The Variations of Chinese Cuisine

In recent years, China has become one of theinclude Lemon Chicken, Honey Chili Chicken and
most popular sources of just about any cuisine.also Chicken with Lychees. In general, Chinese
This paved way for Chinese food to befood dishes are typically served accompanied with
renowned across the globe particularly countriesbowls of rice or noodles. Vegetables are spared
like United States, UK, Australia and Westernfrom being overcooked to make it taste crispy
Europe. What many westerners usually do is theyand fresh. The most common vegetables being
tend to group the dishes all together despite itsused are green beans, eggplant, zucchini, mung
regional variation. Different traditions havebean sprouts and mushrooms. Also, included are
developed around different areas in China and thisChinese cabbage, Chinese broccoli as well as bok
is mainly due to climatic conditions as well aschoy.
ethnic make up. As China continues influencing theCoastal areas in China have their own traditional
West, it worked as a win-win situation on bothcuisine with seafood as the main ingredient. This
sides. This brought the establishment of variousincludes both freshwater as well as deep-sea fish
fast food chains along the streets of Chinadishes. Prawns, crab, squid, shark fin and scallops
encouraging an even freer economy.are all favorite ingredients.
Despite the differences of each region, whatChinese food dishes are never complete without a
keeps them bonded together is the idea thatsteaming hot bowl of soup. It is especially
meals should be kept pleasing to the eye, healthilywelcome during cold weather especially Chinese
balanced as well as contain the best and freshestwinters and is a great way of using up leftovers.
ingredients available. As a tradition, dishes areStock, as it is called, is often made out of meat,
served along with a hot tea or hot water sincechicken or vegetables. Sweet Corn Soup has
this is believed to aid digestion. However, beersbecome a favorite among Westerners the same
and soft drinks have taken over and has becomeas Szechwan Soup, which is made from pork,
people's favorite in recent years. Meat like chickenham, mushrooms, red pepper, prawns as well as
and pork has become in demand and has been achicken stock.
huge part of working people's daily diet. Also, beefWhen talking about cuisines per region, one of the
is consumed and comes in very thin slices.most internationally in-demand is the Cantonese
Vegetables, as always, are a mainstay in manycuisine. These dishes are typically made up of
Chinese cuisines and it comes in a wide array ofmeat or chicken but also include Shark Fin Soup
choices.and Steamed Sea Bass. Generally, Cantonese
One of the most in demand menu choices is thecooks prefer to stir fry, saute, steam or deep
Sweet and Sour Pork. Dishes that contain beef asfry. What makes Chinese food unique from other
the main ingredient are usually cooked withkind of dishes as it make use of soy sauce, rice
noodles together with black bean sauce orvinegar or oyster sauce instead of spices to give
cashews. Recipes that make use of chickenflavor.