View source for Chinese cuisine

{{short description|Culinary traditions of China}}
{{Redirect|Chinese food|||other uses|Chinese food (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
[[File:Collage Chinese Cuisine by User-EME.png|thumb|An assortment of Chinese food. '''Clockwise from top left:''' [[Peking duck]], [[misua]], [[Kung Pao chicken]], [[mooncake]]s, [[baijiu]], [[Wonton|wonton soup]], [[spring roll]]s]]
{{Cuisine of China}}

'''Chinese cuisine''' comprises [[cuisine]]s originating from [[Greater China|China]], as well as from [[Overseas Chinese|Chinese people from other parts of the world]]. Because of the Chinese diaspora and the historical power of the country, Chinese cuisine has profoundly influenced other cuisines in [[Asia]] and beyond, with modifications made to cater to local palates. Chinese food staples like [[rice]], [[soy sauce]], [[noodles]], [[tea]], [[chili oil]], and [[tofu]], and utensils such as [[chopsticks]] and the [[wok]], can now be found worldwide.

The world's earliest eating establishments recognizable as [[Restaurant|restaurants]] in the modern sense first emerged in [[Song dynasty]] China during the 11th and 12th centuries.<ref name="history">{{cite web |last=Roos |first=Dave |date=18 May 2020 |title=When Did People Start Eating in Restaurants? |url=https://www.history.com/news/first-restaurants-china-france |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627003443/https://www.history.com/news/first-restaurants-china-france |archive-date=27 June 2023 |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=History.com}}</ref><ref name="Gernet133">{{harvcoltxt|Gernet|1962|p=133}}</ref> [[Street food]] became an integral aspect of Chinese food culture in the 7th century during the [[Tang dynasty]], and the street food culture of much of [[Southeast Asia]] was established by workers imported from China during the late 19th century.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KVf94-rwpJ8C&pg=PA63 |title=Slow Food: Collected Thoughts on Taste, Tradition, and the Honest Pleasures ... |date=2001 |publisher=Chelsea Green Publishing |isbn=9781603581721 |editor-last=Petrini |editor-first=Carlo |language=en}}</ref>

The preferences for [[seasoning]] and [[Chinese cooking techniques|cooking techniques]] in Chinese provinces depend on differences in [[social class]], [[Religion in China|religion]], [[history of Chinese cuisine|historical background]], and [[List of ethnic groups in China|ethnic groups]]. Geographic features including mountains, rivers, forests, and deserts also have a strong effect on the locally available ingredients, considering that the climate of China varies from [[Tropical savanna climate|tropical]] in the south to [[Subarctic climate|subarctic]] in the northeast. [[Chinese aristocrat cuisine|Imperial royal and noble preferences]] also play a role in the change of Chinese cuisine. Because of imperial expansion, immigration, and trading, ingredients and cooking techniques from other cultures have been integrated into Chinese cuisines over time and Chinese culinary influences have spread worldwide.

There are numerous regional, religious, and ethnic styles of Chinese cuisine found within China and abroad. Chinese cuisine is highly diverse and most frequently categorised into provincial divisions, although these province-level classifications consist of many more styles within themselves. During the [[Qing dynasty]], the most praised [[Four Great Traditions]] in Chinese cuisine were [[Sichuan cuisine|Chuan]], [[Shandong cuisine|Lu]], [[Cantonese cuisine|Yue]], and [[Huaiyang cuisine|Huaiyang]], representing cuisines of West, North, South, and East China, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Four Major Cuisines in China|url=http://www.cits.net/china-travel-guide/four-major-cuisines-in-china.html|website=CITS|access-date=10 January 2017|archive-date=11 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111004157/http://www.cits.net/china-travel-guide/four-major-cuisines-in-china.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Dunlop |first=Fuchsia |title=Invitation to a Banquet |publication-date=2023}}</ref> In 1980, a modern grouping from Chinese journalist Wang Shaoquan's article published in the ''[[People's Daily]]'' newspaper identified the [[Eight Cuisines of China]] as [[Anhui cuisine|Anhui]] ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=徽菜 |p=Huīcài}}), [[Cantonese cuisine|Guangdong]] ({{lang-zh|labels=no|s=粵菜 |p=Yuècài}}), [[Fujian cuisine|Fujian]] ({{lang-zh|labels=no|s=閩菜 |p=Mǐncài}}), [[Hunan cuisine|Hunan]] ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=湘菜 |p=Xiāngcài}}), [[Jiangsu cuisine|Jiangsu]] ({{lang-zh|labels=no|s=蘇菜 |p=Sūcài}}), [[Shandong cuisine|Shandong]] ({{lang-zh|labels=no|s=魯菜 |p=Lǔcài}}), [[Sichuan cuisine|Sichuan]] ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=川菜 |p=Chuāncài}}), and [[Zhejiang cuisine|Zhejiang]] ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=浙菜 |p=Zhècài}}).<ref name="beautyfujian">[https://web.archive.org/web/20130731165745/http://beautyfujian.com/Fujian/Fujian_Cuisine.html "Fujian Cuisine.] [http://beautyfujian.com/ Beautyfujian.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710001538/http://beautyfujian.com/ |date=10 July 2011 }}. Accessed June 2011.</ref><ref name=":3" />
[[File:Quanjude roastduck.JPG|upright|thumb|A [[Quanjude]] cook is slicing [[Peking duck|Peking roast duck]]. Peking duck is eaten by rolling pieces of duck with scallion, cucumber and [[sweet bean sauce]] using steamed pancakes.<ref>[http://chinatour.net/beijing/food/ "Beijing cuisine and Peking roasted duck."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210080113/http://chinatour.net/beijing/food/ |date=10 December 2014 }} [http://chinatour.net/ ChinaTour.Net] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215041757/http://chinatour.net/ |date=15 December 2014 }}. Accessed Dec 2011.</ref>]]
Chinese cuisine is deeply intertwined with [[traditional Chinese medicine]], such as in the practise of [[Chinese food therapy]]. Color, scent and taste are the three traditional aspects used to describe Chinese food,<ref>This standard starts from [[Tang dynasty]] in the 6th century by [[Bai Juyi]] from the ''Preface of [[Lychee]] Diagram'': After leaving branch...for four and five days, the color, smell, and taste (of lychee) will be gone. ({{lang-zh|labels=no|t=《荔枝圖序》：「若離本枝……四五日外，色、香、味盡去矣」。}}）</ref> as well as the meaning, appearance, and nutrition of the food. Cooking should be appraised with respect to the ingredients used, knife work, cooking time, and seasoning.

== History ==
{{main|History of Chinese cuisine}}

{{See also|List of sources of Chinese culinary history}}

=== Pre-Tang dynasty ===
[[File: Braised Shredded Chicken with Ham and Dried Tofu 2011-04.JPG|thumb|''[[Dazhu gansi|Dàzhǔ gānsī]]'' is a typical soup dish of [[Huaiyang cuisine]]. It is made of finely sliced dried tofu, chicken, ham and bamboo shoot, and the ingredients need to be braised with shrimp in chicken soup. It was highly praised by the [[Qianlong emperor]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Braised Shredded Dried Tofu|url=http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/english/cooking/2011-06/14/content_434301.htm|website=China Today|date=14 June 2011|access-date=10 January 2017|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302041603/http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/english/cooking/2011-06/14/content_434301.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> ]]
[[File:La Zi Ji (Chicken with Chiles) (2269517013).jpg|thumb|''[[Laziji|Làzǐ Jī]]'', stir-fried chicken with chili and [[Sichuan pepper]] in Sichuan style]]
[[File:Chinese Steamed Perch.jpg|thumb|Steamed whole [[perch]] with roe inside. Sliced [[ginger]] and spring onion is usually spread on top.]]

