Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Immersing yourself in Chinese culture goes beyond learning the language or exploring its iconic historical sites; it truly begins with the palate. Expatriates in China have the unique opportunity to discover a mosaic of flavors and culinary traditions deeply rooted in each region.
Whether you’re excited by Sichuan’s spicy dishes or captivated by the delicacy of Cantonese dim sum, Chinese cuisine offers an unforgettable sensory journey.
This culinary guide invites you to embrace the art of Chinese dining and develop a fresh perspective on local customs through authentic taste experiences, turning every meal into a rich and exciting cultural adventure.
Discovering Chinese Culinary Treasures: A Journey to the Heart of Traditional Flavors
China’s culinary treasures are built on the diversity of its flavors, the richness of its techniques, and the importance of sharing at the table. Each region has its iconic specialties, reflecting ancestral heritage passed down through generations.
Iconic Dishes and Regional Origins
| Dish | Region of Origin | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Peking Duck | Beijing | Crispy skin, served with thin pancakes, sweet and savory sauce, scallions, and cucumber. Imperial dish dating back to the Ming Dynasty. |
| Dumplings (Jiaozi, Baozi, Wonton) | Northeast, Canton, various regions | Stuffed dumplings (meat, vegetables), steamed, boiled, or fried. Essential tradition during Chinese New Year. |
| Hot Pot (Chinese Fondue) | Sichuan, Mongolia, Canton | Flavored broth at the center of the table, where everyone cooks meats, vegetables, tofu, and seafood to their liking. The ultimate communal meal. |
| Mapo Tofu | Sichuan | Silken tofu in a spicy and numbing sauce, symbolizing the powerful flavors of Sichuan. |
| Sweet and Sour Pork | Shanghai, Canton | Marinated fried pork coated in a red sweet and tangy sauce, often with pineapple or bell peppers. |
| Spring Rolls | Southeast, Canton | Wheat flour wrappers filled with vegetables or meat, fried for a crispy texture. |
Unique Culinary Techniques
- Steaming: Preserves the natural flavor of foods, widely used for dim sum, baozi, and whole fish.
- Stir-frying in a wok (炒, chǎo): Quickly sears meats and vegetables over high heat, retaining crunch and color.
- Slow braising (燉, dùn): Gentle, prolonged cooking to tenderize meats and concentrate flavors.
- Stewing and boiling: Used for soups, broths, and certain regional dishes.
- Dishes are placed in the center of the table, and everyone serves themselves using chopsticks, creating a genuine moment of exchange and camaraderie.
- The variety of dishes allows tasting a multitude of flavors in one meal: sour, salty, sweet, spicy, bitter.
- This sharing fosters discovery and respect for traditions, with each dish holding meaning for different occasions (New Year, Moon Festival, family gatherings).
Tips for Expatriates Looking to Immerse Themselves
- Visit local food markets: observe the freshness of products, taste street snacks, chat with vendors.
- Participate in Chinese cooking workshops: learn to make dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, or how to handle a wok.
- Dare to try lesser-known regional specialties: Three Delicacies Eggplant (东北地三鲜), Guangdong steamed fish, Yunnan rice noodles.
- Prefer small family-run restaurants where the atmosphere and flavors are authentic.
- Adopt the local rhythm: a breakfast of baozi, a lunch of noodles, a shared dinner around a hot pot.
Key Takeaway:
Chinese cuisine is about the harmony of flavors, the mastery of technique, the joy of sharing, and openness to regional diversity. Every meal is an invitation to travel and connect.
Good to Know:
Discovering Chinese cuisine offers unforgettable experiences through its culinary treasures rich in history and tradition, such as the famous Peking Duck, originating from the Beijing region, or the savory dumplings, a variation of ravioli enjoyed during festivities. Hot pot, a communal dish where diners cook ingredients at the table, highlights the importance of shared family meals. The richness of the cuisine also lies in its techniques, like steaming, which preserves flavors, or quick stir-frying in a wok, which enhances ingredient tastes. Expatriates wishing to immerse themselves in the local culinary culture are encouraged to explore food markets to discover fresh and regional products, participate in cooking workshops to master traditional techniques, or taste lesser-known specialties, like Guizhou’s fermented freshwater fish. This gustatory journey isn’t complete without experiencing shared family meals, a true social ritual that influences not only how to taste but also the perception of dishes as a collective and warm experience.
From Street to Table: Exploring China’s Iconic Markets and Restaurants
Chinese street food stands out for its unmatched diversity and richness, reflecting centuries-old regional traditions and a way of life deeply rooted in the country’s culture. Between bustling markets and iconic restaurants, each region reveals its specialties and culinary identity.
Chinese Street Food Specialties and Their History
- Jianbing: Crepe filled with egg, scallions, cilantro, bean paste, and a crispy stick. Originating from Shandong during the Han Dynasty, it embodies the morning snack in many cities.
- Baozi: Steamed stuffed buns, sold on every street corner, symbolizing conviviality and the diversity of regional fillings.
- Congyoubing: Scallion pancake, fried and golden, over 1,000 years old, perfect for eating on the go.
