The 18 Most Popular Chinese Dishes

Written by Veronica | Updated September 26,2025

Thanks to China’s long history, the country is full of rich and varied cultural traditions. Traditional Chinese dishes are  no exception, having gone through thousands of years of development, with each region’s cuisine evolving in accordance with its climate, crops, and customs.

Emphasizing color, flavor, and taste, Chinese food have become popular all over the world and captured the hearts of countless foreign visitors. In this article, we’ll explore the 18 best Chinese dishes so you make sure you don’t miss anything on your next tour of China!

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• 1. Dumplings
• 2. Kung Pao Chicken
• 3. Spring Rolls
• 4. Fried Rice
• 5. Mapo Tofu
• 6. Hot Pot
• 7. Peking Roasted Duck
• 8. Chow Mein
• 9. Dim Sum
• 10. Steamed Fish
• 11. Sweet and Sour Pork
• 12. Wontons
• 13. Xiaolongbao
• 14. Congee
• 15. Jian Bing Guo Zi (Chinese Breakfast Crepes)
• 16. Sichuan Shui Zhu Pork Slices
• 17. Twice-Cooked Pork Slices
• 18. Zhajiangmian
• Tips for Eating in China
• FAQs about Chinese Food
• Plan Your China Food Tour with China Xian Tour

1. Dumplings

• Price Range: RMB 15–30
• Where to Eat: Dumpling houses, local restaurants especially across northern China

Dumplings, or jiaozi in Chinese, are one of the most common dishes in China with a history of over 1,800 years. This traditional Chinese dish is beloved by people all over the country, though it’s an especially popular dish in northern China.

The basic form of dumplings is always the same: ground meat and/or vegetables in a thin dough wrapper. There are a variety of ways to cook them, however, like boiling, steaming and frying, with each method resulting in diverse tastes and textures. Once cooked, dumplings are usually served with a specially-made dipping sauce made by mixing soy sauce, vinegar and chili oil.

Shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, dumplings are also an important dish during Chinese New Year, symbolizing good luck. In some regions, people even wrap coins into them! It’s said that whoever eats the dumpling with the coin will have good fortune in the coming year.

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2. Kung Pao Chicken

• Price Range: RMB 20-40
• Where to Eat: Sichuan restaurants, nationwide eateries

Kung Pao chicken is a classic dish in Sichuan cuisine (one of the 8 major cuisines of China) and one of the most popular Chinese chicken dishes not only in China but abroad as well. Both spicy and savoury, Kung Pao chicken consists of diced marinated chicken accompanied by peanuts, chopped lettuce, and peppers.

Often served with rice, the fresh and spicy taste of Kung Pao chicken has won over diners all over the world. It offers a special textural experience as well, perfectly combining tender chicken and crispy peanuts, securing Kung Pao chicken’s place as one of the most popular Chinese dishes.

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3. Spring Rolls

• Price Range: RMB 15–40
• Where to Eat: Street food stalls, dim sum restaurants

Spring rolls are a popular Chinese dish to eat as an appetizer, originating in regions south of the Yangtze River. This traditional snack is made by wrapping vegetables, meat, or seafood in a thin pastry wrapper and then deep-frying them until crispy. Spring rolls are usually served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce to enhance their flavor.

As its name implies, spring rolls used to be closely related with spring celebrations in southern China, like the Spring Festival, and symbolizing the joy and celebration that comes with welcoming spring.

4. Fried Rice

• Price Range: RMB 15-30
• Where to Eat: Local restaurants, street eateries

Fried rice is a simple but flavorful Chinese dish that often appears on dining tables in both homes and restaurants. It’s made by stir-frying rice with eggs, vegetables, meat, and different seasonings. The secret to making perfect fried rice is to use cooked rice that has been refrigerated overnight, which helps to keep the rice from getting mushy during the cooking process.

The flavor of fried rice is as diverse as the regions you can find it in, though Yangzhou fried rice gets the most acclaim. Careful attention is paid to the dish’s colours, stir-frying the rice to a perfect golden yellow that pairs beautifully with eggs, shrimps, ham, and peas to make the dish look more appetizing.

Related reading: 15 Best Healthy Chinese Food & Where to Eat

5. Mapo Tofu

• Price Range: RMB 25-40
• Where to Eat: Sichuan restaurants

Mapo tofu is a traditional Chinese dish that perfectly embodies the fiery heat and spicy flavor of Sichuan cuisine. “Mapo” means “a pockmarked old woman”, referring to the appearance of the woman said to be the inventor of this popular cuisine during the Qing Dynasty.