Chinese society greatly valued [[gastronomy]], and developed an extensive study of the subject based on its [[traditional Chinese medicine|traditional medical beliefs]].  Chinese culture initially centered around the [[Central Plain (China)|North China Plain]]. The first domesticated crops seem to have been the [[foxtail millet|foxtail]] and [[broomcorn millet|broomcorn]] varieties of [[millet]], while [[rice]] was cultivated in the south. By 2000 BC, wheat had arrived from western Asia. These grains were typically served as warm [[noodle]] soups instead of baked into bread as in Europe. Nobles hunted various wild game and consumed [[Lamb and mutton|mutton]], pork and [[Dog meat#Mainland China|dog]] as these animals were domesticated. Grain was stored against famine and flood and meat was preserved with salt, vinegar, curing, and fermenting. The flavor of the meat was enhanced by cooking it in animal fats though this practice was mostly restricted to the wealthy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibiblio.org/chineseculture/contents/food/p-food-c01s01.html|title=The Cultural Heritage of China :: Food & Drink :: Cuisine :: Introduction|last=Wertz|first=Richard R.|website=www.ibiblio.org|access-date=2 May 2016|archive-date=21 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721114148/http://www.ibiblio.org/chineseculture/contents/food/p-food-c01s01.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

By the time of [[Confucius]] in the [[Warring States period|late Zhou]], gastronomy had become a high art. Confucius discussed the principles of dining: {{blockquote|The rice would never be too white, the meat would never be too finely cut... When it was not cooked right, man would not eat. When it was cooked bad, man would not eat. When the meat was not cut properly, man would not eat. When the food was not prepared with the right sauce, man would not eat. Although there are plenty of meats, they should not be cooked more than staple food. There is no limit for alcohol, before a man gets drunk.<ref>''[[Analects]]'', Book 10 ''Xiang Dang'' (鄉黨), Chapter 6, Verse 8: 食不厭精，膾不厭細。……失飪不食。……割不正，不食。不得其醬，不食。肉雖多，不使勝食氣。惟酒無量，不及亂。</ref>}} The [[Lüshi chunqiu]] notes: "Only if one is chosen as the [[Son of Heaven]] will the tastiest delicacies be prepared [for him]."<ref>{{cite book|last=Hollman|first=Thomas|title=The Land of the Five Flavors|publisher=[[Columbia University Press]]}}</ref>

The [[Zhaohun]] (4–3rd c. BC) gives some examples: turtle ragout, honey cakes and beer (chilled with ice).

During [[Qin Shi Huang|Shi Huangdi]]'s [[Qin dynasty]], the empire expanded into the south. By the time of the [[Han dynasty]], the different regions and cuisines of China's people were linked by major [[canal]]s and leading to greater complexity in the different regional cuisines. Not only is food seen as giving "[[qi]]", energy, but the food is also about maintaining yin and yang.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Roberts |first=J.A.G.|title=China to Chinatown |publisher=University of Chicago Press |year=2004 |isbn=9781861892270 |series=Globalities |url=https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/C/bo3536662.html |access-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> The philosophy behind it was rooted in the ''[[I Ching]]'' and [[Chinese traditional medicine]]: food was judged for color, aroma, taste, and texture and a good meal was expected to balance the [[Chinese herbology#Four Natures|Four Natures]] ('[[Yin and yang|hot]]', warm, cool, and '[[Yin and yang|cold]]') and the [[Chinese herbology#Five Flavors|Five Tastes]] (pungent, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty). [[Salt in Chinese history#Salt in Chinese cuisine|Salt was used as a preservative]] from early times, but in cooking was added in the form of soy sauce, and not at the table.{{sfnb|Anderson|1988| p = [https://books.google.com/books?id=BAcknxN_S8QC&q=%22salt+by+itself+was+never+used%22&pg=PA207 267]}}

By the Later Han period (2nd century), writers{{who|date=August 2013}} frequently complained of lazy aristocrats who did nothing but sit around all day eating [[Smoking (cooking)|smoked]] meats and roasts.

During the [[Han dynasty]], the Chinese developed methods of food preservation for military rations during campaigns such as drying meat into [[jerky]] and cooking, roasting, and drying grain.{{sfnb|Anderson|1988| p= [https://books.google.com/books?id=BAcknxN_S8QC&pg=PA52 52]}}
Chinese legends claim that the roasted, flat bread [[shaobing]] was brought back from the ''[[Western Regions|Xiyu]]'' (the Western Regions, a name for [[Central Asia]]) by the Han dynasty General [[Ban Chao]], and that it was originally known as hubing ({{lang|zh|胡餅}}, lit. "barbarian bread"). The shaobing is believed to be descended from the hubing.<ref>{{cite book|title=Fermentations and Food Science, Volume 6|first=H. T.|last=Huang
|year=2000|publisher=Cambridge University Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FgtFxedkgbcC&q=shao+ping+sesame&pg=PA474|page=474|isbn=0521652707|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref> [[Shaobing]] is believed to be related to the Persian ''[[tandoor bread|nan]]'' and Central Asian ''[[tandyr nan|nan]]'', as well as the Middle Eastern [[pita]].{{sfnb|Anderson|1988| p= [https://books.google.com/books?id=BAcknxN_S8QC&pg=PA143 143, 144, 218]}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Food in China: A Cultural and Historical Inquiry|first=Frederick J.|last=Simoons|year=1990|publisher=CRC Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fo087ZxohA4C&q=shao+ping+sesame&pg=PA89|page=89|isbn=084938804X|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Free China Review, Volume 45, Issues 7-12|year=1995|publisher=W.Y. Tsao|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JiXjAAAAMAAJ&q=The+name+%22shao+ping%22+applies+to+a+family+of+flaky,+fiat,+sesame-seed-+topped+breads+of+Persian+origin+but+now+found+in+all+locales+along+the+old+Silk+Road.|page=66|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="Holcombe2001">{{cite book|author=Charles Holcombe|title=The Genesis of East Asia: 221 B.C. - A.D. 907|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XT5pvPZ4vroC&pg=PA129|date=January 2001|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|isbn=978-0-8248-2465-5|pages=129–}}</ref> Foreign westerners made and sold sesame cakes in China during the Tang dynasty.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Golden Peaches of Samarkand: A Study of Tʻang Exotics|first=Edward H.|last=Schafer|edition=illustrated, reprint, revised|year=1963|publisher=University of California Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Z7cZ77SqEQC&pg=PA29|page=29|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref>

During the [[Southern and Northern dynasties]] non-Han people like the [[Xianbei]] of [[Northern Wei]] introduced their cuisine to northern China, and these influences continued up to the [[Tang dynasty]], popularizing meat like mutton and dairy products like goat milk, yogurts, and [[Kumis]] among even Han people. It was during the Song dynasty that [[Han Chinese]] developed an aversion to dairy products and abandoned the dairy foods introduced earlier.{{sfnb|Anderson|1988| p= [https://books.google.com/books?id=BAcknxN_S8QC&dq=yogurt+fish+wei&pg=PA80 80]}}

The Han Chinese rebel Wang Su who received asylum in the Xianbei Northern Wei after fleeing from Southern Qi, at first could not stand eating [[Dairy product|dairy products]] like goat's milk and meat like mutton and had to consume tea and fish instead, but after a few years he was able to eat yogurt and lamb, and the Xianbei Emperor asked him which of the foods of China (Zhongguo) he preferred, fish vs mutton and tea vs yogurt.<ref>{{cite book|title=Culture and Power in the Reconstitution of the Chinese Realm, 200-600|volume=200 of Harvard East Asian monographs|editor1-first=Scott|editor1-last=Pearce|editor2-first=Audrey G.|editor2-last=Spiro|editor3-first=Patricia Buckley|editor3-last=Ebrey|edition=illustrated|year=2001|publisher=Harvard Univ Asia Center|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PASE4LVLzQ0C&q=yogurt+fish+wei&pg=PA22|page=22|isbn=0674005236|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=China Between Empires|first=Mark Edward|last=Lewis|year=2009|publisher=Harvard University Press|url=https://archive.org/details/chinabetweenempi00lewi|url-access=registration|quote=wang su yoghurt.|page=[https://archive.org/details/chinabetweenempi00lewi/page/126 126]|isbn=978-0674026056|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Fermentations and Food Science, Volume 6|first=H. T.|last=Huang|year=2000|publisher=Cambridge University Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FgtFxedkgbcC&q=wang+su+yogurt&pg=PA511|page=511|isbn=0521652707|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{citation |last=Choo |first=Jessey Jiun-chyi |author2=Albert E. Dien |display-authors=1 |ref={{harvid|Choo & al.|2014}} |contribution=Everyday Life |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=AeiIl2y6vJQC&pg=PA434 434] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AeiIl2y6vJQC |contribution-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ffEYBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA429 |title=Early Medieval China: A Sourcebook |editor-last=Swartz |editor-first=Wendy |editor2=Robert Ford Campany |editor3=Lu Yang |editor4=Jessey Jiun-chyi Choo |display-editors=0 |publisher=Columbia University Press |location=New York |date=2014 |isbn=978-0-231-15987-6 }}.</ref>

