Many foreigners living in China often discover Chinese food to be captivating. It blends diverse flavors, possesses a long history, and is globally renowned for its unique tastes.

Prepare your 筷子 (kuài zi), or chopsticks — in this article, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to describe 7 flavors and tastes in Chinese.

7 Tastes and Flavors

01. Sweet

Sweet dishes don't play a significant role in Chinese food culture, but some parts of China do offer a variety of sweet treats and drinks. 奶茶 (nǎi chá), also known as 'bubble tea', stands out as the most popular.

甜

tián

sweet

Must-Try Chinese Sweet Food:

豆沙包

dòu shā bāo

red bean bun

A red bean bun is a soft, slightly sweet pastry filled with sweet red bean paste.

糖葫蘆

táng hú lu

candied fruit on a stick

Tanghulu is a beloved Chinese street food from northern China. This treat features fresh fruit, typically skewered on a long bamboo stick and enrobed in a glossy sugar syrup.

02. Sour

This taste is achieved through various ingredients, such as vinegar, citrus fruits, fermented vegetables, and pickled ingredients. It offers a delightful contrast to other flavors commonly found in Chinese cuisine, like spiciness.

酸

suān

sour

Chinese Dishes with a Sour Twist

酸菜魚(yú)

suān cài yú

sauerkraut fish

Sauerkraut fish is a Chinese dish that combines tender white fish with tangy sauerkraut, creating a perfect balance of savory and sour flavors.

鍋包肉

guō bāo ròu

sweet and sour pork

Dongbei sweet and sour pork is a northeastern Chinese classic. Crispy, tender pork meets a sweet and tangy sauce, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.

03. Bitter

Bitter taste is typically paired with other flavors for its best culinary impact. Some examples of bitter food include garlic, mustard powder, star anise, and arugula.

苦

kǔ

bitter

Bitter taste happens to be the predominant taste in the herbs used to prepare Chinese medicine. Many elderly people in China believe that these bitter ingredients can help cure sickness.

中藥

Zhōng yào

(traditional) Chinese medicine

04. Spicy

This is the taste that often comes to foreigners' minds when thinking of Chinese dishes. Sichuan and Hunan cuisines are famous for their love of spicy food, which is influenced by the humid climate of the regions. It's believed that eating spicy food can help dispel internal dampness and cold, making them feel healthier and more comfortable.

辣

là

spicy

Give This a Try:

四川火鍋

Sì chuān huǒ guō

Sichuan hotpot

Sichuan hotpot reflects the quintessence of spicy Chinese cuisine. It features a bubbling pot with spicy and mild broths, where diners cook a variety of ingredients, creating a flavor-packed meal.

剁椒魚(yú)頭

duò jiāo yú tóu

fish head with chopped red chili

剁椒魚(yú)頭 (duò jiāo yú tóu) is one of the most well-known dishes in Hunan Cuisine. It offers a distinctive flavor through the fusion of fish and red chili.

05. Salty

Despite the fact that the intake of an excessive amount of salt is harmful for health, "saltiness"is an essential part of Chinese food culture.

咸

xián

salty

Many Chinese dishes have a strong taste due to a large amount of soy sauce used when preparing them.

醬油

jiàng yóu

soy sauce

Chinese Dish with a Salty Flare:

豉油雞

chǐ yóu jī

soy sauce chicken

豉油雞 (chǐ yóu jī), also known as soy sauce chicken, is a timeless classic in Cantonese cuisine. The chicken is typically served in bite-sized pieces, making it easy to enjoy its savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying taste.

06. Fragrant

In China, "香" (xiāng) is used to describe things that smell nice.When a dish is considered perfect, it should be "色香味俱全" (sè xiāng wèi jù quán), which means it looks good, smells great, and tastes delicious.

香

xiāng

fragrant

Chinese Dishes with Fragrant Flavors

(北京) 烤鴨

(Běijīng) kǎo yā

(Peking) roast duck

Peking roast duck has succulent, crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. A delightful combination of textures and tastes, making it a beloved symbol of Chinese cuisine worldwide.

宮保雞丁

gōng bǎo jī dīng

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken, a traditional Chinese dish popular in regions like Sichuan, Shandong, Beijing, and Guizhou, is renowned for its captivating fragrance.

07. Stinky

In China, there are a few kinds of food that smell "terrible" but taste "terrific". What western people can't stand about stinky food is its pungent smell which immediately makes them lose their appetites. However, some of them have become addicted to it after taking the first bite.

臭

chòu

stinky

Try the Symbol of "Stinky Flavor"

臭豆腐

chòu dòu fu

stinky tofu

Stinky tofu is a dish made from fermented tofu known for its strong smell and unique, deliciously crispy texture, making it a distinctive flavor in Chinese cuisine.

BONUS: Restaurant Phrases

Don't hesitate to seek recommendations from restaurant staff based on your taste, or to adjust the level of spiciness if you're not sure how spicy a dish might be. Enjoy exploring the diverse and flavorful world of Chinese cuisine!

這個(gè)菜辣嗎?

Zhè gè cài là ma?

Is this dish spicy?

lit. "This-dish-spicy-ma"?

我不吃 XX。

Wǒ bù chī XX

I don't eat XX

你們的特色菜是什么?

Nǐmen de tè sè cài shì shén me?

What is your special? Or What are your specialties?

lit. "Your-special-dish-is-what"?

Source: That's Mandarin

Editor: wanwan