- Lanzhou Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles served in a fragrant broth, typical of Gansu Province.
- Spicy Skewers (chuan’r): Especially popular in the north and west, they are a staple of night markets.
Key Food Markets to Visit
| City | Iconic Market | Must-Try Specialties | Anecdote/Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Wangfujing Night Market | Exotic skewers, candied fruits | Arrive early to avoid crowds |
| Shanghai | Yuyuan Market | Xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings), local sweets | Watch the artisanal preparation of baos |
| Xi’an | Muslim Quarter | Roujiamo (meat sandwich), biangbiang noodles | Try halal specialties |
| Chengdu | Jinli Ancient Street | Spicy tofu, beef skewers, cold noodles | Ideal in the evening for the lively atmosphere |
| Canton | Qingping Market | Dim sum, tropical fruits, seafood | Taste roasted pork and jasmine rice |
Regional Specialties and History
- Peking Duck: Imperial dish that became a national symbol, enjoyed in thin slices with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
- Hong Shao Rou (braised pork belly, Shanghai/Hunan): Mythical dish, favored by Mao Zedong, blending ginger, herbs, soy sauce, and sugar.
- Chinese Hot Pot (Huoguo): Originating from Sichuan, famous for its spicy broths and conviviality.
Iconic Restaurants Across China
| City | Restaurant | Signature Dish | Why It’s a Must-Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Quanjude | Peking Duck | Traditional recipe since 1864 |
| Shanghai | Jia Jia Tang Bao | Xiaolongbao | Made-to-order, flavorful broth |
| Chengdu | Chen Mapo Tofu | Mapo Tofu | Spicy flavors, original recipe |
| Xi’an | First Noodle Under the Sun | Biangbiang Noodles | Wide noodles, millennial tradition |
| Canton | Tao Tao Ju | Dim Sum | Historic atmosphere, exceptional variety |
Tips and Anecdotes for a Successful Culinary Experience
- Opt for local peak hours (breakfast for jianbing, late afternoon for night markets) to enjoy fresh products and lively ambiance.
- Observe lines: a popular stall often guarantees quality and authenticity.
- Don’t hesitate to share dishes: conviviality is at the heart of Chinese meals, where the concept of “sharing” prevails.
- Respect customs: avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, toast with “ganbei,” and taste before criticizing an unusual flavor.
- Dare to try local specialties, even unusual ones, for a total immersion.
Key Takeaway
Street food in China isn’t just about taste; it’s a true cultural journey. It reveals regional history, popular creativity, and the importance of social bonds around the table. For expatriates, venturing into it means understanding China from the inside, one dish at a time.
Good to Know:
China offers incredible culinary diversity, especially in its street markets where each region boasts unique specialties, such as Xi’an’s skewers or Shanghai’s baozi. Iconic markets like Donghuamen Market in Beijing or Shilin Night Market in Taiwan are must-visits to discover this richness. The history of Chinese street food dates back to imperial dynasties, playing an essential role in daily and social culture. For restaurants, head to Din Tai Fung in Taipei for its xiao long bao, or Quanjude in Beijing, renowned for its Peking Duck. To maximize this culinary adventure, visit these places in the morning or late afternoon when activity peaks, and remember that sharing dishes is a mark of conviviality in China. Consider bringing a pocket dictionary to facilitate communication with vendors and be ready to enjoy food while standing, a common practice in markets.
Table Etiquette: Codes and Customs During Meals in China
Upon the guests’ arrival, the host personally welcomes each attendee with warm greetings, often accompanied by a gesture inviting them to sit. The host plays a central role: guiding guests to their seats, initiating conversation, and starting the meal. Guests are expected to wait for the host’s signal to begin eating, showing respect and politeness.
Assigned Seating and Social Status
The seating arrangement around the table follows a precise hierarchical order, reflecting each person’s social status. The seat of honor is generally facing the door or at the center of the round table. The closer a person is seated to the host, the higher their rank. An expatriate invited to sit near the host may see this as a sign of special respect.
| Table Position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Facing the door/center | Seat of honor |
| To the host’s right | Second in importance |
| Farther from the host | Lower status |
Meal Start Rituals: Toasts (ganbei)
The meal often begins with a toast initiated by the host. The term “ganbei” literally means “empty the glass” and marks the sincerity of the moment. Refusing or neglecting to participate in this ritual can be perceived as a lack of enthusiasm or respect. During a ganbei, it’s common to touch your glass lower than that of an elder or the host, a sign of modesty and respect. For example, during a business banquet, an expatriate might observe repeated toasts, with each participant seeking to show consideration for the others.
Chopstick Use: Essential Rules
- Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice, as this resembles funeral rites and is considered bad luck.
- Avoid pointing at someone with your chopsticks.
- Do not pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick, as this gesture also evokes funeral customs.
- Place chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the edge of your plate when not in use.
Example: During a meal, an expatriate who placed their chopsticks in their rice bowl was quickly and kindly corrected by their host, illustrating the sensitivity of this gesture.
Behavior During Dish Service
- Dishes are placed in the center and shared. It’s common to serve others first, especially elders, before serving yourself.