=== Post-Tang dynasty ===
The great migration of Chinese people south during the invasions preceding and during the [[Song dynasty]] increased the relative importance of [[northern and southern China|southern Chinese]] staples such as rice and [[congee]]. [[Su Shi|Su Dongpo]] has improved the red braised pork as [[Dongpo pork]].<ref>《東坡續集》卷十：《豬肉頌》：“洗凈鐺，少著水，柴頭罨煙燄不起。待他自熟莫催他，火候足時他自美。黃州好豬肉，價賤如泥土。貴者不肯食，貧者不解煮。早晨起來打兩碗，飽得自家君莫管。”</ref> The dietary and culinary habits also changed greatly during this period, with many ingredients such as [[soy sauce]] and Central Asian influenced foods becoming widespread and the creation of important cookbooks such as the ''Shanjia Qinggong'' ({{lang-zh|t=山家清供|c=|p=Shānjiā qīnggòng}}) and the ''[[Wushi Zhongkuilu]]'' ({{lang-zh|t=吳氏中饋錄|c=|p=Wúshì zhōngkuìlù}}) showing the respective esoteric foods and common household cuisine of the time.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|last=Höllmann|first=Thomas O.|title=The land of the five flavors : a cultural history of Chinese cuisine|date=2014|others=Karen Margolis|isbn=978-0-231-53654-7|location=New York|oclc=868132659}}</ref>

The [[Yuan dynasty|Yuan]] and [[Qing dynasty|Qing]] dynasties introduced [[Mongolian cuisine|Mongolian]] and [[Manchu cuisine]], warm northern dishes that popularized [[hot pot]] cooking. During the [[Islam during the Yuan dynasty|Yuan dynasty]] many [[Muslim Chinese|Muslim communities]] emerged in China, who practiced a porkless cuisine now preserved by [[Chinese Islamic cuisine|Hui restaurants]] throughout the country. Mongolian cuisine specially Mongolian beef, though popular globally, originated outside Mongolia. Mongolian beef was created in Taiwan in the 1950s, inspired by the rise of Mongolian barbecue-style cooking. Mongolian beef is a perfect example of fusion cuisine.<ref name="mongolian beef origin">{{cite web |last1=ALI |first1=BAKHAT |title=Why is China King Mongolian Beef a must-try dish? (Price Included) |url=https://chinakingsmenu.com/mongolian-beef/ |website=China King Menu |publisher=BAKHAT ALI |access-date=4 January 2025}}</ref> [[Yunnan cuisine]] is unique in China for its cheeses like [[Rubing]] and [[Rushan cheese]] made by the [[Bai people]], and its yogurt, the yogurt may have been due to a combination of Mongolian influence during the Yuan dynasty, the Central Asian settlement in Yunnan, and the proximity and influence of India and Tibet on Yunnan.{{sfnb|Anderson|1988| p= [https://books.google.com/books?id=BAcknxN_S8QC&pg=PA52 91, 178]}}

As part of the last leg of the [[Columbian Exchange]], Spanish and Portuguese traders began introducing foods from the New World to China through the port cities of [[Guangzhou|Canton]] and [[Macau]]. Mexican [[chili pepper]]s became essential ingredients in [[Sichuan cuisine]] and calorically dense potatoes and corn became staple foods across the northern plains.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}

During the Qing dynasty, Chinese gastronomes such as [[Yuan Mei]] focused upon the primary goal of extracting the maximum flavour of each ingredient. As noted in his culinary work the ''[[Suiyuan shidan]]'', however, the fashions of cuisine at the time were quite varied and in some cases were flamboyantly ostentatious,<ref>{{cite web|title=Things to Avoid 3: Meals for the Ears (戒耳餐)|website=Translating the Suiyuan Shidan|url=https://wayoftheeating.wordpress.com/2014/05/22/things-to-avoid-3-meals-for-the-ears/|access-date=8 March 2015|date=22 May 2014|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402201422/https://wayoftheeating.wordpress.com/2014/05/22/things-to-avoid-3-meals-for-the-ears/|url-status=live}}</ref> especially when the display served also a formal ceremonial purpose, as in the case of the [[Manchu Han Imperial Feast]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Things to Avoid 12: Cliché (戒落套)|website=Translating the Suiyuan Shidan|url=https://wayoftheeating.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/things-to-avoid-12-cliche/|access-date=8 March 2015|date=5 September 2014|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112904/https://wayoftheeating.wordpress.com/2014/09/05/things-to-avoid-12-cliche/|url-status=live}}</ref>

As the pace of life increases in modern China, fast food like [[fried noodles]], [[fried rice]] and ''[[gaifan]]'' (dish over rice) become more and more popular.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}}

==Regional cuisines==
{{main|Chinese regional cuisine}}
[[File:Cuisines of China.png|thumb|upright=1.15|Map showing major regional cuisines of China]]
[[File:狮子头01 (5935161191).jpg|upright=1.15|thumb|"[[Stewed meatball|Lion's head]] with [[crab meat]]" ({{lang-zh|labels=no|t=蟹粉獅子頭}}) is a traditional eastern Chinese meatball soup.]]
Chinese cuisine exhibits an immense amount of regional diversity. A number of different styles contribute to Chinese cuisine but perhaps the best known and most influential are [[Guangdong cuisine|Cantonese cuisine]], [[Shandong cuisine]], [[Jiangsu cuisine]] (specifically [[Huaiyang cuisine]]) and [[Sichuan cuisine]].<ref name="Yao"/><ref>[http://www.kas.ku.edu/archived-site/chinese_food/regional_cuisine.html "Regions of Chinese food-styles/flavors of cooking."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005071508/http://www.kas.ku.edu/archived-site/chinese_food/regional_cuisine.html |date=5 October 2011 }} [http://www.kas.ku.edu/ University of Kansas]  , Kansas Asia Scholars. Accessed June 2011.</ref> These styles are distinctive from one another due to factors such as availability of resources, climate, [[Geography of China|geography]], [[History of China|history]], cooking techniques and lifestyle.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/07/chinas-culinary-diversity-in-one-map/278138/| title = "China's Culinary Diversity in One Map"| website = [[The Atlantic]]| date = 26 July 2013| access-date = 6 March 2017| archive-date = 5 April 2023| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230405111141/https://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/07/chinas-culinary-diversity-in-one-map/278138/| url-status = live}}</ref>

One style may favour the use of [[garlic]] and [[shallot]]s over chili and spices, while another may favour preparing [[seafood]] over other meats and [[fowl]]. [[Jiangsu cuisine]] favours cooking techniques such as [[braising]] and [[stewing]], while [[Sichuan cuisine]] employs [[baking]]. [[Zhejiang cuisine]] focuses more on serving fresh food, [[Fujian cuisine]] is famous for its seafood and soups and the use of spices, [[Hunan cuisine]] is famous for its hot and salty taste, [[Anhui cuisine]] incorporates wild ingredients for an unusual taste.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Chuankang |first1=Cheng |title=THE CULTURE OF CHINESE DIET:REGIONAL DIFFERENTIATION AND DEVELOPING TRENDS |journal=Acta Geographica Sinica |date=15 May 1994 |volume=61 |issue=3 |pages=226–235 |url=http://www.geog.com.cn/EN/Y1994/V61/I3/226 |language=zh |issn=0375-5444 |access-date=27 November 2019 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728125444/http://www.geog.com.cn/EN/Y1994/V61/I3/226 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Based on the raw materials and ingredients used, the method of preparation and cultural differences, a variety of foods with different flavors and textures are prepared in different regions of the country. Many traditional regional cuisines rely on basic methods of [[Food preservation|preservation]] such as [[Drying (food)|drying]], [[Salting (food)|salting]], [[pickling]] and [[fermentation (food)|fermentation]].<ref name=Hsieh />

In addition, the "rice theory" attempts to describe cultural differences between north and south China; in the north, noodles are more consumed due to wheat being widely grown whereas in the south, rice is more preferred as it has historically been more cultivated there.<ref>{{cite web|title= 'Rice theory' explains north-south China cultural differences|url= https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140508141743.htm|access-date= 6 September 2019|archive-date= 10 September 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190910192129/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140508141743.htm|url-status= live}}</ref>

==Staple foods==
{{multiple image|perrow=3|total_width=360
 | image1 = Steamed rice in bowl 01.jpg
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 | footer = Staple foods in China: rice, breads and various kinds of noodles
}}

Chinese ancestors successfully planted [[millet]], [[rice]], and other grains about 8,000 to 9,000 years ago.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Callaway|first=Ewen|date=October 2014|title=Domestication: The birth of rice|journal=Nature|language=en|volume=514|issue=7524|pages=S58–S59|doi=10.1038/514S58a|pmid=25368889|bibcode=2014Natur.514S..58C|s2cid=4457200|issn=1476-4687|doi-access=free}}</ref> [[Wheat]], another staple, took another three or four thousand years. For the first time, grains provided people with a steady supply of food. Because of the lack of various foods, Chinese people had to adapt to new eating habits. Meat was scarce, and so people cooked with small amounts of meat and rice or noodles.<ref name=":1">{{cite journal |last1=Ma |first1=Guansheng |title=Food, eating behavior, and culture in Chinese society |journal=Journal of Ethnic Foods |date=December 2015 |volume=2 |issue=4 |pages=195–199 |doi=10.1016/j.jef.2015.11.004|doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Rice===
[[History of rice cultivation#Asia|Rice was domesticated]] in the Yangtze River basin in southern China approximately 9,000 years ago and is a primary [[staple food]] for people from rice farming areas in southern China.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ma|first=Guansheng|date=December 2015|title=Food, eating behavior, and culture in Chinese society|journal=Journal of Ethnic Foods|volume=2|issue=4|pages=195–199|doi=10.1016/j.jef.2015.11.004|doi-access=free}}</ref> [[Steamed rice]] ({{langx|zh|米饭}} {{transliteration|zh|mǐfàn}}), usually [[white rice]], is the most commonly eaten form. People in South China also like to use rice to make congee as breakfast.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chinese Rice Porridge (Congee) Recipe|url=https://www.eatingchina.com/recipes/rice-porridge.htm|access-date=14 October 2021|website=Eating China|language=en-AU}}</ref> Rice is also used to produce [[Beer in China|beer]] and [[vinegar]].   [[Glutinous rice]] ("sticky rice") is a variety of rice used in special dishes such as lotus leaf rice and glutinous rice balls.