The main ingredients include tofu, minced meat, and a spicy sauce flavored with Sichuan peppercorns, chili bean paste, and fermented black beans. The dish is typically served with rice and is a favorite among spicy food lovers, though its reputation as one of the most popular Chinese foods shows that even those who aren’t obsessed with spice are fans.

6. Hot Pot

• Price Range: RMB 50–200+ per person
• Where to Eat: Hot pot chains, local restaurants across China

Hot pot is a traditional Chinese dish originally favored by foodies in China before its popularity took it worldwide. The dish consists of a large pot of broth in which diners boil raw ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and seafood until cooked, after which they dip them in a customisable sauce.

As with the other foods listed, there are different kinds of hot pot in China depending on what region you’re in. In the north, the broth tends to be light and people often use sesame paste as the base for their dipping sauce. Hot pot in Chengdu and Chongqing is unsurprisingly known for its hot and spicy broth, with dipping sauce mixed of sesame oil and ground garlic. People in Yunnan and Guizhou, however, would like to prepare the broth with a local specialty – mushrooms – to enjoy a more refreshing flavor.

Hot pot is often the best Chinese food for any social gathering, as it’s a great opportunity to sit together, chatting, playing, and enjoying both the delicious food and the pleasant atmosphere.

Related reading:

• Chongqing Cuisine: Top 10 Food to Eat in Chongqing
• Chengdu Hot Pot Guide: How to Eat Hot Pot Like a Local

7. Peking Roasted Duck

• Price Range: RMB 80–300+
• Where to Eat: Specialty roast duck restaurants especially in Beijing

Peking duck is another of the most famous Chinese dishes, originating in Beijing and now boasting a history of over 600 years. It uses a whole duck as the main ingredient, roasting it over fruit-tree charcoal flame to achieve its characteristic golden color, crispy skin, and tender meat.

Peking duck is typically served in slices with thin savoury pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce. Diners wrap the crispy duck meat and condiments in the pancakes before rolling them up to get the perfect complex flavor with every bite.

Peking duck is of course a must-try dish for anyone visiting Beijing. If you want the best of the best, there are a lot of time-honored brands that serve this traditional dish, with Quan Ju De (全聚德), Bian Yi Fang (便宜坊) and Da Dong Roast Duck (大董烤鸭) having the best reputation among locals.

8. Chow Mein

• Price Range: RMB 15–40
• Where to Eat: Noodle shops, street stalls

Chow mein is the Cantonese pronunciation of “chǎo miàn”, which means stir-fried noodles in Mandarin. This traditional Chinese noodle dish is usually garnished with vegetables, eggs, and meat. It can be easily found in restaurants and street vendors in China. For most Chinese people, especially youths, chow mein is their first choice for a midnight snack.

Related Reading: Top 10 Chinese Noodles

9. Dim Sum

• Price Range: RMB 50–150 per person
• Where to Eat: Dim sum restaurants, teahouses

Dim sum is a traditional Cantonese dish that’s more of a style of food than it is a specific dish. You can more or less think of it as the Chinese version of tapas – a collection of small dishes to snack on or combine into a complete meal. That means that if you’re looking for the perfect way to test a lot of common Chinese dishes in one meal, dim sum is the perfect choice!

Typical dim sum foods include shrimp dumplings, cha siu bao (steamed BBQ pork buns), shumai (cup-shaped steamed dumplings), and chang fen (rice noodle rolls). Cantonese dim sum can be served on small plates or in steamer baskets, depending on the type of food.

Regarded as the soul of Cantonese life, dim sum is a popular brunch and lunch option for locals. Cantonese people often order a pot of hot tea while they eat it, enjoying a relaxed and fun meal with friends and family.

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10. Steamed Fish

• Price Range: RMB 60–150
• Where to Eat: Seafood restaurants, banquet dining

In China, there’s a huge culture of using homophones to convey different meanings. That’s why fish is such a common Chinese dish – the word for “fish” and the word for “abundance” sound the same (yú)!

That double meaning is why it’s common to see fish served at banquets and special occasions in China, and steamed fish is definitely the most popular version thanks to its light and healthy flavor. Chefs often salt the whole fish first and then steam it with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce until the meat is tender. As a result of this special cooking process, the fish is imbued with a special (and addictive!) salty and fresh aroma.

