Many expats living in Shanghai are captivated by Chinese cuisine, with its harmonious blend of flavors, rich history, and global renown.

Prepare your 筷子 (kuài zi), or chopsticks, in this article, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to describe seven flavors of Chinese cuisine.

01. Sweet

Sweet dishes don't play a significant role in Chinese food culture, but some regions of China do offer a variety of sweet treats and drinks. For instance, Shanghai cuisine is known for its sweet flavors. One of the most famous dishes is 红烧肉 (hóng shāo ròu), a succulent braised pork belly cooked in a rich, sweet soy sauce.

甜

tián

sweet

Must-try sweet treats in China:

奶茶

nǎi chá

bubble milk tea

豆沙包

dòu shā bāo

red bean bun

A red bean bun is a soft, slightly sweet pastry filled with sweet red bean paste.

糖葫芦

táng hú lu

candied hawthorn fruit

Candied hawthorn fruit is a beloved Chinese street food from North China. It features fresh fruit, typically skewered on a long bamboo stick and encased in a glossy, sugary syrup.

02. Sour

This taste is achieved through various ingredients, such as vinegar, citrus fruits, fermented vegetables, and pickled ingredients. It offers a delightful contrast to other flavors commonly found in Chinese cuisine, like spiciness.

酸

suān

sour

Chinese dishes with a sour taste:

酸菜鱼

suān cài yú

sauerkraut fish

Sauerkraut fish is a Chinese dish that combines tender white fish with tangy sauerkraut, creating a perfect balance of savory and sour flavors.

锅包肉

guō bāo ròu

fried pork in scoop

Fried pork in scoop is a classic dish from Northeast China. Crispy, tender pork is combined with a sweet and tangy sauce, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.

03. Bitter

Bitterness is typically paired with other flavors to maximize its culinary impact. Some examples of bitter food include garlic, mustard powder, star anise, and arugula.

苦

kǔ

bitter

Bitterness happens to be the predominant taste of the herbs used to prepare Chinese medicine. Many elderly people in China believe that these bitter ingredients can help cure illnesses.

中药

zhōng yào

traditional Chinese medicine

04. Spicy

This is the taste that most often comes to foreigners' minds when thinking of Chinese dishes. Sichuan and Hunan cuisines are both famous for their spiciness, which is influenced by the humid climates of the regions. It's believed that eating spicy food can help dispel internal dampness and cold, making people feel healthier and more comfortable.

辣

là

spicy

Give this a try:

四川火锅

sì chuān huǒ guō

Sichuan hotpot

Sichuan hotpot is the quintessential example of spicy Chinese cuisine. It features a bubbling pot with spicy and mild broths, where diners cook a variety of ingredients, resulting in a flavor-packed meal.

剁椒鱼头

duò jiāo yú tóu

fish head with chopped red chili

Fish head with chopped red chili is one of the most well-known dishes in Hunan cuisine. It offers a distinctive flavor through the fusion of fish and red chili.

05. Salty

Though excessive salt is harmful to one’s health, "saltiness" is an essential part of Chinese food culture.

咸

xián

salty

Many Chinese dishes have a strong taste due to the large amount of soy sauce used during the preparation process.

酱油

jiàng yóu

soy sauce

Chinese dish with a salty flavor:

豉油鸡

chǐ yóu jī

soy sauce chicken

Soy sauce chicken is a timeless classic in Cantonese cuisine. The chicken is typically served in bite-sized pieces, making it easy to enjoy its savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying taste.

06. Fragrant

In China, 香 (xiāng) is used to describe things that smell nice. When a dish is considered perfect, it should be "色香味俱全" (sè xiāng wèi jù quán), which means it looks good, smells great, and tastes delicious.

香

xiāng

fragrant

Chinese dishes with fragrant flavors:

烤鸭

kǎo yā

roast duck

Roast duck has succulent, crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. A delightful combination of textures and tastes makes it a beloved symbol of Chinese cuisine worldwide.

宫保鸡丁

gōng bǎo jī dīng

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken, a traditional Chinese dish popular in regions like Sichuan, Shandong, Beijing, and Guizhou provinces, is renowned for its captivating fragrance.

07. Stinky

In China, there are a few types of food that smell "terrible" but taste "terrific". What most Western people can't stand about stinky food is that its pungent smell immediately makes them lose their appetites. However, some people become addicted to it after taking just one bite.

臭

chòu

stinky

Try the symbol of 'stinky flavor':

臭豆腐

chòu dòu fu

stinky tofu

Stinky tofu is a dish made from fermented tofu known for its strong smell and unique, deliciously crispy texture, making it a distinctive flavor in Chinese cuisine.

Bonus: Restaurant phrases

Don't hesitate to seek recommendations from restaurant staff based on your taste, or to adjust the level of spiciness if you're not sure how spicy a dish might be. Enjoy exploring the diverse and flavorful world of Chinese cuisine!

这个菜辣吗?

zhè gè cài là ma?

Is this dish spicy?

literally "This-dish-spicy-ma"?

我不吃 XX。

wǒ bù chī XX

I don't eat XX.

你们的特色菜是什么?

nǐ men de tè sè cài shì shén me?

What is your special cuisine? Or What are your specialties?

literally "Your-special-dish-is-what"?

 

Source: That's Mandarin

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