===Wheat===
[[File:台灣南投草屯水餃Nantou, Taiwan Caotun dumplings.jpg|thumb|''Jiaozi'']]
In wheat-farming areas in [[northern and southern China|Northern China]], people largely rely on [[flour]]-based food, such as [[Chinese noodle|noodles]], ''[[Bing (bread)|bing]]'' (bread), ''[[jiaozi]]'' (a kind of Chinese [[dumpling]]s), and ''[[mantou]]'' (a type of steamed buns).<ref name=Yao>Yao, Zhang. ''China Everyday!''. Page One Pub. 2007. {{ISBN|978-981-245-330-3}}</ref> Wheat likely "appeared in the lower Yellow River around 2600 Before Common Era (BCE), followed by Gansu and Xinjiang around 1900 BCE and finally occurred in the middle Yellow River and Tibet regions by 1600 BCE".<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Long|first1=Tengwen|last2=Leipe|first2=Christian|last3=Jin|first3=Guiyun|last4=Wagner|first4=Mayke|last5=Guo|first5=Rongzhen|last6=Schröder|first6=Oskar|last7=Tarasov|first7=Pavel E.|date=2018|title=The early history of wheat in China from 14C dating and Bayesian chronological modelling|url=http://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-018-0141-x|journal=Nature Plants|language=en|volume=4|issue=5|pages=272–279|doi=10.1038/s41477-018-0141-x|pmid=29725102|s2cid=19156382|issn=2055-0278|access-date=4 December 2021|archive-date=12 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212120303/http://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-018-0141-x|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

===Noodles===
{{main|Chinese noodles}}

[[Noodle]]s ({{langx|zh|面/麵}} {{transliteration|zh|miàn}}) were invented in China over 4,000 years ago and have since spread across the world. [[Chinese noodles]] come dry or fresh in a variety of sizes, shapes and textures and are often served in soups or fried as toppings. Some varieties, such as Shou Mian (寿面, literally noodles of longevity), is an avatar of long life and good health according to Chinese traditions.<ref name=Yao /> Noodles can be served hot or cold with different toppings, with broth, and occasionally dry (as is the case with mi-fen).  Noodles are commonly made with rice flour or wheat flour, but other flours such as [[Soy flour|soybean]] are also used in minor groups. Some noodles names describe their methods of creation, such as the hand-pulled noodle.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Zhang|first1=Na|last2=Ma|first2=Guansheng|date=1 September 2016|title=Noodles, traditionally and today|journal=Journal of Ethnic Foods|language=en|volume=3|issue=3|pages=209–212|doi=10.1016/j.jef.2016.08.003|issn=2352-6181|doi-access=free}}</ref>

==Soybean products==
[[File:Tofu - assorted products 01.jpg|thumb|Several kinds of soybean products are sold in a farmer's market in [[Haikou]], China.]]
[[File:Stired-fried_Razor_Clams_with_Black_Beans_and_Pepper.jpg|thumb|Stir-fried [[razor shell]] with ''[[douchi]]'' (fermented black soybeans) in [[Shandong Peninsula|Jiaodong]] style]]
[[Tofu]] is made of [[soybean]]s and is another popular food product that supplies protein. The production process of tofu varies from region to region, resulting in different kinds of tofu with a wide range of texture and taste.<ref name=Hsieh>J. Li & Y. Hsieh. ''Traditional Chinese Food Technology and Cuisine''. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004;13(2): 147–155.</ref> Other products such as [[soy milk]], [[soy paste]], [[soy oil]], and fermented [[soy sauce]] are also important in Chinese cooking.

There are many kinds of soybean products, including [[tofu skin]], smoked tofu, dried tofu, and fried tofu.
[[File:Stinkender Tofu 1.JPG|thumb|'''Stinky tofu''']]
[[Stinky tofu]] is fermented tofu. Like [[blue cheese]] or [[durian]], it has a very distinct, potent and strong smell, and is an acquired taste. Hard stinky tofu is often deep-fried and paired with soy sauce or salty spice. Soft stinky tofu is usually used as a spread on steamed buns.

[[Doufuru]] is another type of fermented tofu that has a salty taste. Doufuru can be pickled together with soy beans, [[red yeast rice]] or chili to create different color and flavor. This is more of a pickled type of tofu and is not as strongly scented as stinky tofu.  Doufuru has the consistency of slightly soft blue cheese, and a taste similar to Japanese [[miso paste]], but less salty. Doufuru can be used as a spread on steamed buns, or paired with [[Congee|rice congee]].

[[Fermented bean curd|Sufu]] is one other type of fermented tofu that goes through ageing process. The color (red, white, green) and flavor profile can determine the type of sufu it is. This kind of tofu is usually eaten alongside breakfast rice.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Han|first1=B. Z.|last2=Rombouts|first2=F. M.|last3=Nout|first3=M. J.|date=11 April 2001|title=A Chinese fermented soybean food|journal=International Journal of Food Microbiology|volume=65|issue=1–2|pages=1–10|doi=10.1016/s0168-1605(00)00523-7|issn=0168-1605|pmid=11322691}}</ref>

Soybean milk is soybean-based milk. It is a morning beverage, and it has many benefits to human health.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Yu |first1=Hansong |last2=Liu |first2=Ruixue |last3=Hu |first3=Yaohui |last4=Xu |first4=Baojun |date=31 December 2017 |title=Flavor profiles of soymilk processed with four different processing technologies and 26 soybean cultivars grown in China |journal=International Journal of Food Properties |language=en |volume=20 |issue=sup3 |pages=S2887–S2898 |doi=10.1080/10942912.2017.1382507 |s2cid=103900286 |issn=1094-2912|doi-access=free }}</ref>

==Vegetables==
Apart from vegetables that can be commonly seen, some unique [[vegetables]] used in Chinese cuisine include [[baby corn]], [[bok choy]], [[snow pea]]s, [[China|Chinese]] [[eggplant]], [[Gai lan|Chinese broccoli]], and [[Volvariella volvacea|straw mushrooms]].  Other vegetables, including [[bean sprout]]s, pea vine tips, [[watercress]], [[lotus root]]s, chestnuts, water chestnuts, and [[bamboo shoot]]s, are also used in different cuisines of China.

Because of different climate and soil conditions, cultivars of green beans, peas, and mushrooms can be found in rich variety.

A variety of dried or pickled vegetables are also processed, especially in drier or colder regions where fresh vegetables were hard to get out of season.

==Herbs and seasonings==
{{multiple image
| align             = middle
| direction         = horizontal
| width             = 200
| image1            = Five spices detailed.jpg
| caption1          = Ingredients of ''[[Five-spice powder|wu xiang fen]]'' (five-spice powder) are Sichuan peppercorn, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and star anise.
| image2            = Three_Cup_Chicken_in_Clay_Pot.jpg
| caption2          = ''[[Sanbeiji]]'' (three-cup chicken) traditionally is prepared with [[lard]], ''[[jiuniang]]'' (rice wine pudding) and [[soy sauce]].
}}

[[Seasoning]]s such as fresh [[ginger]] root, [[garlic]], [[scallion]], [[cilantro]] and [[sesame]] are widely used in many regional cuisines. [[Sichuan peppercorn]]s, [[star anise]], [[cinnamon]], [[fennel]], [[cloves]] and [[white pepper]]s and [[Polygonum|smart weed]] are also used in different regions.<ref name=times>{{cite web |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/real_food/article4262148.ece |title=Top 10 basic ingredients for Chinese cooking. |access-date=30 May 2010 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530060727/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/real_food/article4262148.ece |archive-date=30 May 2010 }} [''The Times'']. Accessed June 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Yan|first=Martin|title=Chinese Cooking For Dummies|url=http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/chinese-herbs-and-spices.html|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-date=5 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605224506/http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/chinese-herbs-and-spices.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

To add extra flavor to the dishes, many Chinese cuisines also contain dried Chinese mushrooms, dried baby shrimp, dried tangerine peel,<ref name="nytimes">{{Cite news |last=Simonds |first=Nina |date=2 June 1993 |title=Chinese Restaurants Are Adding Herbs for Flavor and Health |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/02/garden/chinese-restaurants-are-adding-herbs-for-flavor-and-health.html |access-date=6 January 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201133603/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/02/garden/chinese-restaurants-are-adding-herbs-for-flavor-and-health.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and dried Sichuan chillies.

