4 ICONIC FOODS - 4 BIG CITIES IN CHINA
Beijing | Beijing Duck
Beijing is of course the capital and cultural center of China with a vast and long history, matched by its distinctive cuisine with plenty of bold flavours. Let’s get right down to it – our pick must be the most iconic food from this city, it is of course the famed Beijing Duck – the standout speciality of Beijing cuisine known across the globe. The roast duck is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Served in slicings, you’ll be given pancakes to wrap your Beijing duck with hoisin sauce, cucumber and spring onion. It’s a killer combination. When in Beijing, it’s a must. After eating till your heart’s content, let’s finally have something to drink. A traditional and authentic Beijing beverage is that of Douzhir. It’s a fermented bean drink quite similar to soy bean milk but made from mung beans – sweet and sour. An acquired taste for some – it’s like marmite, you either love it or hate it, but why not get into Beijinger mode and give it a try. Experience the full offerings of Beijing and Chinese culture.
Shanghai | Xiaolongbao
As an international metropolis, Shanghai has attracted worldwide attention. Its economic development is second to none in China, it’s a shining oriental pearl in the 'middle kingdom'. There are several traditional and distinct foods in Shanghai that are very popular. For instance if we mention Shanghai cuisine we cannot forget to mention xiǎolóngbāo, said to be invented right in this beautiful city - Delicious dumplings with a nice juicy surprise inside, known as ‘soup dumpling’ in English. For first timers, watch out, there is a technique that comes with eating xiǎolóngbāo, naturally first timers burn their tongue as they eat but the trick is to puncture a whole in the wrapper and slurp the soup before eating the xiǎolóngbāo. They just love their dumplings in China and in particular in Shanghai, check out the sumptuous pan-fried pork dumpling decorated with sesame seeds – Shēngjiānbāo. Of course that’s not all Shanghai has to offer, it’s varied cuisine is right for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Tianjin | Goubuli Baozi
Compared to Beijing and Shanghai, Tianjin is less known internationally. But the city is very important in Chinese history. Situated on the northern coast of China with its own port, it undertakes a large part of the transportation and foreign trade exchange functions in the north. Therefore, the role of this city cannot be underestimated. Quite close to Beijing, what separates both cuisines is that because of Tianjin’s close proximity to the sea, it has a focus on seafood. However the most famous export from Tianjin would be the traditional steamed buns Gǒubùlǐ bāozi.
Gǒubùlǐ bāozi is a famous brand of steamed buns with its first restaurant opening in 1858 and there is a story behind it. Once upon a time in Tianjin, there was a boy called Gao Youde, his family gave him the nickname Gǒu zǐ, meaning little dog. He grew up and mastered the art of making steamed buns. He soon opened a stall selling baozi, his baozi was so delicious, natives flocked to buy from far and wide. Gǒu zǐ had so many customers he had no time to talk to them. So people started saying ‘Gǒu zǐ doesn’t talk to people’, he ignores people and this translates as Gǒubùlǐ – dogs don’t care/ignores. From then on the name spread and is gradually known throughout the country. They say you haven’t experienced Tianjin unless you’ve tasted the Gǒubùlǐ bāozi.
Chongqing | Chongqing Hotpot
Chongqing, a central city in southwestern China, rises along the Yangtze River. A city of hills and mountains, known as the ‘mountain city’. A famous feature of Chongqing cuisine and the regions nearby are tingling spicy chili peppers. We can argue all day long but arguably the spiciest hotpot originates in this city. Indeed Chongqing is like a hotpot in itself, surrounded by mountains which keep the heat in the city, the people swimming around like the chilis making life nice and spicy. Chongqing cuisine has a worldwide reputation and hotpot is a staple of it. When travellers go to Chongqing, the first big meal must be the local hotpot. The tingling sensation and fragrant smell of peppers will linger in your nostrils long after – it’s an unforgettable experience and a must for lovers of spicy food. It’s a dining experience made for more than one and the shared harmony and joy of eating together will enhance the dishes even more.
Keywords
Běijīng (北京) - Beijing
Běijīng kǎoyā (北京烤鸭) – Beijing Duck
Dòuzhīér (豆汁儿) – Traditional Beijing fermented drink made from mung beans
Shànghǎi (上海) – Shanghai
Xiǎolóngbāo (小笼包) – Soup dumplings
Shēngjiānbāo (生煎包) – Pan-fried dumplings
Tiānjīn (天津) – Tianjin
Gǒubùlǐ bāozi (狗不理包子) – Goubuli Baozi (steamed buns)
Chóngqìng (重庆) – Chongqing
Huǒ guō (火锅) – Hotpot
