China · National Dish Recipes

China

If China has a national dish, it is Peking duck: lacquered duck with shatteringly crisp skin, folded into thin pancakes. Start with our Peking Duck recipe, then browse 100 more Chinese classics, from everyday cooking to festive specialities.

The Most Famous Chinese Dishes

  1. Peking duck

    Discover Peking Duck, one of China's most celebrated dishes! Famous the world over for its lacquered, crackling skin and tender meat, it brings the elegance of a Beijing banquet …

  2. Sichuan Hot Pot

    Gather everyone around the table and discover Hot Pot, China's most sociable national dish! Known at home as huoguo, this simmering communal feast turns dinner into a shared …

  3. Mapo Tofu

    Discover Mapo Tofu, one of China's most iconic dishes and a true cornerstone of Sichuan cooking! Silky cubes of tofu sit in a glossy, fiery sauce built from soy sauce, chilli oil, …

  4. Congee

    Few dishes are as comforting as Congee, the silky rice porridge that has been nourishing Chinese kitchens for centuries. Cooked slowly until the grains break down into a creamy, …

  5. Hot and Sour Soup

    Few dishes capture the spirit of Chinese cooking quite like Hot and Sour Soup. This warming bowl strikes a remarkable balance between fiery heat and bright, tangy acidity, all …

  6. Yangzhou Fried Rice

    Discover Yangzhou Fried Rice, one of China's most celebrated dishes! This comforting plateful brings together fluffy rice, fresh vegetables and fragrant aromatics for a meal that …

  7. Xiaolongbao

    Meet Xiaolongbao, the delicate soup dumplings that have become one of China's most celebrated bites. Beneath a thin, pleated wrapper sits a parcel of savoury filling and a burst of …

  8. Stinky Tofu

    Brace yourself for Stinky Tofu, one of China's most notorious street-food snacks! Famous for its pungent aroma and gloriously crispy texture, this fermented soy delicacy splits …

  9. Kung Pao Chicken

    Discover Kung Pao Chicken, one of China's most celebrated dishes and a true icon of Sichuan cuisine! This fiery stir-fry brings together tender pieces of chicken, crunchy peanuts …

  10. Cong You Bing

    Meet Scallion Pancakes, a much-loved snack from the streets and home kitchens of China! These crisp, layered flatbreads are made from little more than dough and a generous …

What is the national dish of China?

China has no single official national dish, but Peking duck is the one most often given that title — lacquered duck with shatteringly crisp skin, folded into thin pancakes. A step-by-step recipe is on this page, alongside 100 more authentic Chinese recipes.

What food is China famous for?

Beyond Peking duck, China is famous for dishes like Sichuan Hot Pot, Mapo Tofu and Congee. This page collects 101 authentic Chinese recipes, from everyday classics to festive specialities.