10 Best Cities in China for Food Lovers

Throughout China, one of the food lover’s delights is an incredible kaleidoscope of flavors, textures and cooking styles. The Chinese food includes from the spicy dishes of Sichuan, to the delicate taste of Cantonese cuisine the diversity reflects the rich cultural heritage of the country. There are so many things to learn, and each city caters to something unique adding to the growing list of dreamy dining destinations for those whose palms are in the direction of greatness. With its versatility, whether you are tasting local street food or with world’s class restaurants, China means an unforgettable gastronomic awareness for all kinds of foodies. If you are planning a trip to China, it is worth exploring the best cities that will give you a delicious feast for the senses.

If you are an Indian food lover, the first step in this trip of Flavors will be applying for a China visa. Indian nationals can easily obtain a China visa, which can be obtained based on the purpose of travelling, i.e. for tourism, business or study. If you are traveling to Beijing for what is arguably a must try (at least once in life) Peking duck or heading to Chengdu for one of the tastiest hotpot experiences, your China recipe starts from the moment you apply for a China visa from India. The process is simple, and once you have your visa in hand, you will be ready to go and experience the diverse and unique food experiences that the best cities in China have to offer.

Here are some best cities in China for food lovers.

1. Chengdu – The Capital of Sichuan Spice

Lovers of bold, spicy, and flavourful food are a paradise in Chengdu. Sichuan’s food is famous, which is based on tongue-numbing Sichuan peppercorns and fiery chili oil. The must try dishes include hotpot, kung pao chicken and mcp tofu. Spicy skewers and rabbit heads draw curious foodies to street food in Chengdu.

2. Guangzhou – The Birthplace of Cantonese Cuisine

Cantonese cuisine is one of the most influential culinary styles of China and Guangzhou is a hub of it. It focuses on the freshness of ingredients, the light seasoning, and steaming. Dim sum culture is a well-known thing in the city, where small, flavourful dishes such as dumplings, buns, and rice rolls are served with tea. Of course, the char siu (barbecue pork) and wonton noodles are obligatory on a food tour here.

3. Xi’an – A Blend of Chinese and Muslim Flavors

Xi’an is a place where one can find a very different kind of food experience due to its history as the beginning of the Silk Road. There is Han Chinese and Muslim Hui culinary traditions which blend together in the city. Iconic local eats are biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese burger) and yangrou paomo (lamb stew with flatbread). If you’re in Xi’an, you must visit the Muslim Quarter’s Street food paradise.

4. Shanghai – A Fusion of Flavors and Styles

The international history of Shanghai produces a refined, slightly sweet culinary style. Other features of local cuisine include Benbang (including xiao long bao (soup dumplings), red-braised pork, shanghai-style noodles). You can also find a legion of regional Chinese and global cuisine here as well.

5. Beijing – Royal Roots and Street Food Wonders

With the flavour of the north and the richness of the imperial traditions, Beijing cuisine is a healthy mix. A Peking duck, especially with pancakes, scallions and rice wedge, does not need a Michelin or anything else to stand out as the star dish. And not to mention, you will get to enjoy zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) and lamb skewers in local eateries and bustling night markets. Do not miss the famous Wangfujing snack street.

6. Hangzhou – Elegant and Sweet Delights

Hangzhou is known for its natural beauty and poetic cuisine, dishes are light, fresh and slightly sweet. Dongpo pork, West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing shrimp are signature dishes often cooked with the city’s famous Dragon Well tea. The Hangzhou food is all about presentation and mild flavours, which is soothing for the palate.

7. Nanjing – Duck Dishes and Ancient Recipes

The city of Nanjing is famous for its duck and its traditional cuisine. Salted duck is the must try dish, prepared with unique spice blends, served cold. Comforting dishes like duck blood soup, sticky rice dumplings and eight-treasure porridge are also part of Nanjing’s cuisine. The food of the city is refined imperial and rustic at the same time.

8. Changsha – Fiery Hunan Cuisine

Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, is hot and deep flavored. Hunan cuisine is characterized by copious use of chili, garlic, and shallots. Stir-fried pork with chili, steamed fish head with chopped chilies and spicy tofu are all must try. Bold flavors are commonplace among the locals and the spice lover will find his or her niche.

9. Kunming – Yunnan’s Earthy and Wild Flavors

The capital of Yunnan, Kunming, is a culinary experience based on wild herbs, mushrooms and ethnic diversity. Ethnic minorities, especially Dai and Bai cuisines, are present in this region. Unforgettable meals include crossing-the-bridge noodles, mushroom hotpot and ham with roses. For here, the food is earthy, aromatic, surprising.

10. Macau – A Taste of Portuguese and Cantonese Fusion

Macau may be small, but it punches big when it comes to its cuisine. The city is a combination of Portuguese and Cantonese influences, with dishes such as African chicken, Macanese egg tarts and pork chop buns. Vendors also sell street food from curried fish balls to beef offal. On the plate, east meets west.

Conclusion

Finally, it is clear that China is one of the best countries in the world for food lovers, as it provides an endless variety of regional delicacies and peculiar culinary traditions. Be it the spicy hotpot of Chengdu, dumplings of Shanghai, or Peking duck dipped in the juices of Chinese societies, there is something exciting and decadent to taste in every city, from Beijing to Shanghai. These cities are the ideal places to get a taste of China’s culture and Flavors, so for any gastronomic enthusiast, they should be a must visit.

Before you can embark on these food capitals, Apply China Visa from India is a simple process that allows you to explore a world of culinary adventures. Obtaining your visa is not just a way to enter a new country but rather an opportunity to have a whole lot of experiences, which you will surely enjoy with your taste buds. Thus, get packed, apply for your China visa, and you get ready for a wonderful gastronomic adventure in the best cities in China for food lovers.