Find out what Chinese recipes to try when traveling in China and what authentic Chinese foods are still eaten by the Chinese. Easy recipes of 40 traditional Chinese foods and dishes are found below.

Styles of Chinese Cuisine

Four Great Traditions

• Cantonese
  – Famous for their focus on “Dim sum”, food that uses small bite-sized dishes that are created by frying, baking, steaming and stewing.
• Huaiyang
  – Cooking style from lower reaches of Huai and Yangtze rivers, usually with each dish being focused on a single main ingredient that had to be cut in a predetermined way or its perfect taste will not be achieved.
• Shandong
  – Very popular cooking style, focused on light seafood and soups.
• Szechuan
  – Focused more on baking.

List of Popular Chinese Food Dishes

Dishes by Main Ingredient

Noodles

• Chinese noodles
  – One of the core pillars of Chinese cuisine and many other Asian countries – the plain old noodles. They were introduced during Han Dynasty (25-220 AD).
• Chow mein
  – Stir-fried noodles that are also very popular in US, UK and many other international territories.
• Noodle soup
  – Very popular food that mixes soups with noodles in a thousand different variations of ingredients.
• Zhajiangmian
  –Stir fried mix of thick wheat noodles, ground pork and salty fermented soybean sauce paste. Many variations of this dish exist across Asia.
• Lamian
  – Noodle dish that uses dough that is stretched in strands. This dish is has no connection to modern Spaghetti.

Rice

• White Rice
  – Traditional cooked rice.
• Fried Rice
  – Stir-fried steamed (cooked) rice with added ingredients (meat, vegetables, eggs…).

Pork-based dishes

• Dongpo pork
  – Popular dish made by pan-frying and then red cooking pork belly into small 2 inch square pieces that have both meat and fat.
• Sweet and Sour Pork
  – Pork dishes that are heavily spiced with wide variety of sweet and sour sauces.
• Twice Cooked Pork
  – Popular Sichuan-style dish that first simmers pork belly in spiced water until it’s half-cooked, then refrigerated, cut in smaller pieces, and then again fried in oil with additional vegetables.
• Char Siu
  – Barbecued thin slices of pork that are cooked either in oven or over fire.

Poultry-Based Dishes

• Kung Pao chicken
  – Popular Szechuan chicken-based dish that involves stir-frying chicken meat with vegetables, spices and other ingredients.
• Peking Duck
  – Very famous dish that involves specially bred ducks that are seasoned and roasted in oven. After cooking it is seasoned with cucumber, scallion, pancakes, sweet ban sauce and sometimes other seasonings.

Vegetable-Based Dishes

• Buddha’s delight
  –Vegetarian Chinese drink that was traditionally enjoyed by Buddhists. It involves frying various vegetables and seasonings in soy sauce.
• Pickled vegetables
  –Vegetables (or fruits) with seasonings that were fermented in salty water. Also vegetables can be pre-marinated in soy sauce or other sauces.

40 Best Chinese Recipes to Cook at Home

1. Chinese Cantonese Spring Rolls Recipe

Golden and crispy on the outside, these Cantonese spring rolls are perfectly uniform, with delicate, paper-thin wrappers rolled tightly around their filling. Their cylindrical shape is precise, with lightly bubbled surfaces from frying. The rolls are arranged in a neat stack, their edges showcasing a slight golden-brown hue, hinting at their flaky texture. Served on a white platter, they are often paired with a vibrant dipping sauce, its glossy surface providing a striking contrast to the golden rolls. Fresh garnishes, like shredded lettuce or thinly sliced carrots, add a splash of colour to the presentation, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal. Each roll appears slightly translucent at the ends, revealing a faint glimpse of its contents.

2. Sticky Baked Chinese Chicken Wings

These wings glisten under a sticky, caramelised glaze, with a rich amber-brown colour that suggests a balance of sweetness and savoury depth. Slightly charred edges give the wings an appealing texture and a hint of smokiness. The surface is coated with a glossy sheen that catches the light, emphasising the thick, syrupy sauce clinging to every curve. Sprinkled with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions, the wings are plated in an overlapping arrangement. The garnish adds pops of white and green to the otherwise deep, roasted tones of the wings. A small side dish of dipping sauce or extra glaze may accompany the wings, providing an enticing finishing touch to this visually appetising dish.

