10 more unique foods of China.
China is not only home to beautiful natural landscapes and historical relics, but it is the origin of some tasty and unique dishes.
Here are a few unusual and unique Chinese cuisines:
1. Preserved Egg
You might know them as century eggs or the 100-year egg, but don’t let the names put you off, they’re not that old!
This dish was created in the Ming Dynasty and can be defined as a unique Chinese delicacy. They’re made by being processed for weeks/months in ash, clay or even in quicklime mixed with salt.
The eggs turn into a blackish colour with dark green yolk, and it is said that the eggs have a very intense taste. Some people even claim that the unique egg is useful for curing hoarseness and for dispelling the effects of alcohol.
source:
https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-unique-food.htm
2. Stinky Tofu
A dish that has been preserved long enough to have its own intense odour!
The smell is typically described as rotten garbage, but it is said to have a fresh and spicy taste that most people enjoy (depending on cooking methods and region, stinky tofu’s taste tends to be different).
Be sure to purchase stinky tofu from a trusted source, it can potentially be harmful if not prepared correctly.
Source:
https://www.chinesefoodwiki.org/Stinky_Tofu
3. Fried Bee Pupae
This one is perfect if you’re on a low carb diet! Even though the dish is prepared by being fried golden, they are high in protein and low fat.
It might seem unusual to eat baby bees, but there are also many other insects being enjoyed in China and the list includes: centipede, scorpion, grasshopper, black beetle and even spiders.
source:
https://eatdrinkkl.blogspot.com/2017/02/yunnan-insect-restaurant-hong-kong.html
4. Stewed Bamboo Shoots
A nice traditional vegetarian dish for our non-meat eaters! It’s high in nutrients and said to have a fresh, sweet and salty flavour. They’re usually stewed in vinegar and sugar, and then cooked via stewing, frying or sauteing. If you’re looking to try this dish, visit Hangzhou! As it is quite popular there.
Source:
https://www.burpple.com/f/Rgc9KPG7
5. Bird nest soup
Also known as “Caviar of the east” because of how expensive it is.
You’ll be surprised to know that the next unique dish is made from a Swiftlet’s nest. More importantly, their nests are made from their own gummy saliva that acts like a glue to bind twigs together.
The dish contains many nutrients and high levels of amino acids, which are good for your skin, health and slow down aging.
Source:
https://akuibirdnest.com/en/blog/what-is-bird-nest-soup/
6. Hairy tofu
Did the odour of stinky tofu make you lose your appetite? Rather go with the hairy, mouldy looking one instead! Although you might find a hair in your plate, this dish is also nutritious and the vitamins found in it can promote better digestion. If you’re looking to try this blue cheese textured local delicacy, visit Huizhou district of Huanghsan city, in Anhui province.
Which tofu do you prefer? Hairy or stinky?
source:
https://www.chinadiscovery.com/huangshan-tours/what-to-eat.html
7. Silkworms
Another weird and crazy delicacy in China! It’s said that silkworms taste like shrimp or crab and are quite chewy. That actually sounds better than expected! Visit some local markets where silkworms are cooked in many different ways or try to prepare your own homemade silkworms by buying canned or frozen products. Make sure you add some vegetables, spices and sauces to your silkworm dish to give it that extra flavour. You can serve silkworm with rice, pasta or even on its own as a deep-fried snack!
source:
https://everythingsilkworms.com.au/why-we-should-all-be-eating-silkworms/
8. Bingtanghulu
Finally, a snack for all the sweet tooths out there. Bingtanghulu has been around from ancient times, but remains a favourite of Chinese children and adults even to this day! It is candied hawthorn berries served on a bamboo skewer. The berries are dipped in a sticky sugar glaze, that gives the snack its distinct sweet and sour taste.
source:
https://www.thetravel.com/food-chinese-delicacies-rare-worth-trying/
9. Snake soup
Head to Hong Kong in the colder months to warm up with this gourmet dish. The snake is shredded and simmered for several hours with ingredients like mushrooms, ginger, lemon grass and other herbs and spices. It is said to taste like chicken, just a bit tougher.
source:
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/1360166/snake-soup-hong-kongs-perfect-winter-warmer
10. Fried eel slices
This dish is especially popular in Hangzhou and chefs are still improving the recipe to this day! Eel slices are stir-fried with garlic and have a sweet and sour taste. The fried eel slices are crunchy on the outside, but soft and tender on the inside.
source:
https://www.tasteatlas.com/fried-eel-slices
Whether you have a sweet tooth, like a sour or spicy taste or want to try an exotic snack, there’s something for everyone! Be sure to try out these exquisite Chinese dishes. They will surely satisfy your tastebuds with unique flavours!