China’s cuisine is incredible, with diversity and mouthwatering flavors. While some foods may seem unusual or even bizarre to Western palates, they offer a unique and adventurous dining experience. Here are 15 intriguing and exotic dishes you can find in China, each with a distinctive taste and preparation method.
Century Eggs
Also known as preserved eggs, century eggs are a traditional Chinese delicacy that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. These eggs are made by keeping duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, and quicklime for several weeks or months.
Stinky Tofu
Stinky tofu, a beloved street food in China, is renowned for its unique characteristics. This fermented tofu emits a strong and pungent odor, and its taste is delightfully mild and savory. It can be enjoyed in different ways – deep-fried, grilled, or used as a flavorful ingredient in various dishes.
Phoenix Claws
Phoenix claws, or chicken feet, are a popular dim sum dish in China. They are marinated, steamed, or braised until tender and then served with a sauce or spicy seasoning. While some may find eating chicken feet strange, this dish is quite tasty and often considered a delicacy.
Fried Scorpions
In some areas of China, fried scorpions are a typical street food delicacy. These crunchy critters are usually deep-fried and served on skewers with spices or sauces for added flavor. They are believed to have medicinal properties and are said to be a good source of protein.
Fried Bee Larvae
Fried bee larvae are another popular street food in China. These crispy critters are usually served on skewers or in a bowl with peanuts and chili peppers for added flavor. Despite their appearance, they are surprisingly tasty and slightly nutty.
Drunken Shrimp
Drunken shrimp is a traditional Chinese dish made by soaking live shrimp in alcohol until they become intoxicated and then quickly cooking them to prevent them from dying. The result is tender and flavorful shrimp served cold with soy sauce or vinegar for dipping.
Beggar’s Chicken
As the name suggests, this dish has an interesting origin story. It is said that a beggar in China wrapped chicken in lotus leaves and clay to cook it underground, creating a flavorful and tender dish. Today, this traditional Chinese delicacy is still prepared in the same way and often served at special occasions or banquets.
Bird’s Nest Soup
Bird’s nest soup is considered a luxury dish in China and is made from the nests of edible nest swiftlets, a type of bird found in Southeast Asia. The nests are made from solidified saliva and are believed to have high nutritional value and health benefits.
Turtle Jelly
Turtle jelly is a dessert made from the powdered shells of freshwater turtles. It is believed to have medicinal properties and is often consumed during hot summer months for its cooling effects. Despite its origins, this sweet and refreshing jelly is now enjoyed by many as a dessert.
Snake Wine
Snake wine, also known as “shejiu” in Chinese, is a unique alcoholic beverage that infuses whole snakes in rice or grain alcohol. With a distinctive taste and rich cultural significance, it has been consumed for centuries as a traditional remedy for various ailments.
Fried Silk Worm Pupae
Fried silkworm pupae, also known as “Zhonghua” in Chinese, are a popular snack food in China. These crunchy insects are usually seasoned with salt and pepper, and their creamy insides are said to have a nutty flavor. They are also believed to have health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting the immune system.
Blood Tofu
Blood tofu, also known as “Xue doufu” in Chinese, is made by mixing pig’s or duck’s blood with soybean curd and then steaming it until it solidifies. This unique dish has a soft and creamy texture and can be eaten cold or cooked differently to suit individual tastes.
Sea Cucumber
Sea cucumber, or “hai zhu” in Chinese, is a type of marine animal considered a delicacy in China. It can be braised, stewed, or stir-fried. Its gelatinous texture and mild taste are believed to have many health benefits and are often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
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Food is one of the best things in life, and trying new cuisines can be a great way to experience different cultures. You won’t be too keen on trying these foods when you first see them. But don’t judge a book by its cover – these unique dishes may look disgusting, but are actually delicious!
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This article was produced on Health Makes You.