Explore Chinese Food, Cuisine and Drink Culture
Discover a food culture with thousands of years of tradition
Chinese food is one of the world's most diverse and celebrated cuisines, shaped by thousands of years of history, regional traditions and local ingredients. From traditional family meals and street food to modern restaurants and cafés, food plays an important role in everyday life across China.
For teachers living in China, discovering local food is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the country. Every city offers new flavours, unique dishes and opportunities to connect with local communities through shared meals.
DINING CULTURE
Sharing dishes is part of the experience
Rather than ordering individual meals, friends and family often share a selection of dishes placed in the centre of the table. It's a tradition that brings people together and lets everyone enjoy a variety of flavours.
FORTUNE AND FOOD
Long noodles symbolise a long life
Noodles are more than just a popular meal in China. During birthdays and celebrations, long noodles represent longevity and good fortune, so they're traditionally eaten without being cut.
STREET FOOD
Every city has its own signature snack
Whether it's soup dumplings in Shanghai, spicy skewers in Chengdu or crispy jianbing in Beijing, each city has its own local specialities waiting to be discovered.
FESTIVAL FOOD
Mooncakes are only eaten once a year
During the Mid Autumn Festival, families gather to share mooncakes while admiring the full moon. They symbolise togetherness and reunion.
A country of regional cuisines
China's size and diversity have created a wide range of regional cooking styles. Each area has developed its own flavours, ingredients and traditions based on local history and geography.
Some of China's most famous cuisines include:
Sichuan cuisine
Known for bold flavours and spicy dishes, Sichuan cuisine uses ingredients such as chilli, garlic and Sichuan peppercorn to create unforgettable flavours. Popular dishes include hot pot, mapo tofu and kung pao chicken.
Cantonese cuisine
Originating from southern China, Cantonese cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients and balanced flavours. It is famous for dim sum, seafood dishes and traditional roasted meats.
Beijing cuisine
Northern Chinese cuisine includes famous dishes such as Peking duck, dumplings and noodles, reflecting the traditions of China's historic capital.
Shanghai cuisine
Shanghai food is known for rich flavours, delicate sauces and dishes such as soup dumplings and braised pork.
Yunnan cuisine
Yunnan offers a unique combination of flavours influenced by its diverse landscapes and ethnic communities. The region is known for fresh ingredients, mushrooms, rice dishes and colourful local specialities.
Chongqing cuisine
Famous for its intense flavours and fiery spice, Chongqing cuisine is closely related to Sichuan cooking but has its own unique identity. The region is best known for Chongqing hot pot, spicy noodles and dishes featuring generous amounts of chilli and Sichuan peppercorn.
Cantonese cuisine
Originating from Guangdong Province in southern China, Cantonese cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients and balanced flavours. It is famous for seafood dishes, traditional roasted meats and "dimsum"- a collection of small steamed, baked and fried dishes often enjoyed with tea.
Everyday eating in China
Food is an important part of daily life in China. Whether you are eating breakfast on the way to work, sharing dinner with friends or exploring a local market, food is always part of the experience. China’s diverse climate and landscapes provide access to a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and local ingredients throughout the year. Dining out is also an affordable and convenient part of everyday life, with options ranging from simple local restaurants to lively food markets.
Teachers living in China often enjoy:
Local restaurants offering affordable meals
Street food and traditional snacks
Food markets and night markets
Regional dishes discovered while travelling
Modern restaurants and international cuisine
Food delivery services that make exploring new dishes easy
Eating out is a major part of social life in China, and sharing meals is often a way for people to build friendships and strengthen relationships. From casual meals with colleagues to trying new dishes with friends, food provides many opportunities to connect with local communities and experience Chinese culture.
Everyday life and Chinese culture
One of the most exciting parts of living in China is experiencing everyday culture.
Teachers often discover:
The importance of family and community
China's famous tea culture
Traditional arts such as calligraphy and painting
Local markets and street food
Public parks where people practise tai chi, dance and socialise
The balance between traditional customs and modern lifestyles
Chinese cities offer a unique experience where ancient temples can sit alongside modern skyscrapers, and traditional neighbourhoods exist alongside shopping districts and technology hubs.
Traditional Chinese drinks and tea culture
Tea has been at the heart of Chinese culture for thousands of years. More than just a drink, tea represents hospitality, relaxation and connection.
Tea culture can be experienced through:
Traditional tea houses
Tea ceremonies
Local tea markets
Regional tea varieties
Sharing tea with friends, colleagues and family
Popular Chinese teas include:
Green tea
Oolong tea
Pu'er tea
Jasmine tea
Black tea
Many teachers enjoy visiting tea houses and learning about the traditions behind one of China's most important cultural practices.
Modern drink culture in China
Alongside traditional tea culture, China has developed a vibrant modern drink scene.
Cities across China now offer:
Speciality coffee shops
Bubble tea stores
Modern cafés
Fresh fruit drinks
Creative dessert shops
Young people often meet friends in cafés and drink shops, making them popular social spaces in cities across the country.
This blend of traditional tea culture and modern food trends creates a unique experience for people living in China.
Must try Chinese foods
Living in China gives you the chance to experience authentic dishes that vary from region to region.
Some favourites include:
Hot Pot
A popular social dining experience where friends cook ingredients together in a shared pot of flavourful broth.
Dumplings
A traditional dish enjoyed throughout China, especially during celebrations and family gatherings.
Baozi
Steamed buns filled with savoury or sweet fillings, commonly enjoyed as breakfast or a quick snack.
Noodles
China has countless noodle traditions, from hand pulled noodles to regional specialities.
Peking Duck
One of China's most famous dishes, traditionally served with thin pancakes, sauce and vegetables.
Experience Chinese food culture as an English teacher
Living and teaching in China allows you to experience the country's food culture from the inside.
Beyond visiting famous restaurants, teachers can discover:
Local favourites in their own city
Traditional celebrations and festival foods
Regional dishes during holidays
Tea houses and cafés
Food experiences shared with colleagues and friends
Every city in China offers something different, making food one of the most rewarding parts of living abroad.