11. Sweet and Sour Pork

• Price Range: RMB 20-50
• Where to Eat: Local restaurants nationwide

Sweet and sour pork is a classic traditional Chinese dish that you’ll most likely be familiar with, given how it’s captured the hearts of food lovers all over the world. The dish has a mouth-watering deep orange color, looking almost like chunks of amber on the plate. Often served with steaming rice, it has a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that appeals to almost everyone (including kids and picky eaters), making it a must-try dish for anyone looking to explore the rich and diverse world of Chinese food without taking too much of a risk.

To make sweet and sour pork, the cut up pork is first coated in batter made from egg, cornstarch, and flour and then deep-fried to golden perfection. Then, the pork and colorful vegetables are stir-fried with the best part of the dish – its mouth-watering sauce made from a combination of sugar, vinegar and ketchup. Once they’re well mixed, you’ll have perfect sweet and sour Pork ready to be served.

12. Wontons

• Price Range: RMB 25–60
• Where to Eat: Sichuan restaurants

Another traditional Chinese dish, wontons, are a popular appetizer for breakfast and supper. They have a long history that stretches back at least 2,000 years in Chinese history. Wontons are a type of dumpling with minced pork or shrimp filled in a thinner wrapper, generally served in a clear broth featuring a savory flavor, but in Sichuan, you can also enjoy wontons in a hot and spicy soup too.

13. Xiaolongbao

• Price Range: RMB 15–40
• Where to Eat: Noodle shops, small eateries

Xiaolongbao are a traditional Chinese snack that consists of stuffed buns served in a small steamer basket. Originating during the Northern Song Dynasty, it’s been one of the most popular Chinese dishes for breakfast and supper all across the country ever since, though they’re especially common in Shanghai where xiaolongbao have become a kind of symbol of the city. People can enjoy authentic Shanghai xiaolongbao in many well-regarded restaurants like Nanxiang (南翔) and the bustling City God Temple food court.

Xiaolongbao are most commonly filled with pork and a tasty broth and served with a dipping sauce of mixed black vinegar and ginger. After being steamed, the thin layer of dough wrapper becomes light and fluffy while the broth inside gets very hot. To avoid burning your tongue, follow the example of experienced local diners and first nibble off a corner of the dumpling before blowing on it to cool the inside.

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14. Congee

• Price Range: RMB 40-60
• Where to Eat: Local restaurants, family-style eateries

Another popular Chinese dish, congee, is a type of rice porridge that’s often eaten for breakfast in China. It’s made by boiling rice in a large amount of water until it becomes soft and creamy. Locals usually add some salt or sugar according to their own tastes for extra flavor. In Guangdong, congee can be cooked in many different ways using a variety of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and eggs.

15. Jian Bing Guo Zi (Chinese Breakfast Crepes)

• Price Range: RMB 10–25
• Where to Eat: Street food stalls, breakfast shops

Jianbing guozi is a common Chinese dish often served by street vendors in northern China, especially in Tianjin. “Jianbing” are thin, crispy crepes made by spreading a batter made of wheat flour, eggs, and water on a hot griddle. “Guozi” is the word for deep-fried dough in the Tianjin dialect of Chinese, which is the primary filling for the dish. Beyond just fried dough, people also add a variety of other fillings depending on their preferences, including scallions, cilantro, and special sauces. The crepe is then folded up and cut into halves so it can be more easily shared.

16. Sichuan Shuizhu Pork Slices

Also known as spicy and numbing water poached pork, shuizhu pork slices is a lesser known Chinese dish originating from Sichuan, a region notable for its use of numbing spices in their food. The dish is prepared by boiling thinly sliced pork tenderloin and crisp vegetables such as bean sprouts and leafy greens in a red broth made from fermented bean paste, peppercorns, and dried chilies. As a finishing touch, hot oil is poured over the dish, releasing the enticing aroma of garlic and peppercorns.

For those with a penchant for spicy cuisine, this dish is certain to captivate your palate, as will many other dishes from Sichuan.

17. Twice-Cooked Pork Slices

This classic home-style dish is a Chinese dish from Sichuan beloved for its simple yet incredibly flavorful preparation. As its name suggests, twice-cooked means cooking the meat twice. The main ingredient of this dish is fatty pork belly, which is first boiled and then stir-fried with bean paste, green peppers, and garlic shoots until the edges of the pork belly slices start to curl. Despite the richness of this popular Chinese food, the fat never feels greasy. In China, this dish is often eaten with rice, the perfect neutral compliment to its numbing spiciness and gentle sweetness.