When it comes to [[sauce]]s, China is home to soy sauce, which is made from fermented soybeans and wheat. A number of sauces are also based on fermented soybeans, including [[hoisin sauce]], ground bean sauce and yellow bean sauce. There are also different sauces preferred by regional cuisines, [[oyster sauce]], [[fish sauce]] and furu (fermented tofu) are also widely used. Vinegar also has a variety with different flavors: clear rice vinegar, [[Zhenjiang Vinegar|Chinkiang black rice vinegar]], Shanxi vinegar, Henghe vinegar etc.

== Meat ==
The most commonly consumed meat in China is [[pork]]. As of at least 2024, China is the second largest beef consuming market in the world.<ref name=":Han">{{Cite book |last=Han |first=Enze |title=The Ripple Effect: China's Complex Presence in Southeast Asia |date=2024 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-769659-0 |location=New York, NY}}</ref>{{Rp|page=85}} Steakhouses and hot pot restaurants serving beef are becoming increasingly popular in [[Urbanization in China|urban China]].<ref name=":Han" />{{Rp|page=85}} Chinese consumers particularly value freshly slaughtered beef.<ref name=":Han" />{{Rp|page=86}}

==Desserts and snacks==
{{Main|Chinese desserts|Chinese pastries}}

{{see also|List of Chinese desserts}}
{{multiple image
| align             = middle
| direction         = horizontal
| width             = 200
| image1            = 糕点-Chinese Pastries.jpg
| caption1          = Different ''gāo diǎn'' (traditional Chinese pastry) with different stuffing, including [[lotus seed]], rose, and mixture of pea and [[jackbean]]
| image2            = Egg custard tarts.jpg
| caption2          = [[Egg tart|Egg custard tart]] is a type of ''xī diǎn'' (Western pastry) originally from Britain and Portugal that became popular in [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]].
}}

Generally, seasonal fruits serve as the most common form of dessert consumed after dinner.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lin|first=Kathy|title=Chinese Food Cultural Profile|url=http://ethnomed.org/clinical/nutrition/chinese_food_cultural_profile|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-date=25 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525065453/http://ethnomed.org/clinical/nutrition/chinese_food_cultural_profile|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Dim sum]] (点心), originally means a small portion of food, can refer to dessert, or pastries. Later to avoid disambiguation, tian dian (甜点) and gao dian (糕点) are used to describe desserts and pastries.

Traditionally, Chinese desserts are sweet foods and dishes that are served with [[tea]], usually during the meal,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Pei-Mei's Chinese Cook Book Volume 2|last=Fu Pei-Mei|publisher=Askmar Publishing|year=2010|isbn=978-1-935842-05-7|location=Menlo Park, CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://languageoffood.blogspot.com/2009/10/dessert.html|title=The Language of Food: Dessert|last=Jurafsky|first=Dan|date=6 October 2009|website=The Language of Food|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-date=17 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317054930/http://languageoffood.blogspot.com/2009/10/dessert.html|url-status=live}}</ref> or at the end of meals in Chinese cuisine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibiblio.org/chineseculture/contents/food/p-food-c01s01.html|title=Food & Drink: Cuisine|last=Wertz|first=Richard R.|date=2016|website=The Cultural Heritage of China|access-date=17 March 2017|archive-date=21 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421221732/http://www.ibiblio.org/chineseculture/contents/food/p-food-c01s01.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Besides being served as dim sum along with tea, pastries are used for celebration of traditional festivals.<ref>{{cite web|language=zh|url=http://s.visitbeijing.com.cn/html/bjtc-15_gd.shtml|title=Daoxiangcun - Introduction of Beijing Local Special Product|publisher=Visit Beijing|access-date=11 January 2017|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113143937/http://s.visitbeijing.com.cn/html/bjtc-15_gd.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> The most famous one is [[moon cake]], used to celebrate the [[Mid-Autumn Festival]].

A wide variety of [[Chinese desserts]] are available, mainly including steamed and boiled sweet snacks. [[Bing (Chinese flatbread)|Bing]] is an umbrella term for all breads in Chinese, also including pastries and sweets. These are baked wheat-flour-based confections, with different stuffings including [[red bean paste]], [[jujube]], and a variety of others. Su (酥) is another kind of pastry made with more amount of oil, making the confection more friable. Chinese candies and sweets, called ''táng'' (糖)<ref name="kaleidoscope">[http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/8Kaleidoscope5550.html "Chinese Desserts."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110702152953/http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/8Kaleidoscope5550.html |date=2 July 2011 }} [http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/ Kaleidoscope - Cultural China] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711102415/http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/ |date=11 July 2011 }}. Accessed June 2011.</ref> are usually made with [[Sugarcane|cane sugar]], malt sugar, [[honey]], nuts, and fruit. [[Kueh|Gao or Guo]] are rice-based snacks that are typically steamed<ref name="kaleidoscope"/> and may be made from glutinous or normal rice.

Another cold dessert is called ''baobing'', which is [[shaved ice]] with sweet syrup.<ref name="kaleidoscope"/> Chinese jellies are known collectively in the language as ''ices''. Many jelly desserts are traditionally set with agar and are flavoured with fruits, known as guodong (果冻),<ref>{{cite web|title=jelly|url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/zhs/%E8%AF%8D%E5%85%B8/%E8%8B%B1%E8%AF%AD-%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD-%E7%AE%80%E4%BD%93/jelly|website=dictionary.cambridge.org|publisher=[[Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary|Cambridge Dictionary]]|access-date=17 February 2021|archive-date=3 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503230954/https://dictionary.cambridge.org/zhs/%E8%AF%8D%E5%85%B8/%E8%8B%B1%E8%AF%AD-%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD-%E7%AE%80%E4%BD%93/jelly|url-status=live}}</ref> though [[gelatine]] based jellies are also common in contemporary desserts.

Chinese dessert soups are typically sweet and served hot.<ref name="kaleidoscope"/>

European pastries are also seen in China, like [[mille-feuille]], [[crème brûlée]], and [[cheesecake]], but they are generally not as popular because the Chinese preference of dessert is mildly sweet and less oily.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}
[[File:Baozi Chengdu.JPG|thumb|''[[Baozi|Bāozi]]'' are steamed buns containing savoury or sweet combinations of meat, vegetables, and mushrooms, traditionally associated with breakfast.]]
Many types of street foods, which vary from region to region, can be eaten as snacks or light dinner. [[Prawn cracker]]s are an often-consumed snack in Southeast China.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

===Dairy products===
Chinese in earlier dynasties evidently drank milk and ate dairy products, although not necessarily from cows, but ''[[kumis]]'' (fermented mare's milk) or goat's milk. [[Kumis]] was historically consumed in northern China.{{sfn|Anderson|1988|p=80}}
[[File:Double skin milk.jpg|thumb|'''Double skin milk''']]
Historically, many Chinese chefs tried not to use milk, because of the high rate of [[Lactose intolerance#Epidemiology|lactose intolerance among the Chinese population]]. However, today, dairy products are increasingly used in Chinese cuisine, such as the "[[double skin milk]]" dessert in Guangdong Province, the Rubing (milk cake) cheese in [[Yunnan]], and [[yoghurt]] in Qinghai and Xinjiang. China has a wide variety of dairy desserts that are very popular.<ref name="kaleidoscope"/>

== Cold dishes ==
{{See also|Chinese pickles}}
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| width             = 180
| image1            = 香卤猪耳朵-gravy pig's ear cold dish.jpg
| caption1          = Stewed pig's ear as [[lou mei]] is usually served cold.
| image2            = Billyfoodtofu1.jpg
| caption2          = ''Pídàn dòufǔ'' ([[century egg]] and [[tofu]])
}}

Cold dishes are usually served before the main meal. Besides salad and pickles as appetizers, they can range from jelly, beancurd, noodle salad, cooked meat, and sausages to jellyfish or cold soups.
[[File:Chinese dried sausages in Hong Kong.jpg|thumb|'''Dried Chinese sausages''']]
[[Chinese sausage]]s vary from region to region. The most common sausage is made of pork and pork fat. The flavor is generally salty-sweet in Southern China. In other parts of China, sausages are salted to be preserved. Chinese sausage is prepared in many different ways, including oven-roasting, stir-frying, and [[steaming]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Parkinson|first=Rhonda|title=How To Cook Chinese Sausage|url=http://chinesefood.about.com/od/cookingfaqs/f/chinese-sausage.htm|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-date=2 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402221313/http://chinesefood.about.com/od/cookingfaqs/f/chinese-sausage.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Soups==
{{Main|Chinese soup}}

{{see also|List of Chinese soups}}
[[File:Tougan shrimp soup.jpg|thumb|''Dōngguā xiārén fěnsī tāng'' (winter melon, shrimp and cellophane noodle soup)]]
In some part of South China, soups ({{langx|zh|湯/汤}} {{transliteration|zh|tāng}}) are served between the cold dishes and the main dishes. In other parts of China, soups are served between the main dish and staple foods, before desserts or fruit salad. There are many traditional Chinese soups, such as [[wonton]] soup, herbal chicken soup, [[hot and sour soup]], [[winter melon soup]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Winter Melon Soup Recipe|url=https://simplechinesefood.com/recipe/winter-melon-soup-42|access-date=22 October 2021|website=Simple Chinese Food|language=en-US|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022153021/https://simplechinesefood.com/recipe/winter-melon-soup-42|url-status=live}}</ref> and so on.