- The host may choose to personally serve certain dishes to guests, particularly the most prestigious ones.
- It’s customary to take small portions so everyone can taste each dish.
Gestures of Respect Towards Elders
- Elders are always served first, whether for food or drinks.
- Wait for the oldest persons to start eating before serving yourself.
- If pouring tea, tapping the table with two fingers is a polite way to say thank you.
End of the Meal: Customs and Symbols
- Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates you were generously served and lacked nothing.
- Finishing your entire plate might be interpreted as a sign that you’re still hungry.
- The host usually invites guests to stay a while longer to chat, a final gesture of hospitality.
Practical Anecdote
An expatriate shares: “During my first official dinner in China, I hurried to finish all the served dishes, thinking I was honoring my host. Seeing my empty plate, he immediately ordered more dishes, thinking I hadn’t had enough. Since then, I always leave a small bite, a sign that I was fully satisfied.”
Key Takeaways for Expatriates:
- Observe and imitate the host’s and elders’ gestures.
- Show restraint and respect in all table interactions.
- Learn the subtleties of toasts and chopstick rules to avoid cultural missteps.
Mastering these codes not only helps with integration but also demonstrates deep consideration for Chinese culture and its traditions.
Good to Know:
In China, at the table, the host plays a key role by welcoming guests and determining the start of the evening through greetings and guiding guest seating, where the importance of assigned seating often reflects each person’s social status. Meals begin with toasts, called “ganbei,” marking respect and camaraderie, often initiated by the host first. During the meal, using chopsticks requires special attention: avoid sticking them vertically in rice, as this recalls funeral rites. Dish service involves sharing dishes placed in the center, often serving the elders first to show respect and honor. At the end, it’s customary to leave a small portion on the plate to show you were well-fed. A common faux pas is not actively participating in toasts or failing to serve elders first, both seen as breaches of traditional respect.
Tips for Expatriates: Where to Find International Ingredients in China
The main international markets and specialized supermarkets in China are concentrated in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, where the expatriate community is largest. These establishments offer a wide selection of rare ingredients and foreign products, often hard to find in traditional supermarkets.
Must-Visit International Supermarkets
- Olé: Present in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Known for its high-end imported products (European cheeses, fine wines, organic vegetables).
- CitySuper: Chain based in Hong Kong with branches in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen. Highly appreciated by expatriates for its international range (fresh bread, Western dairy).
- Jenny Lou’s: Specializes in imports with over 17 stores in Beijing. Half the items come from the U.S.; you can find American cereals, dried fruits, or condiments.
- Corner’s Deli: Mainly present in Guangdong (including Guangzhou), this brand offers a vast choice of foreign goods.
- Major general retailers like Carrefour, Walmart, or Metro also have an international section but are less specialized.
| City | Key Supermarket | Highlights |
| Shanghai | Olé / CitySuper | Premium Western products |
| Beijing | Jenny Lou’s / Olé | Wide American selection |
| Guangzhou | Olé / Corner’s Deli | European/U.S. products |
Popular Online Platforms
To complement the sometimes limited physical offerings depending on the neighborhood:
- Tmall Global and JD Worldwide offer fast delivery of foreign items directly from international warehouses.
- Hema (盒马) combines a mobile app & express delivery with an “imported goods” section.
List of useful apps:
- Pleco: instant Chinese/English translation on labels
- BonApp & Explore Shanghai: quick location of foreign restaurants/supermarkets
- Google Translate or Baidu Translate to automatically scan ingredients
Practical Tips
- Familiarize yourself with the Chinese names of essential ingredients to easily spot their local equivalents on packaging.
- Mobile apps with OCR recognition facilitate direct visual identification while shopping.
Expatriate Testimonials
Joanna (Philippines) recounts discovering unexpected blue cheese at a small local shop after asking for advice via a dedicated expat app.
Vy (Australia) explains that by chatting on GGI – Girl Gone International –, she found quinoa at Metro when the product seemed untraceable in mainland China.
An American expatriate testifies that he found Canadian maple syrup in a convenience store near an international university thanks to tips shared by SmartShanghai.
- Always ask local expat groups when looking for a rare ingredient
- Regularly check availability, which varies greatly by season
- Read Chinese labels carefully; some products have just changed names!
It’s essential for any expatriate wanting to cook internationally in China:
- To know the main specialized supermarkets by city,
- To master a few translation apps,
- And above all… To ask other expatriates who willingly share their good addresses!
Good to Know:
In Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, expatriates can go to specialized stores like Jenny Lou’s and City Shop for hard-to-find international ingredients. International markets such as the International Import Supermarket in Guangzhou offer a varied selection of foreign products. For a more convenient experience, online platforms like Taobao and JD.com allow the purchase of international food products with home delivery, aided by translation apps like Pleco to identify ingredients. Many expatriates have shared testimonials about discovering rare spices or cheeses in unexpected local markets, recommending not to underestimate small neighborhood shops. Familiarize yourself with Chinese labels by learning the characters of essential ingredients to better navigate available options and find local equivalents.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