18. Zhajiangmian

As one of the top ten noodle dishes in China, Zhajiang Noodles is a well-loved dish in all of Northern China, though it’s especially popular in Beijing. It consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with thinly sliced cucumber, radishes, bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of green onions. The highlight of the dish is its sauce, which is made by mixing minced pork belly, sweet bean paste, and yellow soybean paste and slowly frying the mixture until it bubbles. Salty, slightly spicy, and sweet all at once, it’s a delightful contrast to the simpler flavour of the noodles and vegetables.

Before your food adventure to China, try to learn some of its common table manners and Chinese dining etiquette to ensure your a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Related reading: Discover Best Cities for Food in China

Tips for Eating in China

• Ordering Food: Dishes are usually shared family-style. Order 3–5 dishes for a small group.
• Spice Levels: Sichuan and Hunan food can be very spicy. If you can’t handle that, ask for “less spicy” (少辣 shǎo là).
• Food Allergies: Peanut, sesame, and soy sauce are widely usedin Chinese dishes. If you have any concern inform the staff about allergies clearly.
• Table Manners: Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, which is quite impolite.

Related reading: Chinese Restaurant Menus

FAQs about Chinese Food

What is the most popular Chinese dish around the world?

It’s difficult to say what the most popular Chinese dish in the world would be as it varies depending on location and personal preference. However, dishes such as dumplings, Kung Pao chicken, scrambled eggs with tomato, and fried rice are widely popular and appeal to most tastes.

What’s China’s national dish?

Thanks to its preparation, history, and flavor, Beijing roast duck has a unique charm and is considered the national dish of China. For many, it’s a symbol of Chinese food culture as a whole.

What’s the difference between Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine?

Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, while Cantonese cuisine features delicate and mild flavors. The former uses ingredients such as Sichuan peppercorns and chili bean paste to create its intense taste. Cantonese food, on the other hand, focuses on using fresh ingredients and gentle cooking techniques to preserve the light, natural flavor of the food.

Is Chinese food healthy?

It depends on the cooking methods. Generally, dishes that are stir-fried or steamed with lots of vegetables are a good choice for more health-conscious travellers, whereas deep-fried ones and those that are high in sugar and sodium are better enjoyed in moderation.

Is it safe to eat street food in China?

Street food in China can be safe to eat as long as you follow some basic precautions. Look for vendors that have a quick food turnover, as it’s a sign that food is more likely to be fresh. Avoid vendors that have unclean cooking conditions or use questionable ingredients. Also, be cautious when eating spicy food as it may upset your stomach if you’re not used to it.

What are China’s main staple foods?

Rice and noodles are the most commonly eaten food in China, the equivalent to bread, pasta, or potatoes in the Western diet. Generally speaking, there’s a north-south divide to Chinese food culture as well. In the south, people like to eat rice paired with fresh vegetable or meat dishes and light soups. In the north, however, noodles of different sizes and shapes, steamed buns, and various dumplings are the fundamentals of the region’s diets.

This is just a broad tendency rather than a hard rule, though. Overall, both rice and noodles are common to see regardless of region.

So there you have it, a list of the 18 most popular Chinese dishes! China offers a wealth of options for food, with rich flavours, fresh ingredients, and an emphasis on balance. From spicy Sichuan dishes to delicate Cantonese cuisine, diners with different tastes can always find something to satisfy themselves.

PS: Before your food adventure to China, try to learn some of the Chinese dining etiquette to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey!

If you are a food lover looking for special culinary experiences on your next trip to China, the following handpicked China food tours might give you some inspiration:

• 13 Days China Package Tour – Food and Fun!
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Plan Your China Food Tour with China Xian Tour

Chinese cuisine is as diverse as the country itself, and exploring China’s vast land and heritage along with tasting its incredible food can always be pleasant and exciting. If you want to try the most authentic Chinese foods and explore the stories behind, we recommend you to travel with China Xian Tour.

With the help of our local travel experts, you’ll get a perfect journey, which is made completely based on your own preference, and we’ll also provide you with private transfers and professional guides. From start to finish, we’ll take care of all the preparation for you so that you can fully enjoy the unforgettable moments.