Regional food in China

Regional Food
in China

What to eat in major Chinese cities and regions, from Beijing duck to Chengdu hotpot and Cantonese dim sum.

Quick answer

Chinese food changes a lot by region. Beijing and Xi’an are strong for history and northern-style food. Shanghai and Hangzhou are usually milder. Chengdu and Chongqing are famous for spicy food, and Guangzhou or Hong Kong are good choices for dim sum and Cantonese food.

Important note

Dish names, ingredients, and spice levels can vary by restaurant. If you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or cannot eat spicy food, check before ordering.

Food by city / region

Beijing food

Beijing

Best for: classic northern dishes and imperial-style food

Try: Peking duck, zhajiangmian, hotpot

Spice level:
Low to medium
Shanghai food

Shanghai

Best for: mild flavors, snacks, and city dining

Try: xiaolongbao, shengjianbao, braised pork

Spice level:
Low
Xi’an food

Xi’an

Best for: noodles, Muslim Quarter snacks, and street food

Try: biangbiang noodles, roujiamo, lamb skewers

Spice level:
Medium
Chengdu food

Chengdu

Best for: Sichuan food and hotpot

Try: hotpot, mapo tofu, dan dan noodles

Spice level:
High
Chongqing food

Chongqing

Best for: hotpot and bold spicy flavors

Try: Chongqing hotpot, spicy noodles, grilled fish

Spice level:
Very high
Guangzhou food

Guangzhou

Best for: Cantonese food and dim sum

Try: dim sum, wonton noodles, roast goose

Spice level:
Low
Hong Kong food

Hong Kong

Best for: dim sum, roast meats, cafés, and international dining

Try: dim sum, roast duck, egg tarts, pineapple buns

Spice level:
Low
Guilin food

Guilin

Best for: rice noodles and countryside flavors

Try: Guilin rice noodles, beer fish, local river dishes

Spice level:
Low to medium
Hangzhou food

Hangzhou

Best for: mild Jiangnan-style dishes and tea culture

Try: Dongpo pork, West Lake fish, Longjing tea dishes

Spice level:
Low
See more cities and local foods

Best choices for first-time visitors

If you want something easy

Beijing duck

Beijing duck

Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao

Dim sum

Dim sum

Guilin rice noodles

Guilin rice noodles

If you like spicy food

Chengdu hotpot

Chengdu hotpot

Chongqing hotpot

Chongqing hotpot

Mapo tofu

Mapo tofu

Dan dan noodles

Dan dan noodles

If you want street food

Roujiamo

Roujiamo

Shengjianbao

Shengjianbao

Lamb skewers

Lamb skewers

Egg tarts

Egg tarts

Spice level guide

Low

Cantonese, Shanghai-style, Hangzhou-style dishes are often milder.

Medium

Xi’an, some northern food, and many local noodle dishes may have chili options.

High

Sichuan, Chongqing, Hunan, and Guizhou food can be spicy or numbing.

What to try if you are unsure

Choose restaurants with lots of local customers.

Look for dishes with pictures on the menu.

Ask staff for recommendations.

Start with popular and well-known dishes.

You can always order something else if needed.

Do

Try regional food in the city where it is famous.

Ask about spice level before ordering.

Use pictures if dish names are hard to understand.

Start with well-known dishes if it is your first time.

Check ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

Avoid

Assuming all Chinese food tastes the same.

Ordering very spicy food without checking.

Assuming dish names list every ingredient.

Choosing too many unfamiliar dishes at once.

Ignoring allergies or hidden ingredients.

Continue food planning

Food in ChinaHow to Order Food in ChinaDietary Needs in China