You’re not alone if you’re wondering how Chinese food varies across different regions. There are dozens of different styles of Chinese cuisine in existence. You’ll find Shandong, Lu, and Mongol cuisines and North American Chinese cuisines. Take a look below for more information.
Lu Cuisine
Lu cuisine, also known as Shandong cooking, has long been famous in China. Although it is not as well known outside of China as Cantonese cooking, it has a rich history in the region. Once, it was the preferred cuisine of the Chinese royal court. According to some sources, the origins of Shandong cuisine go back as far as 220 BC.
Shandong cuisine is the oldest cuisine in China and influences regional dishes throughout the northern part of the country. It focuses on seafood and vegetables and uses high heat to preserve flavor. This dish has been around for 2,500 years and once dominated the imperial kitchens during the Spring and Autumn Period (771-476 BCE).
Another classic Lu dish is braised sea cucumber with scallion. This dish contains the primary materials of soaked sea cucumber and scallion. The cucumber is regarded as one of the eight treasures of Lu cuisine and has the function of nourishing the kidney and lungs. The scallion is fried before being braised. The broth used to cook this dish is seasoned with salt, cooking wine, oysters, and other ingredients.
Shandong cuisine
Shandong cuisine is a traditional Chinese cuisine found throughout the northeastern province of China. Dishes from the region are tangy, with a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and crushed garlic. Popular dishes include layered pig ears and vinegar-dressed jellyfish head. In addition, dumplings from Shandong are distinct from those made in other parts of China.
Shandong cuisine uses a wide variety of ingredients and cooking methods. Among the best-known, Shandong dishes are Shandong soups, which use green onions as the main seasoning. Seafood dishes are also popular in Shandong. Sea cucumber with green onion is commonly used to make this dish, and there are also braised snake-headed fish eggs and crab eggs with shark fins. Roasted chicken is also a popular Shandong dish.
In addition to seafood, Shandong cuisine also includes meats and vegetables. Fish is often deep-fried or stir-fried. Other foods on Shandong menus include beef and pork intestines, bread, peanuts, and vegetables. Some dishes are served with sauces or vinegar to enhance their flavor.
Foods from the Shandong peninsula are very salty and garlicky. They tend to lack sweets. The region also consists of mountains and rivers, creating a favorable climate for farming. Because of the location, local farmers grow crops and livestock abundance, allowing Shandong to produce a wide range of food items.
Another way Shandong cuisine differs from other Chinese cuisine is through seafood. The province is known for its delicious seafood, and the Yangtze River provides freshwater fish that is a staple. Often, the fish is marinated in vinegar and sugar before cooking, and additional ingredients are added to help reduce the fishy smell. Other ingredients in Shandong cuisine include bamboo shoots, which add a tender element to the dish.
The Anhui region to the south widely influences Shandong cuisine. This region is southwest of Shanghai and draws on a rich agricultural area and the Yellow Mountains to create dishes. The region’s cuisine is very spicier and uses a lot of spices. It also focuses on temperature and uses cooking techniques such as braising and stewing.
North American Chinese cuisine
North American Chinese cuisine is influenced by the Chinese immigrants who came to the United States in the late nineteenth century. These immigrants were mainly from rural areas outside Guangdong Province, in what is now the state of Guangxi, and many emigrated to the West Coast. Many brought their unique cuisine, which has a distinct style and character. The first wave of immigrants came to the San Francisco Bay Area, nearly from the Taishan district. At the time, cooking was primarily a woman’s job.
Today, Chinese food in Canada is influenced by a variety of influences. There are many types of Chinese food available in Canada. For example, Ho-Lee-Chow is a popular restaurant in Greater Toronto, and Manchu WOK is common in mall food courts throughout the country. In southern Ontario, the Mandarin Buffet has gained fame. Canadian Chinese citizens form the largest minority group in Canada, and each major city has a Chinese community. Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto is home to the biggest Chinatowns in Canada.
As China is a vast country, there are many different styles of Chinese food. However, they are usually grouped under the same general category. North American Chinese cuisine focuses on Cantonese cuisine. Although the cuisine is similar to mainland Chinese, the dishes are quite different. Some words are more Americanized than others.
Fried wonton is a popular dish in North American Chinese cuisine. It is a variation of the traditional Chinese dumplings and varies in ingredients and cooking methods. It is commonly served as an appetizer or snack. They are fried until crispy and delicious. The flavors are sweet and tangy, and many people enjoy eating them. It is a good choice for less adventurous eaters. And there is a vegetarian version, too.
Chop suey is one of the earliest Chinese dishes to make its way to the US. While the exact origins of the dish are unknown, it is known to have been developed in New York City by Chinese immigrants during the early twentieth century. The word has a surprisingly long history in the US and is the most popular Chinese dish in the US on Christmas Day.
Mongol cuisine
One of the most popular differences between Chinese cuisines is the region they are produced in. While some areas may have similar dishes, others differ significantly. For example, the cuisine of the Inner Mongolia region is more meat-based than that of the Sichuan region. The food in Inner Mongolia is composed mainly of red meat and dairy products.
The climate and ingredients of each region affect the type of Chinese food that is available. While northern cuisine is colder and has a heavier flavor, southern cuisine tends to be lighter and more refined. The climate also influences the spicy and salty tastes of Chinese dishes. As a result, there are four central regions of Chinese cuisine.
The emigrants of the Chinese community have brought Chinese cuisine to many different countries, modifying the food to fit the local tastes. Many Chinese-influenced dishes are now widespread in other countries, such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand. These regions have also incorporated Chinese flavors into their national cuisines, resulting in fusion cuisines. Examples include ramen in Japan and Chinese-style noodles in other Asian countries.