3. Chinese Crab Rangoon Recipe

Golden, crispy parcels with delicately pinched edges, Chinese crab rangoon are a feast for the eyes. Their wrappers are fried to perfection, displaying a light golden hue with subtle blistering for texture. Each piece is shaped like a small, flower-like bundle, its symmetry adding to the visual appeal. The surface glistens slightly from the frying process, with hints of creamy filling peeking out from the corners. Presented on a plate, they are often accompanied by a vibrant, glossy dipping sauce in a small bowl, adding a pop of red or orange. The contrast between the crisp exterior and the creamy filling is visually apparent, inviting anticipation of their satisfying crunch.

4. Soft Fluffy Chinese Seamed Buns Recipe

Soft and pillowy, Chinese steamed buns are smooth, round, and uniform, their pristine white surface almost glowing with a subtle sheen from the steaming process. Each bun is perfectly shaped, with faint pleats or a slightly domed top, depending on the variety. The texture appears light and fluffy, with no cracks or unevenness, emphasising their handmade precision. They’re often placed on a bamboo steamer tray or parchment paper, giving a rustic yet elegant presentation. Inside, the bun’s filling might be hinted at through a small colour change near the bottom, teasing what lies within. The overall aesthetic is simple yet refined, with a focus on their soft, cloud-like appearance.

5. Chinese Style Potato Salad Recipe

This salad is a visual blend of textures and colours, showcasing thinly julienned potato strands cooked to a tender yet firm consistency. The pale yellow potatoes are tossed with bright, glistening oil, giving them a subtle shine. Specks of seasoning and thin slices of red chilli or green herbs are scattered throughout, adding vibrant pops of colour to the dish. The strands are carefully arranged in a slightly heaped pile, maintaining their delicate, noodle-like structure. Often served on a flat white plate, the presentation highlights the simplicity of the dish while allowing the bright accents of seasoning to stand out.

6. Chinese Egg Rolls Recipe

Chinese egg rolls are perfectly crisp and golden, their slightly textured surfaces revealing tiny air bubbles formed during frying. Rolled tightly and evenly, they have clean, precise edges and a satisfying cylindrical shape. The golden-brown hue varies slightly between rolls, adding a natural, handcrafted touch. Presented on a platter, they’re often paired with a glossy dipping sauce that adds contrast to the crisp exteriors. The occasional crack or flake on the surface hints at the layers within, suggesting a satisfying crunch upon the first bite. A garnish of thinly sliced green onions or shredded vegetables adds brightness and colour to the presentation.

7. Chinese Cabbage Salad Recipe

A vibrant medley of colours and textures, Chinese cabbage salad features finely shredded cabbage that forms the dish’s base, its crisp, pale-green edges adding a fresh and delicate look. The cabbage is tossed with thin carrot strips, crunchy sesame seeds, and sometimes crispy wonton strips or almonds for added texture. A light, glistening dressing coats the ingredients, giving them a subtle sheen that enhances their natural colours. Arranged on a shallow plate or bowl, the salad’s components are evenly distributed, creating an attractive balance between the fresh greens, bright orange accents, and speckled sesame seeds.

8. Chinese Sachima Recipe

Chinese sachima is a visually striking snack, featuring golden strands of fried dough bound together by a shiny, caramel-like syrup. The pieces are often cut into neat rectangular blocks, their edges clean and precise. The surface is glossy, with small bubbles or syrupy patches that catch the light. Specks of sesame seeds or other toppings are scattered across the top, adding a decorative touch. The dense, layered structure of the sachima is evident from the side, with the strands of dough tightly packed together, creating a textured, almost honeycomb-like appearance.