==Drinks==
Tea ({{langx|zh|茶}} {{transliteration|zh|chá}}) plays an important role in Chinese dining culture. In China, there are two main types of tea, one is made from dried tea leaves, the other one is made by extracts from tea leaves.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pan |first1=Si-Yuan |last2=Nie |first2=Qu |last3=Tai |first3=Hai-Chuan |last4=Song |first4=Xue-Lan |last5=Tong |first5=Yu-Fan |last6=Zhang |first6=Long-Jian-Feng |last7=Wu |first7=Xue-Wei |last8=Lin |first8=Zhao-Heng |last9=Zhang |first9=Yong-Yu |last10=Ye |first10=Du-Yun |last11=Zhang |first11=Yi |date=22 February 2022 |title=Tea and tea drinking: China's outstanding contributions to the mankind |journal=Chinese Medicine |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=27 |doi=10.1186/s13020-022-00571-1 |issn=1749-8546 |pmc=8861626 |pmid=35193642 |doi-access=free }}</ref> [[Baijiu]] and [[huangjiu]] as strong alcoholic beverages are preferred by many people as well. Wine is not so popular as other drinks in China that are consumed whilst dining, although they are usually available in the menu.

===Tea===
{{Main|Chinese tea}}

[[File:Longjing tea 3.jpg|thumb|[[Longjing tea]], also known as Dragon Well tea, is a variety of roasted green tea from [[Hangzhou]], [[Zhejiang]] Province, China, where it is produced mostly by hand and has been renowned for its high quality, earning the [[China Famous Tea]] title.]]
As well as with dim sum, many Chinese drink their tea with snacks such as nuts, plums, dried fruit (in particular [[jujube]]), small sweets, melon seeds, and [[Myrica rubra|waxberry]].<ref name=Yao /> China was the earliest country to cultivate and drink tea, which is enjoyed by people from all social classes.<ref name=Hong>Q. Hong & F. Chunjian. ''Origins of Chinese Tea and Wine''. Asiapac Books Pte Ltd. 2005.{{ISBN|9812293698}}.</ref> Tea processing began after the [[Qin dynasty|Qin]] and [[Han dynasty|Han]] dynasties.<ref name=Hong />

The different types of Chinese tea include [[Black tea|red]] (known as "black tea" outside of East Asia), [[White tea|white]], [[Green tea|green]], [[Yellow tea|yellow]], [[oolong]], and [[Pu'er tea|black]] (often called "dark tea" in English to differentiate it from "black tea"). Chinese tea is often classified into several different categories according to the variety of the tea plant from which it is sourced, the region in which it is grown, and the method of production used. 

[[Tea blending and additives|Flavored and scented teas]] originated in China. [[Jasmine]], [[osmanthus]], [[chrysanthemum]], and [[ginseng]] are popular varieties. 

Historically, [[compressed tea]] dominated and powdered tea known as [[matcha]] would be made from it. This was later supplanted by loose-leaf tea. Fermented tea drinks like [[kombucha]] originated in China, but kombucha is now better known outside of China than within the country.

There are four major [[tea plantation]] regions: [[Jiangbei District, Ningbo|Jiangbei]], [[Jiangnan]], [[South China|Huanan]] and the [[Southwestern China|southwestern region]].<ref name="Hong" /> Well known types of green tea include [[Longjing tea|Longjing]], [[Huangshan Maofeng]], [[Bilochun]], [[Putuofeng Cha]], and [[Liu'an Guapian]].<ref name="Chang">Zonglin Chang Xukui Li. ''Aspect of Chinese Culture''. 2006.{{ISBN|7302126321}}, {{ISBN|978-7-302-12632-4}}.</ref> China is the world's largest exporter of green tea.<ref name="Chang" />

One of the most ubiquitous accessories in modern China, after a wallet or purse and an umbrella, is a double-walled insulated glass thermos with tea leaves in the top behind a strainer.

===Alcoholic beverages===
{{Main|Chinese alcoholic beverages}}

[[File:Baijiu in Haikou 2018 09 11.jpg|thumb|Baijiu]]
The importance of ''[[baijiu]]'' (<small>lit.</small> "white liquor") in China (99.5% of its alcoholic market) makes it the most-consumed alcoholic spirit in the world.<ref>''The Economist''. "[https://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2013/06/daily-chart-9 Daily Chart: High Spirits] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629014547/http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2013/06/daily-chart-9 |date=29 June 2017 }}". 17 June 2013. Accessed 9 August 2013.</ref> It dates back to the introduction of distilling during the [[Song dynasty]];<ref name=Yao/> can be made from wheat, corn, or rice; and is usually around 120 proof (60% ABV). The most ubiquitous brand is the cheap [[Er guo tou]], but [[Mao Tai]] is the premium ''baijiu''. Other popular brands include Kang, Lu Zhou Te Qu, and Wu Liang Ye.<ref name=Yao />
[[File:Chinese-wine-Hua-Tiao.jpg|thumb|Huangjiu]]
''[[Huangjiu]]'' (<small>lit.</small> "yellow liquor") is not distilled and is a strong [[rice wine]] (10–15% ABV).<ref name=Yao /> Popular brands include [[Shaoxing Lao Jiu]], [[Shaoxing Hua Diao]], and [[Te Jia Fan]].<ref name=Yao />

While fermented grain beverages have been brewed in China for over 9,000 years, it has been long overshadowed by stronger alcohol like [[Baijiu]] and [[Huangjiu]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sandhaus|first=Derek|date=8 July 2020|title=Craft beer in China: A brief and complete history|url=https://supchina.com/2020/07/08/craft-beer-in-china-a-brief-and-complete-history/|access-date=8 September 2020|website=SupChina|language=en-US|archive-date=23 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823005558/https://supchina.com/2020/07/08/craft-beer-in-china-a-brief-and-complete-history/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In China, plum wine made from the [[Prunus mume|plum blossom]] is called ''méijiǔ'' (梅酒).

===Herbal drinks===
{{Main|Chinese herb tea}}

[[File:HK Sweet Fruit 羅漢果 Luo Han Guo 煲水 cooking water Fructus Momordicae 003.JPG|thumb|herb tea]]
Chinese herb tea, also known as ''medicinal herbal tea'', is a kind of tea made from Chinese medicinal [[herb]]s.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Zhong yao cai cha liao shi dian|last1=Wulin|first1=Ji|last2=紀戊霖|date=3 February 2010|publisher=Yuan hua fa xing chu ban fa xing|isbn=9789866612794|location=Tai bei xian xin dian shi|oclc=815400238}}</ref>

===Other beverages===
{{Unreferenced section|date=July 2025}}
[[Suanmeitang]] is a sweet Chinese beverage made from smoked plums. [[Soy milk]], [[almond milk]], walnut milk and coconut milk are also drunk during the meal in different regions. In some parts of China, [[Crataegus|hawthorn]] and [[jujube]] juice are preferred.  A small shot of fruit vinegar is served as an appetizer in [[Shanxi]]. 

[[Nai lao]] or Beijing yogurt is a drinkable yogurt traditional to northern China.

==Outside China==
[[File:Billyzhajiang1.jpg|thumb|''[[Zhajiangmian|Zhájiàng Miàn]]'' (noodles with bean paste) is a traditional northern Chinese dish. It has spread to South Korea where it is known as ''[[Jajangmyeon]]''.]]
Where there are historical immigrant Chinese populations, the style of food has evolved and been adapted to local tastes and ingredients, and modified by the local cuisine, to greater or lesser extents. This has resulted in a deep Chinese influence on other national cuisines such as [[Cambodian cuisine]], [[Filipino cuisine]], [[Singaporean cuisine]], [[Thai cuisine]] and [[Vietnamese cuisine]].

