Dumplings
Often eaten: Dumplings are enjoyed all year round, especially during the Lunar New Year.
Known for: Northern China
Lunar New YearFamily Gatherings
Photo: Mr Wabu (CC BY-SA 2.0)
5 dishes to discover
Food of China
China is a country with a rich history and diverse culture, and this is reflected in its food. Chinese cuisine is known for its variety of flavors and ingredients, delicious cooking methods, and the importance of meals in bringing families together.
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In China, eating meals together is a special time for families and friends to connect. Meals are often enjoyed 'family-style', where everyone shares the dishes on the table. People value the time spent with each other during meals as much as the food itself.
Eating Etiquette
When eating in China, use chopsticks and try to sample a little bit of every dish on the table. It's polite to offer food to others before taking some for yourself.
When People Eat It
Fried Rice
Often eaten: Fried rice is a popular choice for lunch or dinner.
Known for: Southern China
Everyday Meal
Spring Rolls
Often eaten: Spring rolls are often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
Known for: Eastern China
FestivalsSnacks
Mapo Tofu
Often eaten: Mapo Tofu is a popular dish served at dinner or special occasions.
Known for: Sichuan Province
DinnerSpecial Occasions
Mooncakes
Often eaten: Mooncakes are traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Known for: Especially associated with Guangdong and other parts of southern China, though enjoyed nationwide during Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn FestivalCelebrations
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
Dumplings饺子 (Jiǎozi)
Makes about 24 dumplingsIngredients
- 24 wrappersRound dumpling wrappers
- 1/2 lb (225 g)Ground pork or chicken
- 1 cup (90 g)Napa cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 stalksGreen onion, chopped
- 1 tbspSoy sauce
- 1 tspSesame oil
How to Make It
- 1Mix the meat, cabbage, green onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil into a filling.
- 2Place a small spoonful of filling in the middle of each wrapper.
- 3Wet the edge with water, fold it over, and pinch it shut into pleats.
- 4Ask a grown-up to boil a pot of water.
- 5Drop the dumplings in and cook for 5–6 minutes, until they float and the filling is cooked.
- 6Lift them out and serve with a soy-vinegar dip.
Fried Rice炒饭 (Chǎofàn)
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 4 cups (640 g)Cooked, cooled rice
- 2 eggsEggs, beaten
- 1 cup (130 g)Frozen peas and carrots
- 2 stalksGreen onion, chopped
- 2 tbspSoy sauce
- 2 tbspOil
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to heat the oil in a large pan or wok until hot.
- 2Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them, then push them to one side.
- 3Add the peas and carrots and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- 4Add the cold rice and toss everything together, breaking up any lumps.
- 5Drizzle in the soy sauce and stir until the rice is hot and coated.
- 6Sprinkle with green onion and serve.
Spring Rolls春卷 (Chūn juǎn)
Makes 12 rollsIngredients
- 12 wrappersSpring roll wrappers
- 2 cups (140 g)Shredded cabbage
- 1 cup (110 g)Shredded carrot
- 1 cup (50 g)Bean sprouts
- 1 tbspSoy sauce
- 2 cups (475 ml)Oil, for frying
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to stir-fry the cabbage, carrot, and sprouts with soy sauce until just soft, then cool.
- 2Spoon a line of filling near one corner of a wrapper.
- 3Fold the corner over, tuck in the sides, and roll it up tightly. Seal the edge with water.
- 4Ask a grown-up to heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C).
- 5Fry the rolls a few at a time for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- 6Drain on paper towels and serve with sweet chili sauce.
Mapo Tofu麻婆豆腐 (Má pó dòufu)
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1 block (14 oz / 400 g)Soft tofu, cubed
- 1/4 lb (115 g)Ground pork (or mushrooms)
- 1 tbspChili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- 1 tbsp eachGarlic and ginger, chopped
- 1 tbspSoy sauce
- 2 stalksGreen onion
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to cook the pork in a pan until browned.
- 2Add the garlic, ginger, and chili bean paste and stir until fragrant.
- 3Pour in 1 cup of water and the soy sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 4Gently slide in the tofu cubes and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring softly.
- 5Sprinkle with green onion.
- 6Serve over rice — use only a little chili paste for a milder, kid-friendly version.
Mooncakes月饼 (Yuèbǐng)
Makes 8 mooncakesIngredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g)All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120 ml)Golden syrup or honey
- 3 tbsp (45 ml)Oil
- 1 1/2 cups (350 g)Red bean or lotus paste
- 1 eggEgg, beaten (for brushing)
How to Make It
- 1Mix the syrup and oil, then stir in the flour to make a soft dough. Rest it for 30 minutes.
- 2Roll the bean paste into 8 balls.
- 3Divide the dough into 8 pieces and flatten each into a circle.
- 4Wrap a circle of dough around each paste ball and seal it.
- 5Press each into a mooncake mold to make a pretty pattern.
- 6Brush with egg and ask a grown-up to bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes — perfect for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Vocabulary
How is eating with chopsticks different from eating with a fork and knife? Give it a try at your next family meal to join in the fun!