Food is an important cultural aspect of life in China and there’s some important and interesting regional differences.
Central China is know for spicy food, Northern and coastal areas are known for salty dishes, the East is famous for its’ sweet food and Southern China specialises in sour food.
金骏眉茶 Jin Junmei Tea is a type of black tea. It’s considered precious because every 500g of Jin Junmei is made from tens of thousands of tiny fresh tea bud tips! It has a sweet flavor and these leaves can be brewed and rebrewed up to 12 times.
It should be brewed water at boiling temperature (212c) for just 1-2minutes.
For more detail on how to brew different types of Chinese tea, see our simple guide:
DIY paper hot pot kit:
Hotpot is one of the iconic dishes in central China and especially in Sichuan province. This little kit is a fun way for younger children to explore this dish of raw meat and vegetables cooked in a soup right at the table in front of you!
Map of China and 4 embroidered flavor badges: Can your children locate the types of dishes that are connected with certain regions? Have you tried each of these dishes?
Grandma’s Spicy Potatoes:
This dish requires the chilli flakes featured in your Regional Flavors box.
You’ll also need:
One large potato
3 tablespoons of oil
2x chopped scallions
Pinch of salt to season.
Iced Gelatinous Desert
Dishes on the East coast of China are known for their sweet flavors but this dish is available throughout most of China.
The ice and gelatinous cubes have little/no flavor of their own so you can add whatever dried fruits, syrups or fresh fruits your family enjoys.
This dish is often available from public parks and markets and is a refreshing alternative to icecream.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
This well known Chinese dish is easy to create at home and this recipe can be used as a dipping sauce or to create a main dish. It has the sour taste that dishes in the south of China are famous for.
You’ll need:
Pineapple juice
Tomato ketchup
Sugar to taste
Half a bell pepper, chopped
Half an onion, chopped
Cornstarch to thicken if required.
Large Pot Fried Potatoes
To make this dish you’ll need the spiced salt featured in your Regional Flavor box.
Saltier dishes are popular in Northern and coastal areas of China and this dish is a favorite in our family!
You’ll need:
Seasoning salt [included in box]
2 medium potatoes, chopped into chunks or sliced, as you’d prefer
Vegetables to taste
Oil