[[Chinatown]]s across the world have been instrumental in shaping the national cuisines of their respective countries, such as the introduction of a [[Street food of Thailand|street food culture to Thailand]] in [[Chinatown, Bangkok|Bangkok Chinatown]]. There are also a large number of forms of [[fusion cuisine]], often popular in the country in question. Some, such as [[ramen]] ([[Japanese Chinese cuisine]]), which originated in [[Yokohama Chinatown]], have become popular internationally.

Deep-fried meat combined with [[sweet and sour]] sauce as a cooking style receives an enormous preference outside of China. Therefore, many similar international Chinese cuisines are invented based on sweet and sour sauce, including Sweet and sour chicken (Europe and North America), Manchurian chicken (India) or ''[[tangsuyuk]]'' (South Korea).
[[File:Mango pancake.jpg|thumb|Mango pancake is an Australian Chinese dish, commonly as a [[dim sum]] at [[yum cha]] restaurants]]
Apart from the host country, the dishes developed in overseas Chinese cuisines are heavily dependent on the cuisines derived from the origin of the Chinese immigrants. In [[Korean Chinese cuisine]], the dishes derive primarily from [[Shandong cuisine]] while [[Filipino Chinese cuisine]] is strongly influenced by [[Fujian cuisine]]. [[American Chinese cuisine]] has distinctive dishes (such as [[chop suey]]) originally based on [[Cantonese cuisine]], which are more popular among non-Chinese Americans than with [[Chinese Americans]] themselves.<ref>Andrew Coe, ''Chop Suey: A Cultural History of Chinese Food in the United States'' (2009)</ref><ref>Yong Chen, ''Chop Suey, USA: The Story of Chinese Food in America'' (2014)</ref>

{{div col|content=
* [[American Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Chop suey]], [[crab rangoon]], [[General Tso's chicken]], [[egg foo young]], [[orange chicken]]
* [[Australian Chinese cuisine]]
** Mango pancake, [[dim sim]], XO sauce pipis
* [[British Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Chicken balls]], [[Jar jow]]
* [[Chinese people in Myanmar#Cuisine|Burmese Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Kyay oh]], [[Sigyet khauk swè]]
* [[Canadian Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Ginger beef]]
* [[Caribbean Chinese cuisine]]
** Cha chee kai, bangamary ding
* [[Filipino Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Arroz caldo]], [[Batchoy]], [[Pancit]]
* [[Indian Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Gobi manchurian]], [[Manchow soup]]
* [[Indonesian Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Bakso]], [[Cap cai]], [[Lumpia]], [[Mie ayam]], [[Mie goreng]], [[Swikee]], [[Siomay]], [[Crab in oyster sauce|Kepiting saus tiram]]
* [[Japanese Chinese cuisine]], [[Shippoku]]
** [[Champon]], [[Ramen]], [[Gyoza]], [[Kakuni]], [[Tenshindon]]
* [[Korean Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Jajangmyeon]], [[jjamppong]], [[hotteok]], [[Tangsuyuk]]
* [[Chinese Latin American cuisine]]
** [[Chifa|Peruvian Chinese cuisine]] (Chifa)
*** [[Arroz chaufa]], [[Lomo saltado]]
** [[Puerto Rican Chinese cuisine]]
*** Carne Ahumada
* [[Malaysian Chinese cuisine]]/[[Singaporean cuisine#Chinese-inspired|Singapore Chinese cuisine]]
*** [[Hainanese chicken rice]], [[Bak kut teh]], [[Heong Peng]], [[Yam ring]], [[Kaya toast]] (often seen in [[kopitiam]])
** [[Peranakan cuisine]]
*** [[Laksa]] (include [[Curry mee]]), [[Ayam buah keluak]], [[Pie tee]]
* [[New Zealand Chinese cuisine]]
* [[Pakistani Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Jalfrezi]]
* Thai Chinese cuisine
** [[Pad thai]], [[Khao soi]], [[Phat kaphrao]], [[Thai suki]]
* [[Cambodian Chinese cuisine]]
** [[Kuyteav]], [[Lort cha]]
* Vietnamese Chinese cuisine
** [[Banh bao]]
}}

==Dining etiquette==
{{Main|Customs and etiquette in Chinese dining}}

[[File:Song Dynasty silver chopsticks, cup, and spoon.JPG|thumb|Silverware from the Song dynasty (10th–13th centuries): Chopsticks, bowl and spoon]]
Youths should not begin eating before their elders do. When eating from a bowl, one should not hold it with its bottom part, because it resembles the act of begging. [[Chopsticks]] are the main eating utensils for Chinese food, which can be used to cut and pick up food.<ref name="chopsticks2">{{cite web|language=zh|url=https://think.sina.cn/shise/doc--ifyarrcf4119650.d.html|title=Why Chinese use chopsticks while Westerners use knives and forks?|publisher=Sina Zhishi|date=16 February 2017|access-date=11 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141453/https://think.sina.cn/shise/doc--ifyarrcf4119650.d.html|url-status=live}}</ref> When someone is taking a break from eating at the table, they should not put the chopstick into the rice vertically, because it resembles the Chinese traditional funeral tribute, which involves putting chopsticks inside a bowl of rice vertically. It is considered inappropriate to use knives on the dining table.<ref name="chopsticks">{{cite web|language=zh|url=https://trustnews1724.co.in/where-did-british-chinese-food-come-from-2023/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521121408/https://trustnews1724.co.in/where-did-british-chinese-food-come-from-2023/|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 May 2023|title=Why the length of chopsticks are 7 cun 6 fen?|publisher=KK News|date=2 September 2016|access-date=11 June 2018}}</ref> Chopsticks should not be waved around in the air or played with. Food should first be taken from the plate in front. It is considered impolite to stare at a plate. Watching TV, using mobile phones or doing other activities while eating is considered in poor taste. If an older person puts food in a younger person's bowl, the younger person should thank them.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cooper |first1=Eugene |title=Chinese Table Manners: You Are How You Eat |journal=Human Organization |date=1986 |volume=45 |issue=2 |pages=179–184 |issn=0018-7259|jstor=44126118 |doi=10.17730/humo.45.2.4034u85x3058m025 }}</ref>

Chinese culture has guidelines in how and when food are eaten. Chinese people typically eat three meals a day, consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is served around 6–9am, lunch is served around 12–2pm, and dinner is served around 6–9pm.<ref name=":2" /> A late night, fourth meal of the day is known as [[siu yeh]] and served from 9pm-4am, which is similar to the Western concept of [[supper]]. Within the Chinese culture, families do follow different traditions. In some families, the elderly members and youngsters get their meal first, then the mother and father, and then the children and teenagers.<ref name=":2" /> Other families have the male and female eat separately at different seating area.<ref name=":1" /> Whatever tradition the family decide to follow, it is intended to show respect to members of the family.

== Relation to Chinese philosophy and religion ==
[[File:Mooncake1.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Mooncake]], eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival]]
Food plays various roles in social and cultural life. In [[Chinese folk religion]], [[Ancestor veneration in China|ancestor veneration]] is conducted by offering food to ancestors and Chinese festivals involve the consumption and preparation of specific foods which have symbolic meanings attached to them. Specific religions in China have their own cuisines such as the [[Taoist diet]], [[Buddhist cuisine]] and [[Chinese Islamic Cuisine]].

