Things You Should Know About Chinese Food For Beginners

If you're new to Chinese food, there are a few things you should know before starting your meal. For example, most Chinese dishes are made with a variety of flavors and spices. And because Chinese cuisine is often based on rice and noodles, it can be quite hearty. In addition to all that, Chinese food is usually served with a side dish or two. So if you're looking to try something new, Chinese food might be the way to go. Read on to learn more about this delicious and exotic cuisine!

If you're new to Chinese food, or just want to know a little bit more about it before trying it out for the first time, here are 5 things that you should know. 

• There is a lot of variety when it comes to Chinese cuisine, and many dishes can be paired with different types of rice or noodles. You can also opt for spring rolls (made from ground pork wrapped in seaweed), dumplings (steamed dough balls filled with minced meat, vegetables, and spices), sweet & sour chicken wings (a classic barbeque dish made popular in China), or wontons (balls of wrapper dough stuffed with shrimp, onions, mushrooms, and eggs). 
• One common ingredient found in most soups is beef stock—an important source of minerals such as sodium and potassium that helps preserve color and flavor. Other ingredients might include star anise pods, sesame seeds, garlic cloves, fennel seeds, and dried fruits such as apricots or dates.
• When ordering your meal at a restaurant, be sure to ask what specific foods are available without gluten/wheat - this will help avoid any potential cross-contamination issues! Many restaurants have separate menus dedicated specifically to gluten-free customers - make sure to ask if there's anything on the menu that you may be able not to eat due to your dietary restrictions! 
• Contrary to popular belief, a Chinese restaurant is not all about rice. There are many different types of noodles available, including wheat-free versions of udon and ramen. And don't forget the ubiquitous General Tso's chicken—a dish made famous by the American restaurateur James Beard that features tender chunks of fried chicken wrapped in a smooth sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic cloves, and rice vinegar.
• Finally - one thing you'll want to keep in mind when dining out is tipping etiquette. In China, it's customary to leave a small gratuity at the end of your meal - this can be anything from 10 to 20% of the total bill, depending on how much you enjoyed your Asian food and service.

Conclusion

Chinese food is undoubtedly the most loved home-cooked delicacy in China. Therefore it is no surprise why so many people have been falling in love with this dish. You can also give Chinese recipes a try at home if you are willing to become a pro chef! But before that, make sure to read through all the tips we’ve shared above! It will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare such delectable dishes at home.