6 April 2016
 Categories: , Blog

If you're a fan of Chinese food (such as Dynasty Garden), you've probably tried everything from egg rolls and chicken teriyaki to General Tso's chicken and fried rice. But more traditional, authentic Chinese dishes offer many different ingredients, flavors, and cooking methods. If you want to experience some truly authentic Chinese dishes, give some of these a try at your next meal for a whole new experience. 

Yan Du Xian Soup

This unique soup is highly nutritious and it's a favorite of the Chinese people. The ingredients can vary depending on the season, but it's most commonly made with bamboo shoots, pieces of pork belly, cured pork slices, and yellow rice wine. The soup is made in a clay pot that simmers for hours to bring out all of the different flavors. The result is a subtle taste that gives lots of unique textures. This soup can also include several varieties of seafood like fish or shrimp and can be made using bone broth for a true Chinese comfort food.

Fried Shrimp And Cashews

This delectable dish is comprised of very lightly fried shrimp and boiled and fried cashews. The dish can be complemented with sauteed vegetables like carrot slices and chives to add some more distinct flavors. The meal is usually not coated with a lot of spices like many other dishes, so it's considered to be a healthier, lighter alternative to some other popular Chinese meals. The cashews are boiled and then added to the fryer until they rise to the surface with a golden brown color.  

Congee

This popular savory Chinese breakfast meal is similar to grits or oatmeal in texture except that jasmine rice is used. The rice is cooked until it reaches a porridge-like consistency. Toppings are then added to give the meal delicious flavors. Some of the most popular topping choices include sesame oil, fried shallots, and garlic, and chopped green onion. Soy sauce is also a popular addition to give it a boost of saltiness.

Mapo Tofu

Typical tofu is flavorless, but this extra-spicy Chinese favorite takes it to a whole new level. Tofu is cut up into medium sized blocks and then ground peppercorns and red dried chilies are added to the mix. The spices coat the tofu to give it a zing and a much more flavor-packed punch. To add more substance to the meal, ground pork is often added but vegetables like shiitake mushrooms are also preferred for vegetarian versions. If you're looking for a new way to eat some real-deal Chinese food, give one of these dishes a try for a whole new dining experience.