Culinary Odyssey: Gourmet Tour of China's Diverse Cuisine

Throughout centuries of its development, the culture of the Celestial Empire has absorbed and blended the best of what the West and the East could offer. An exciting tour of China for gourmets will acquaint travelers with the masterpieces of local cuisine. Local culinary masters have the ability to harmoniously combine seemingly incompatible ingredients, creating true culinary masterpieces capable of delighting even the most discerning gourmand. Chinese chefs pay special attention to the visual presentation of dishes and the combination of various ingredients, resulting in a wide range of flavors.
Important. Dishes with the same name in different regions of the country have different tastes and appearances. The climate, history, and traditions leave their imprint on the recipes and ingredient compositions. Therefore, a tour to China for gourmets will be memorable and fascinating.

Rice and Soy-Based Dishes

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The Chinese prefer dishes made from soy and rice, which may seem strange to Europeans accustomed to bread and meat in their daily diet. Products made from rice flour and dough are immensely popular among all segments of the population in the Celestial Empire. However, Chinese chefs have limited use of dairy products and milk. An interesting gastronomic tour of China will reveal the country's culture from a new perspective. The cuisine of China is dominated by four main culinary directions.
• Peking Cuisine. In the imperial traditions of the northern region, it is customary to serve rice with every dish. Here, you can try a masterpiece of Chinese cuisine that has become popular worldwide, the "Peking duck." Another culinary masterpiece is the "beggar's chicken," which is stuffed with mushrooms and onions. After being coated in spices, the meat is covered with a layer of clay, wrapped in lotus leaves, and cooked in a special oven. Another culinary marvel is the "Chinese samovar." The presentation is quite extravagant. It includes various types of meat, vermicelli, shrimp, vegetables, and different kinds of fish.
• Shanghai Cuisine. Chefs are renowned for their meat delicacies and culinary masterpieces made from seafood. Meat is prepared with a wide variety of spices. When visiting the Jiangsu or Zhejiang regions, be sure to try soups with pork, mushrooms, and cabbage. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy eel in wine sauce or one of the most popular soy-based cheeses, tofu.
• Sichuan Cuisine. The main highlight of the local cuisine is the abundant use of spices, garlic, and seasonings in every culinary masterpiece. Local chefs prefer steaming or smoking cooking techniques. For vegetarians, there is soy-based cheese, tofu. Guests must try the "Kung Pao" chicken and dumplings with a variety of fillings, incorporating over 200 different options.
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Cantonese Cuisine. Here, you can try dishes made from snake, turtle, cat, or dog meat.

A gastronomic journey through China will help you better understand the country's traditions by getting acquainted with the culinary preferences of the local population.


Chinese Desserts


The Chinese have a great fondness for various sweets and conclude every meal with an original dessert. Guests can expect:

1. sweet turtle soups;
2. steamed round rice dumplings called «tangyuan»;
3. rice cakes known as «niangao»;
4. finely crushed ice served with various syrups;
5. tapioca puddings;
6. herbal jellies with honey;
7. and much more.

Chinese chefs use rice or corn flour, bamboo or lotus leaves, and aromatic herbs to prepare desserts, which makes them significantly different from the sweets that people in other countries are accustomed to.

Beverages


The most popular beverage in China is green tea. It is served everywhere before and after meals. The local tea ceremony, known as "gongfu cha," is just as intricate and refined as the Japanese tea ceremony. By performing this ritual, the host shows respect to the guest and demonstrates care for their well-being. The guest's role is to express gratitude and appreciation while patiently participating in the tea drinking experience. The most popular alcoholic beverages in China are rice beer and vodka. Additionally, one can try dark or light rice wine with an alcohol content of up to 60°. It is worth noting that due to the unfamiliarity, heated vodka or beer, as well as rice wine, can lead to quick intoxication.
When embarking on a gourmet tour of China, it's advisable to bring along allergy medication and digestive aids, as unfamiliar food may present unpleasant surprises.
To inquire about the price of tours to China or seek consultation, you can contact us by phone or submit a request on our tour agency's website. A manager will get in touch with you within 20-30 minutes to provide information about the cost and our other services.