A list of some of the best places to try traditional Chinese cuisine in various regions of China:
1. Beijing
- Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant - Known for its crispy skin and tender meat, Peking duck is a must-try dish in Beijing. Quanjude is one of the most famous restaurants specializing in this dish.
- Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant - Another renowned restaurant for Peking duck, offering a modern twist on the classic recipe.
2. Shanghai
- Jia Jia Tang Bao - Famous for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), these steamed buns filled with pork and broth are a Shanghai specialty.
- Nanxiang Mantou Dian (Yu Garden) - Located near the historic Yu Garden, this restaurant is well-known for its traditional Shanghainese cuisine, especially its xiaolongbao.
3. Sichuan (Chengdu)
- Chen Mapo Tofu - This restaurant is named after the dish that made it famous, mapo tofu, a spicy dish with soft tofu, Sichuan pepper, and fermented black beans.
- Lai Tangyuan - A popular spot for traditional Sichuanese snacks, including tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls).
4. Guangdong (Cantonese)
- Tim Ho Wan - Known as the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan is famous for its dim sum, such as barbecued pork buns and steamed shrimp dumplings.
- Lian Xing Lou - A Cantonese restaurant that specializes in roast meats and seafood dishes, including roast goose and congee.
5. Zhejiang (Hangzhou)
- Lou Wai Lou - One of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Hangzhou, known for its West Lake fish in vinegar sauce and other Hangzhou specialties.
- Grandma's Restaurant (Nana's Kitchen) - A local favorite for traditional Zhejiang dishes, including Dongpo pork and stir-fried river shrimp.
6. Jiangsu (Suzhou)
- Song He Lou Restaurant - A historic restaurant in Suzhou that serves traditional Suzhou-style dishes, such as sweet and sour mandarin fish and braised chicken.
- Wumen Gujing Jiujia - Known for its authentic Suzhou dishes, including the famous "songshu guiyu" (pineapple fish).
7. Hunan (Changsha)
- Mama Zhu's Kitchen - A family-owned restaurant that offers authentic Hunanese cuisine, including spicy and sour fish head and smoked pork.
- Xiaolongkan Hotpot - While not exclusive to Hunan, Xiaolongkan offers a spicy hotpot experience with a variety of fresh ingredients.
8. Fujian (Xiamen)
- Yanwu Xiaochi - A popular street food stall known for its oyster omelets and other Fujianese snacks.
- Jiufu Noodle - Specializes in traditional Fujian noodle dishes, including seafood noodle soup and braised pork noodles.
9. Shandong (Qingdao)
- Jinan Lao Xie Jia - A restaurant that specializes in traditional Shandong dishes, such as braised sea cucumber and fried scallops.
- Qingdao Shipyard Restaurant - Known for its seafood, especially grilled squid and steamed clams.
10. Taiwan (Taipei)
- Din Tai Fung - Originating in Taipei, Din Tai Fung is renowned for its delicate xiaolongbao and other Taiwanese and Shanghainese dishes.
- Shilin Night Market - A bustling night market with a wide variety of Taiwanese street food, including oyster vermicelli, stinky tofu, and bubble tea.
These restaurants and eateries offer a taste of the diverse and rich culinary traditions found across China. Whether you're looking for street food or fine dining, there's something for everyone. Enjoy your culinary journey!