9. Chinese Stinky Tofu Recipe

Chinese stinky tofu is a dish that intrigues with its bold appearance. The cubes of tofu are fried to a deep golden brown or even slightly charred, with crisp edges and an airy, porous texture. Despite its infamous aroma, the visual appeal lies in its uniformity and the contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft, pale interior. Served on a plate, the tofu is often garnished with bright green herbs, chopped garlic, or spicy chilli oil, adding vibrant colour against the earthy brown tones. A small bowl of dipping sauce may accompany the dish, further enhancing its aesthetic.

10. Chinese Youtiao Recipe

Golden and slightly twisted, Chinese youtiao are long, airy dough sticks with a light, crispy exterior. Their surfaces are speckled with small bubbles from frying, creating a subtly textured appearance. The youtiao are evenly browned, with soft ridges that run along their length, giving them a distinctive, rustic look. Often served in pairs, the sticks are carefully arranged on a plate, their symmetry adding visual appeal. A light dusting of flour or a small bowl of soy milk for dipping may be included, complementing the youtiao’s warm, golden hue and highlighting their inviting texture.

11. Chinese Fried Rice Recipe

The dish features vibrant grains of golden-brown rice, each coated evenly and glistening lightly under the light. Scattered throughout the rice are colourful pops of green peas, bright orange carrot cubes, and yellow scrambled eggs, creating a balanced visual medley. Thinly sliced spring onions and other garnishes are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh green accent. The rice is slightly fluffy yet compact, with no clumps or overly oily spots. Served on a wide platter or bowl, the dish has a homely yet precise arrangement, allowing every element to stand out distinctly.

12. Chinese Chow Mein Recipe

This dish presents a tangled mound of golden noodles, slightly glossy from a light coating of sauce. The noodles are mixed with evenly sliced vegetables such as green bell peppers, onions, and vibrant carrot strips, which provide a splash of colour against the warm tones of the noodles. Strips of tender meat or tofu add an additional layer of texture and depth. The noodles have a slight char in places, hinting at a smoky flavour, while their springy texture is visually evident. Garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, the dish is arranged in an inviting heap, creating a sense of fullness and abundance.

13. Chinese Congee Recipe

This comforting dish features a creamy, pale white rice porridge, its surface smooth and slightly glossy. The congee is thick yet fluid, with a silky appearance that reflects its gentle preparation. Toppings like sliced green onions, crispy fried shallots, or a drizzle of soy sauce are arranged neatly on top, adding a burst of colour and texture. Often served in a deep bowl, the congee’s consistency creates a visually soothing effect, with occasional hints of its soft, cooked rice base showing through. The simplicity of its appearance exudes warmth and nourishment.

14. Chinese Rou Jia Mo Recipe

A golden, crispy bun is split open to reveal a filling of finely shredded or diced meat, glistening with juices. The meat is a rich brown, with visible strands or chunks that highlight its tender texture. The bun itself has a slightly charred surface, with a light, flaky interior that contrasts with the succulent filling. The sandwich is neatly assembled, with the filling evenly distributed to create a balanced visual appeal. Occasionally, green herbs or sliced vegetables peek out from the edges, adding a subtle touch of colour against the earthy tones.

15. Chinese Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

The dish features glossy cubes of chicken, each evenly coated in a deep brown sauce that catches the light. Mixed with the chicken are bright red dried chillies, golden roasted peanuts, and vibrant green spring onions, creating a striking contrast of colours. The chicken pieces are slightly caramelised, with crispy edges that hint at their flavourful preparation. The dish is arranged on a flat plate or shallow bowl, with the ingredients spread evenly to showcase each element. The glossy sauce clings to every component, adding a cohesive, mouth-watering appeal.

16. Chinese Char Siu Recipe

Long slices of pork are glazed with a deep, glossy red sauce that creates a lacquered effect. The edges are slightly charred, revealing a caramelised texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, shiny surface. When sliced, the pork displays a gradient of colours, from the dark red exterior to the lighter pink interior. The pieces are neatly arranged on a platter, often accompanied by thinly sliced green onions or a drizzle of sauce. The overall presentation is clean and enticing, emphasising the richness of the glaze.

