6 Must-Try Traditional Chinese Foods for Tourists

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Exploring China's vibrant food scene is an essential part of any visit to the country. Chinese cuisine boasts a delicious and diverse range of flavors, from savory dishes to sweet treats, catering to every taste bud.

Here are six traditional Chinese foods that tourists should not miss, compiled from various sources:

1. Dumplings (Jiaozi)

This world-famous dish is a staple of Chinese cuisine. While readily available elsewhere, the authentic experience awaits you in China. These flour pockets come with various savory fillings and hold significance during festivals like Chinese New Year and the Winter Solstice, symbolizing good luck and family reunions.

2. Sticky Rice (Tangyuan)

Often enjoyed during the Lantern Festival, sticky rice is a traditional dish made from glutinous rice flour. Traditionally filled and shaped into balls, modern variations offer a range of fillings, such as black sesame, roses, walnuts, date paste, yellow pumpkin, and fruits. Pair your sticky rice with a light soup for a complete experience.

3. Mooncake (Yuebing)

Mooncake

Craving something sweet? Mooncakes are a delightful option. This round cake, once reserved for royalty, symbolizes family unity and is a popular treat during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Indulge in its various fillings, including red bean paste, roses, lotus seed paste, dried plums, black sesame, and egg yolk.

4. Zongzi

Wrapped in reed leaves, zongzi is a sticky rice delicacy enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival. This dish comes in both sweet and savory varieties. The sweet fillings include red beans, red dates, roses, and bean paste, while the savory options have fillings of pork, ham, sausage, shrimp, and more.

5. Rice Cakes (Nian Gao)

Also known as New Year's cakes, these sticky rice flour cakes come in red or white and are shaped to resemble lucky objects such as coins, cards, and animals. Tasting rice cakes is a must-do experience during your visit to China.

6. Spring rolls (Chunjuan)

This popular dish, especially in southern China, features a wheat skin wrapper filled with vegetables and fried to a golden crisp. Usually eaten on the first day of spring, spring rolls symbolize welcoming the new season with good wishes.

This list provides a starting point for your culinary adventure in China. With its vast array of delicious delicacies, Chinese cuisine promises an unforgettable experience.

AULIA ULVA

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