The Chinese culture has contributed many wonderful things to the rest of the world. Without a doubt, the most noticeable would be their food. Many people in the western world have come to love Chinese cooking, and a big reason for this is their unique use of various sauces in the preparation of many of […]

The humble dumpling. In Western-style cuisine it is a simple staple, a source of carbohydrates and great comfort food. Done Chinese style, it is a work of culinary art. Jiao Zi (or Gow Gee, in the Mandarin dialect) is a concoction made of dough stuffed with meat and/or vegetables. It is often served as part […]

Canton style cuisine is varied and cosmopolitan. Characterized by gentle spices, fresh ingredients and slow, careful preparation it may not seem to be the best choice for a restaurant. Yet, Cantonese retains its status as a favorite of millions. Originating from the Guangdong province in China, this style of cooking provides a menu that contains […]

As anyone who has been to a Chinese restaurant knows, chopsticks are the traditional implements for eating Chinese dishes. But far from being difficult and inefficient, they’re actually very versatile. They require a moderate amount of technique and practice, but in short order anyone can learn to use them well.
Chopsticks have been in use for […]

Tea has been cultivated in China for many centuries. In Britain during the 17th and 18th centuries tea was largely limited to royal houses. But the liquid made from the camellia sinensis bush has always been consumed by everyone in China. Whether as a quick pick me up or as part of an elaborate ritual, […]

Peking Duck is by far the most well-known recipe hailing from the royal courts of China. For hundreds of years prior to the 20th century the finest chefs in the land would train for years to prepare this delicacy. They knew their lives depended on doing it right. While the stakes may be lower today, […]

Many Westerners think of dim sum as a small dumpling with meat in sweet sauce inside. Indeed, that is one popular type. But dim sum is not a particular recipe, but a way of serving that entails dozens of choices. Carts roll by the table that hold a dazzling array of taste treats.
Even in the […]

Noodles are, to indulge an obvious pun, a staple of Chinese dishes. Whether Cantonese or Mandarin, Hunan or Szechuan, some type of noodle is almost always found in breakfast, lunch or dinner recipes. Rice grains are more commonly associated with Chinese dishes. But, in fact, noodles are nearly always present in some form. They have […]

Among some, Chinese food is regarded as a magical key to health. They point to the lower incidence of heart disease and certain cancers among the Chinese. Others contend that the average Chinese meal is a nutritional disaster, citing high levels of sodium, fat and calories. Not surprisingly, both these extreme views overlook a number […]

Chinese dining traditions go back thousands of years. The elaborate customs are an interesting mixture of practicality, superstition and social inertia. Westerners aren’t expected to know the details but, as with learning a bit of the local language, it always helps. Following them will make for an enjoyable new experience and bring pleasure to a […]