17. Chinese Zha Jiang Mian Recipe

Thick, springy noodles form the base of this dish, their pale golden colour providing a neutral background for the rich topping. A dark, glossy sauce made with minced meat is generously spooned over the centre, creating a striking contrast. Bright green julienned cucumbers and thinly sliced carrots are placed neatly on top, adding a refreshing crunch and a pop of colour. The noodles and toppings are arranged in a tidy yet inviting manner, with the sauce pooling slightly around the edges to hint at its savoury richness.

18. Chinese Wonton Soup Recipe

This soup is a visual delight, featuring translucent wontons floating in a clear, golden broth. The wontons are delicately folded, their pleated edges visible through the light, with faint glimpses of the filling inside. Green onion slices and thin leaves of bok choy add a splash of vibrant colour to the dish. The broth is clear yet slightly glossy, reflecting light and creating a clean, appetising look. The wontons are evenly spaced in the bowl, ensuring every piece is showcased.

19. Chinese Xiao Long Bao Recipe

These delicate dumplings are perfectly shaped with thin, translucent wrappers that reveal a faint glimpse of their filling inside. Each xiao long bao is pleated at the top, forming a neat, circular pattern. They are arranged in a bamboo steamer basket, with their lightly shiny surfaces hinting at their tender texture. A small dip in the centre of each dumpling holds a tiny pool of broth, indicating their juicy interior. The soft beige colour of the dumplings contrasts subtly with the natural wood of the steamer.

20. Chinese Hot Pot Home Recipe

A bubbling pot of rich, fragrant broth takes centre stage, surrounded by an array of neatly arranged ingredients. Slices of raw meat, vibrant green vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu are placed on separate plates, ready to be added to the pot. The broth itself is split into sections, often with a spicy red side and a milder golden side, creating a striking visual contrast. Steam rises from the pot, adding a dynamic element to the scene, while the vibrant ingredients create an inviting and colourful spread.

21. Chinese Almond Jelly Recipe

This dessert features smooth, translucent cubes of almond-flavoured jelly, arranged in a clean and minimalistic manner. The jelly is a soft, creamy white, with a delicate sheen that reflects the light. The cubes are arranged neatly in a shallow bowl or plate, often garnished with a few fresh fruit slices such as mandarin orange segments or berries. These fruits add a burst of colour to the otherwise neutral-toned jelly, making the dish visually appealing. The jelly’s texture appears firm but smooth, inviting a satisfying bite with each piece.

22. Chinese Egg Tarts Recipe

The egg tarts have a golden, flaky pastry crust that encircles a smooth, shiny, custard filling. The custard has a rich, golden hue, contrasting with the light, crisp edges of the pastry. Each tart is perfectly round, with a slight puff in the middle where the custard is slightly raised. The surface of the filling is smooth and glossy, often with a slight caramelisation along the edges, hinting at its delicate sweetness. The tarts are arranged on a plate, their individual layers visible through the perfectly browned crust.

23. Chinese Soy Milk Puddiing Recipe

This dessert showcases a smooth, pale beige pudding that has a soft, silky appearance. The pudding is served in a shallow bowl, its surface slightly wobbly and inviting. A drizzle of brown sugar syrup or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or sesame seeds may rest on top, adding texture and colour contrast. The surface of the pudding is even and glossy, hinting at its velvety texture. The overall presentation is simple, with clean edges and a tranquil, soft hue that makes the dish visually soothing and appetising.

24. Chinese Pineapple Tarts Recipe

These small, bite-sized tarts have a golden, buttery pastry base that crumbles lightly when touched. Each tart is topped with a perfectly shaped mound of bright yellow pineapple jam, creating a vibrant contrast against the neutral tones of the pastry. The jam is shiny and smooth, often with small bits of pineapple visible within. The tarts are neatly arranged on a plate, their uniformity highlighting the balance between the pastry and the jam. The rich golden colour of the pastry complements the tropical brightness of the pineapple topping.

