Northern Cuisine Food

The line between main dishes and side dishes is less clear in Chinese cuisine – dishes of all kinds are served alongside each other. Dishes in this Main category can be a meal on their own.

The line between main dishes and side dishes is less clear in Chinese cuisine – dishes of all kinds are served alongside each other. Dishes in this Side category may be substantial enough on their own to constitute a light meal if served over rice. But it’s common to have one main dish plus two to three side dishes for a full meal.

The concept of “salad” is more of a Western one, though there are definitely some cold appetizers that fit the definition. I also have some salads that combine the Western bed of lettuce with chicken, beef, or fish with bright pops of Asian flavor.

A traditional Chinese meal typically includes a balance of hot and cold dishes, depending on the season. To make a meal more colorful and healthy, one or more cold dishes are usually served during a meal. These dishes can usually be prepared ahead.

Traditional Chinese breakfast is largely savory, though there are plenty of sweet.

Chinese (and Asian) desserts in general are on the lighter end of the spectrum, with less sugar and fat than their Western counterparts. Red beans, dates, nuts, and sesame feature prominently, and fresh fruit – either by itself or as a topping – is always welcome at the end of a meal.

A homemade Chinese meal almost always includes soup, even in the middle of summer. You can also find various noodle soups, which can be served as a one bowl meal. Chinese stews are typically served over rice.