You can find Chinese food literally everywhere. From street food stalls to fancy Chinese restaurants, there's something for every taste bud. But if you're a true fan of Chinese cuisine, you should try it in China itself – it's a whole different experience! Eating like a local here in China truly is an adventure. Here’s a guide to experiencing the best of Chinese cuisine.

Shandong Cuisine - Image via Flickr

When you're dining in China, take a moment to really check out what's on your plate. It's like a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds! Chinese dishes are not just cooked; they're crafted. Bright colours, deep flavours, and textures all come together to create an extraordinary masterpiece. The chefs here don't just chop and mix; they carve and create, turning every ingredient into a work of art.

Rice and noodles are two staples you’ll see in almost every dish. You might think that eating rice and noodles every day is boring, but here’s the thing: Chinese cuisine is anything but boring. From the spicy kick of Sichuan to the fresh seafood of coastal regions, Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse.

Now, when it comes to the taste of Chinese cuisine, it's all about balance. According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are five key flavours – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy – and getting them just right is an art form. Depending on where you are in China, these flavours take on different forms, influenced by everything from the local geography and resources to cultural customs and cooking methods.

While you’re here in China, why not try making a dish or two yourself? You can if you stay at a place like Citadines Songhong Road Shanghai – hotels and hostels are great accommodation options, but apartments in Changning District Shanghai are great for travellers looking for a bit of autonomy, space, and privacy.

When you dive into Shandong cuisine, also known as Lu cuisine, you're getting a taste of one of China's most widespread culinary styles. It's all about simplicity. This isn't about fancy sauces or complex techniques. Here, it's the ingredients that are the stars of the show.

In Shandong, they have the amazing ability to bring out the true, natural flavours of whatever they're cooking.

Sichuan cuisine is where things start to heat up! Known worldwide for its fiery kick, Sichuan food is all about chillis and peppers. But it's not just about setting your mouth on fire; there's a real art to how they use spices. They have over 40 different cooking techniques up their sleeves to make sure each dish is a spicy masterpiece.

Cantonese cuisine, or Yue cuisine, hailing from China's Guangdong Province, is like the fine art of the culinary world. Cantonese dishes that are not just meals but experiences, characterised by their fresh, tender flavours. It's a cuisine that's all about subtlety and finesse.

Begin your dining experience at a Chinese restaurant with a bowl of soup. The soup's broth fills you up a bit, so you won't be as hungry when the main course rolls out. Starting with a soup can really make the rest of your meal more enjoyable. It's a good idea to steer clear of heavy starters. They can leave you too full for the main event!

When choosing your main course at a Chinese restaurant, aim for dishes that are rich in vegetables but include just a bit of meat. This way, you get a delightful mix of flavours and nutrients. Whether you go for seafood, chicken, beef, pork, lamb, or duck, you'll find a rainbow of colours and a variety of recipes to choose from.

Eating Chinese food is all about sharing the dishes with everyone else at the table.

This act of sharing isn't just about enjoying a variety of flavours; it's a deep-rooted practice in Asian culture. It fosters a sense of belonging and togetherness. In many Asian cultures, communal eating is a daily ritual that strengthens bonds and brings joy to the simple act of dining. So, when you share your meal, you're not just sharing food, you're participating in a cherished cultural tradition.