25. Chinese Red Bean Cakes Recipe

These cakes are round and slightly flattened, their smooth surface glistening under the light. The soft, reddish-brown exterior is often dusted with a thin layer of powdered sugar, enhancing its slightly crisp texture. Inside, the cakes are filled with a smooth, sweet red bean paste that peeks through the edges where the cake has cracked slightly. The cakes are evenly arranged on a plate, showcasing their smooth surface and the gentle curves of their round shape. The subtle contrast between the exterior and filling makes the dish visually inviting.

26. Chinese Sweet Potato Ginger Soup Recipe

This soup features a warm, velvety orange broth, its surface lightly rippled with steam rising from it. Floating within the broth are tender chunks of orange sweet potato, their colour bright against the golden soup. A few slices of ginger may be visible, offering a hint of contrast with their pale yellow and beige tones. The soup is served in a bowl, with the ingredients evenly distributed to create a balanced and comforting appearance. The overall look is smooth and inviting, evoking warmth with each visual element.

27. Chinese Bubble Tea Recipe

The bubble tea is served in a tall, clear glass, its layers neatly separated. At the bottom, glossy black tapioca pearls rest, their round shape and deep colour creating a striking contrast with the lighter tea above. The tea itself is a smooth, pale brown or vibrant fruit colour, with a slight cloudiness from the milk or other flavourings. A wide straw rests in the glass, allowing the pearls to be easily sipped up with the tea. The bubbles glisten under the light, adding an inviting, playful touch to the drink.

28. Chinese Fried Milk Recipe

These golden, crispy cubes of fried milk are arranged neatly on a plate, their surface a crisp, golden-brown coating. The exterior is perfectly fried, creating a smooth, even texture with a slight crunch when bitten into. The milk filling inside is slightly visible at the edges, a pale, creamy white that contrasts beautifully with the crisp exterior. A dusting of powdered sugar may lightly cover the cubes, adding a soft, sweet touch to the overall presentation. The arrangement is clean and appealing, highlighting the contrast between the crunchy exterior and creamy interior.

29. Chinese Almond Cookies Recipe

These almond cookies are round, with a slightly crinkled surface and a golden-brown hue. Each cookie is topped with a whole almond, which contrasts with the pale, crumbly texture of the cookie. The cookies have a delicate sheen, with slight cracks around the edges that reveal their crispness. They are arranged neatly in a line or a stack, their uniform size creating a visually appealing display. The texture appears light and flaky, inviting a satisfying crunch with each bite.

30. Chinese Chocolate Five Spice Cake Recipe

This cake has a rich, deep brown colour, with a smooth, glossy surface that hints at its moist texture. The cake is topped with a dusting of fine cocoa powder, which contrasts against the dark base. A few small pieces of chocolate may be scattered on top, creating visual interest. The cake’s slightly crumbly texture is suggested by the clean lines and edges of each slice. When cut, the cake reveals a moist, dense interior, speckled with the faint swirl of spices. The overall presentation is decadent yet clean, with a touch of elegance.

31. Chinese Egg Cake Recipe

The Chinese egg cake has a light, spongy texture with a golden-brown exterior. Its surface is smooth with a slight sheen, indicating the perfect level of softness and moisture within. The edges are slightly browned, giving it a crisp contrast to the delicate middle. The cake’s compact round or square shape is perfectly uniform, with a smooth, even surface. As it is cut, the interior reveals a fluffy, airy texture that springs back lightly, inviting a gentle bite. The overall look is simple and clean, with a pleasing golden hue that makes the cake visually inviting.

32. Chinese Pineapple Buns Recipe

The Chinese pineapple bun features a slightly sweet, golden-brown, crumbly crust that covers its soft, pillowy interior. The top of the bun is often cracked in several places, creating a distinctive pattern. The crust’s slightly sugary sheen adds to its appeal, while the inside of the bun remains soft and airy, with a warm, pale yellow hue. When sliced open, the bun reveals a light, fluffy texture that contrasts with the crisp, sweet exterior. The soft warmth and simple design make these buns visually comforting and enticing, with an inviting, golden crust.

