Britain’s love for traditional Chinese food is well-documented and stretches as far back as the early part of the 20th century.
The oriental cuisine has been dominating the country’s ethnic culinary scene since the 1950s as more people from Hong Kong made their way to the UK and put up more establishments.
Today, Chinese food is a takeaway staple. If you haven’t tried it yet, you are missing out.
Here are some of the traditional Chinese dishes that you should order the next time you go for takeout.
Buddha’s Delight
If you like vegetables and eating healthy foods, Buddha’s delight is right up your alley. It is a mix of veggies and tofu coated with white savoury sauce and stir-fried to perfection.
It is a great departure from the typical stereotype of greasy Chinese food and an ideal option if you are watching the calories.
Peking Duck
Some people are not thrilled about the idea of eating duck meat, but it is actually more flavourful and tender than chicken meat.
If you have mustered enough courage to try it, you might as well go with Peking duck – the caviar of duck dishes.
This traditional Chinese dish is made from duck bathed in honey and sherry, air-cured for hours or sometimes even days, then roasted until the skin turns a crisp amber brown.
Fried Squid
More commonly known as calamari, this dish tastes much better than it sounds or looks. It is commonly served by Chinese restaurants but can also be found in Mediterranean restaurants as well.
Sizzling Rice Soup
If you are looking for something that is not too exotic, you can try the chicken sizzling rice soup. It is similar to the traditional chicken soup and is delicious comfort food.
Just imagine sipping this warm soup in January, or if you are down with a cold. It is almost good enough to make you wish that the colder months are here already.
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
If you are not allergic to shrimp, you are in for a treat with this dish. The sweet and sour shrimp is another safe choice when it comes to taste, as it does not veer too far away from the classic taste of Chinese cuisine.
It is very similar in taste to sweet and sour chicken but offers enough variety by swapping the meat with shrimp, making for a predictable but unique experience.
Quail Shanghai
Once you have warmed up to the idea of eating duck, you could go one step further and try Quail Shanghai. It is made of fried quail seasoned with exquisite spices, a great appetiser that you won’t regret putting in your mouth.
Chao Fan
If you feel like loading up on carbs, Chao Fan will help you get it done. It consists of rice mixed with pork, chicken or shrimp, and an assortment of veggies. It is a wholesome meal that can feed the whole family.
Stinky Tofu
Are you up for some adventure? Try the stinky tofu! The name says it all – tofu fermented in milk, vegetables, meat, and some aromatics, creating a tasty dish that will surely stimulate the nose as well.
It is somewhat similar to how cheese is made in that the process can take up to several months. Still, as with cheese, you end up with something that will surely delight the palate.
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