken tofu, minced pork, fermented bean paste, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Why You Should Try It:

It’s a flagship of Sichuan cuisine and a great introduction to the region’s love for bold, punchy flavours.

4. Dim Sum (Guangdong/Cantonese)

Dim Sum is a dining experience. Think of bite-sized delicacies like shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and rice noodle rolls, served alongside tea.

Why You Should Try It:

Perfect for grazing and sharing, dim sum showcases the finesse of Cantonese cooking and is best enjoyed in a bustling teahouse.

5. Lanzhou Beef Noodles (Gansu)

Hand-pulled noodles in a rich beef broth, topped with tender beef slices, coriander, radish, and chilli oil. This dish is a north-western Chinese classic.

Why You Should Try It:

Made to order in front of your eyes, the craftsmanship behind hand-pulled noodles adds an extra layer of appreciation.

6. Kung Pao Chicken (Sichuan)

Often imitated worldwide but rarely matched, the authentic version includes diced chicken, peanuts, dried chillies, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Why You Should Try It:

It strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, savoury, and nutty, with the famous tongue-tingling sensation from Sichuan pepper.

7. Hot Pot (Various Regions)

A DIY feast where diners cook meat, seafood, and vegetables in a bubbling pot of broth right at the table. The base varies from fiery Sichuan-style to mild mushroom broths.

Why You Should Try It:

Hot Pot is as much about socialising as it is about food. It’s a communal meal that brings people together, especially on chilly nights.

8. Chow Mein (Cantonese-Influenced)

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, soy sauce, and sometimes meat or shrimp. A comforting and flavour-packed dish that’s beloved across the country.

Why You Should Try It:

Though popular globally, trying Chow Mein in its country of origin brings out authentic textures and wok hei — the “breath of the wok.”

9. Beggar’s Chicken (Jiangsu)

A whole chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then baked slowly until fall-off-the-bone tender. Legend has it that the dish was invented by a beggar using this method to trap the aroma.

Why You Should Try It:

The cooking technique seals in all the flavours for a truly aromatic experience.

10. Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish (Suzhou or Hangzhou)

A beautifully presented fish shaped to resemble a squirrel, deep-fried and topped with a sweet and sour sauce. This dish is often saved for special occasions.

Why You Should Try It:

It’s a visual and flavourful delight that showcases the elegance of Jiangnan cuisine.

Let Your Taste Buds Guide the Journey

From the fiery pots of Sichuan to the delicate dim sums of Guangdong, every Chinese dish tells a story of region, culture, and tradition. Food is one of the best ways to experience China authentically, beyond its landmarks and landscapes.

Planning your culinary journey to China?

With Sky Time’s thoughtfully curated China tour packages from Kerala, you can explore Shanghai, Beijing, and more — all while indulging in the country’s most iconic flavours.