33. Chinese Raspberry Snowflake Cake

This cake presents an elegant appearance, with a soft, snow-white exterior made of fine, fluffy layers of cake. The cake is topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, giving it a frosty look, and bright, vivid raspberries sit neatly on top. The contrast between the snowy white surface and the deep red raspberries creates an appealing visual. The raspberry filling, visible in the layers, adds a burst of colour when sliced. The overall aesthetic is delicate and clean, with a light, airy feel to the presentation, evoking the sensation of snowflakes and freshness.

34. Chinese Walnut Cookies Recipe

The Chinese walnut cookies have a golden-brown hue, with a slightly cracked, textured surface. Each cookie is adorned with a whole walnut on top, creating a contrast between the dark nut and the light, crumbly cookie. The cookies have an inviting, rustic appearance, with slight cracks along the edges, suggesting a crisp texture. The light golden colour of the cookie is complemented by the darker, slightly glossy walnut, making them visually appealing and adding a touch of elegance to their rustic presentation.

35. Chinese Fa Gao Recipe

The Chinese fa gao is round with a soft, spongy, and slightly cracked surface. The top often displays a delicate, symmetrical crack pattern that is characteristic of this steamed cake. The cake’s pale yellow colour is complemented by a slightly off-white interior when cut, revealing its fluffy texture. The surface is smooth, with a slight sheen, while the interior remains airy and soft. Its gentle, rounded shape and inviting texture make it visually pleasant and comforting, with a subtle, inviting appearance that beckons a bite.

36. Chinese Sesame Cookies Recipe

These sesame cookies are round, golden-brown, and covered with a generous layer of black and white sesame seeds. The sesame seeds create a rough, yet slightly crunchy surface, with an uneven texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the dough beneath. Each cookie has a delicate crack along the edges, highlighting its crispness. The warm golden colour and the glossy sheen of the sesame seeds add a touch of elegance to the rustic look. The overall appearance is simple but inviting, with the sesame seeds creating a visual texture that draws the eye.

37. Chinese Mango Pudding Recipe

The Chinese mango pudding has a smooth, vibrant orange hue, with a glossy and slightly wobbly texture. Its surface is even, with a soft, creamy appearance, often adorned with a garnish of fresh mango pieces or a light drizzle of syrup. The pudding’s bright colour contrasts beautifully against the freshness of the mango toppings. When cut, the interior reveals a smooth, silky consistency, inviting the eyes with its rich texture. The pudding is served in a simple bowl or cup, allowing its creamy texture and vivid colour to stand out in a simple, elegant presentation.

38. Chinese Sesame Seed Balls Recipe

These golden-brown sesame seed balls are perfectly round, with a slightly crunchy exterior covered in a generous coating of toasted sesame seeds. The balls are often lightly glistening, indicating their crispiness, while the inside remains soft and airy. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the delicate, chewy interior is visible when a ball is cut open, with a smooth filling of red bean paste or lotus seed paste. The visual texture of the sesame seeds adds depth, making the balls both inviting and satisfying in appearance.

39. Eight Treasure Rice Pudding Recipe

The eight treasure rice pudding has a vibrant appearance, with colourful ingredients scattered throughout the glistening, sticky rice. The rice itself is soft and slightly shiny, with hints of red, green, and yellow from various fillings such as dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. The top may be decorated with a few pieces of lotus seed or goji berries, adding a bright red contrast to the dish. The pudding is served in a bowl, showcasing the blend of colours and textures, with a glossy, sticky sheen that adds to the visual appeal.

40. Chinese Fortune Cookie Recipe

The Chinese fortune cookie is a crisp, golden-brown treat with a perfectly curved shape. The thin, crisp edges form a delicate, neat crease at the top, while the light golden colour of the cookie contrasts with the paper fortune tucked inside. The surface is smooth and glossy, with a slight shine, highlighting the crisp texture. The cookies are arranged neatly, their gentle curves and even colour making them visually appealing and inviting to break open, revealing the hidden fortune inside.