The [[Kaifeng Jews]] in [[Henan]] province once had their own Chinese Jewish cuisine but the community has largely died out in the modern era and not much is known about the specifics of their cuisine but they did influence foods eaten in their region and some of their dishes remain.<ref>[http://www.flavorandfortune.com/dataaccess/article.php?ID=864 Kaifeng, Capital and Culinary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014165059/http://www.flavorandfortune.com/dataaccess/article.php?ID=864 |date=14 October 2018 }}, Flavor and Fortune</ref> Chinese dishes with purported Kaifeng Jewish roots include Kaifeng xiao long bao, Mayuxing bucket-shaped chicken, Chrysanthemum hot pot, and Four Treasures.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kaifeng: A Chinese Jewish Haven |url=http://www.flavorandfortune.com/ffdataaccess/article.php?ID=1475 |access-date=1 February 2023 |website=www.flavorandfortune.com |archive-date=1 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201064039/http://www.flavorandfortune.com/ffdataaccess/article.php?ID=1475 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Food also plays a role in daily life. The formality of the meal setting can signify what kind of relationship people have with one another, and the type of food can indicate ones' social status and their country of origin.<ref name=":1" /> In a formal setting, up to sixteen of any combination of hot and cold dishes would be served to respect the guests. On the other hand, in a casual setting, people would eat inexpensive meals such as at food stalls or homemade food. The typical disparity in food in the Chinese society between the wealthy and everyone below that group lies in the rarity and cost of the food or ingredient, such as shark fins and bear paws.<ref name=":1" />

Depending on whether one chooses to have rice or a meal that is made of wheat flour such as bread or noodles as their main source of food, people within a similar culture or of a different background can make an assumption of the other's country of origin from the south or north of China. Different foods have different symbolic meanings. [[Mooncake]]s and [[dumpling]]s are symbolic of the [[Mid-Autumn Festival|Mid-autumn festival]] and the Spring Festival, respectively.<ref name=":1" /> [[Pear]] symbolizes bad luck due to its similarity in pronunciation of 'away' in the native language and noodle means living a long life for its length.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=20 April 2019|title=Chinese Food Culture - Understand your behavior when eating in China|url=https://www.yumofchina.com/chinese-food-culture/|access-date=14 November 2021|website=Yum Of China|language=en-US|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108031347/https://www.yumofchina.com/chinese-food-culture/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In Chinese philosophy, food frequently conveys a message. A Chinese philosophy ''[[I Ching]]'' says, "Gentlemen use eating as a way to attain happiness. They should be aware of what they say, and refrain from eating too much."<ref>{{lang-zh|s=《易》曰：君子以飲食宴樂。又曰：君子慎言語，節飲食。|p=“Yì” yuē: Jūnzǐ yǐ yǐnshí yàn lè.|labels=no}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Food|China|Taiwan|Hong Kong|Singapore|Malaysia
}}{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
* ''[[A Bite of China]]'' by [[China Central Television|CCTV]]
* The eight major traditions of Chinese cuisine
** [[Shandong cuisine]]
** [[Sichuan cuisine]]
** [[Cantonese cuisine]]
** [[Fujian cuisine]]
** [[Jiangsu cuisine]]
** [[Zhejiang cuisine]]
** [[Hunan cuisine]]
** [[Anhui cuisine]]
* Other traditions in Chinese cuisine
** [[Beijing cuisine]]
*** [[Chinese imperial cuisine]]
** [[Shanghai cuisine]]
** [[Huaiyang cuisine]]
** [[Hubei cuisine]]
** [[Jiangxi cuisine]]
** [[Henan cuisine]]
** [[Shanxi cuisine]]
** [[Shaanxi cuisine]]
** [[Chinese Islamic cuisine|China Islamic cuisine]]
*** [[Uyghur cuisine]]
*** [[Kazakh cuisine]]
** [[Mongolian cuisine]]
** [[Manchu cuisine]]
** [[Guizhou cuisine]]
** [[Yunnan cuisine]]
** [[Teochew cuisine]]
* [[List of Chinese bakery products]]
* [[List of Chinese desserts]]
* [[List of Chinese dishes]]
* [[List of Chinese sauces]]
* [[List of Chinese soups]]
* [[Chinese regional cuisine]]
* [[Chinese food therapy]]
* [[History of Chinese cuisine]]
* [[Customs and etiquette in Chinese dining]]
* [[Chinese cooking techniques]]
* [[Chinese Cuisine Training Institute]]
* [[List of restaurants in China]]
* [[Pizza in China]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{cite book |last = Anderson |first = Eugene N.  |year = 1988 |title = The Food of China |publisher = Yale University Press |location = New Haven |isbn = 0300047398 }}
*{{cite book 
 |first=Jacques |last=Gernet
 |year=1962 |title=Daily Life in China on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion, 1250–1276
 |url=https://archive.org/details/dailylifeinchina00gernrich
 |url-access=registration
 |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=0-8047-0720-0}}

== Further reading ==
=== History ===
* {{cite book |editor-first1 = Jia-Chen |editor-last1 = Fu |editor-first2 = Michelle |editor-last2 = King |editor-first3 = Jakob |editor-last3 = Klein |year = 2025 |title = Modern Chinese Foodways |publisher = [[MIT Press]] |isbn = 9780262381642 |url=https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-edited-volume/5922/Modern-Chinese-Foodways}}
* {{cite book |last = Chang, Kwang-chih  |year = 1977 |title = Food in Chinese Culture: Anthropological and Historical Perspectives |publisher = Yale University Press| location = New Haven |isbn = 0300019386 |ref = none}}
* David R. Knechtges, "A Literary Feast: Food in Early Chinese Literature," ''Journal of the American Oriental Society ''106.1  (1986):  49–63.
* {{cite book |last = Newman, Jacqueline M.  |year = 2004 |title = Food Culture in China |publisher = Greenwood Press| location = Westport, Conn. |isbn = 0313325812 |ref = none}}
* {{cite book |last = Roberts, J. A. G. |year = 2002 |title = China to Chinatown: Chinese Food in the West |publisher = Reaktion |location = London |isbn = 1861891334 |ref = none |url = https://archive.org/details/chinatochinatown00robe }}
* Sterckx, Roel. ''Food, Sacrifice, and Sagehood in Early China.'' New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011 (2015).
* Sterckx, Roel. ''Chinese Thought. From Confucius to Cook Ding.'' London: Penguin, 2019.
* {{cite book |last = Swislocki, Mark  |year = 2009 |title = Culinary Nostalgia: Regional Food Culture and the Urban Experience in Shanghai |publisher = Stanford University Press| location = Stanford, CA |isbn = 9780804760126 |ref = none}}
* {{cite journal |last = Waley-Cohen |first = Joanna |author-link = Joanna Waley-Cohen |title = Celebrated Cooks of China's Past |journal = Flavor & Fortune |volume = 14 |issue = 4 |pages = 5–7, 24 |year = 2007 |url = http://www.flavorandfortune.com/dataaccess/article.php?ID=625 |ref = none |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093548/http://www.flavorandfortune.com/dataaccess/article.php?ID=625 |archive-date = 2 April 2015 |df = dmy-all }}
* Endymion Wilkinson, "Chinese Culinary History (Feature Review)," ''China Review International ''8.2  (Fall 2001):  285–302.
* {{cite book |last = Wilkinson |first= Endymion|author-link=Endymion Wilkinson|year = 2022 |title = Chinese History: A New Manual |publisher = Harvard University Press| location = Cambridge, MA |isbn = 978-0674260184}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Wu |first1 = David Y. H. |first2 = Sidney C. H. |last2 = Cheung |year = 2002 |title = The Globalization of Chinese Food |publisher = Curzon |location = Richmond, Surrey |isbn = 0700714030 |ref = none}}

=== Cookbooks ===
* Buwei Yang Chao. ''[[How to Cook and Eat in Chinese]].'' (New York: John Day, 1945; revisions and reprints).
* [[Fuchsia Dunlop]]. ''Land of Plenty: A Treasury of Authentic Sichuan Cooking.'' (New York: Norton, 2003). {{ISBN|0393051773}}.
* Fuchsia Dunlop. ''Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook: Recipes from Hunan Province.'' (New York: Norton, 2007). {{ISBN|0393062228}}.
* Fuchsia Dunlop. ''Shark's Fin and Sichuan Pepper: A Sweet-Sour Memoir of Eating in China.'' (New York: Norton, 2008). {{ISBN|9780393066579}}.
* [https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/74369 Chinese cook book by Vernon Galster]
* Emily Hahn, ''Recipes, The Cooking of China.'' (Alexandria, Va.: Time-Life Books, Foods of the World, 1981).
* Hsiang-Ju Lin and Tsuifeng Lin. ''Chinese Gastronomy.'' (London: Nelson, 1969; rpr.). {{ISBN|0171470575}}.
* Yan-Kit So. ''Classic Food of China.'' (London: Macmillan, rpr 1994, 1992). {{ISBN|9780333576717}}.
* Martin Yan. ''Martin Yan's Chinatown Cooking: 200 Traditional Recipes from 11 Chinatowns around the World.'' (New York: Morrow, 2002). {{ISBN|0060084758}}.
*Georgina Freedman. ''Cooking South of The Clouds: Recipes and Stories From China's Yunnan Province.'' (Octopus; Kyle, 2018). {{ISBN|9780857834980}}.

==External links==
{{commons category|Cuisine of China}}
{{wikivoyage|Chinese cuisine}}
* K.C. Chang [https://asiasociety.org/blog/asia/food-chinese-culture "Food in Chinese Culture"] [[Asia Society]]
* "[https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00cjxzp Chinese food made easy]" at the [[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]
* "[http://guides.library.stonybrook.edu/content.php?pid=190666&sid=1599362 Chinese Culinary History (Websites for Research)] Stony Brook University Libraries.

{{China topics|state=autocollapse}}
{{Asian topic|| cuisine}}
{{Cuisine}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chinese Cuisine}}
[[Category:Chinese cuisine| ]]