China is internationally known for its sweet and sour dishes amongst other specialities. China’s cuisine has a strong cultural heritage which is reflected in the variety of dishes served.

To give you an insight into traditional Chinese cuisine we have chosen some classic Chinese dishes.

Kung po chicken is a favourite dish of the Sichuan or Szechuan tradition and Chinese cuisine in general. Kung po chicken uses chilli with other sweet ingredients to create a sweet and sour dish that is typical of Chinese cuisine.

Using the Sichuan method, Kung po chicken is made using chicken that has been marinated in local wine to soak up more flavour. Another key source of flavour comes from the oil used. After seasoning the wok chillies and Sichuan peppercorns are flash fried to bring an extra dimension to all the other ingredients which are stir fried in the wok.

The Sichuan peppercorns are one of the most important ingredients of the dish which help to give a contrasting flavour to the chicken, vegetables and peanuts. The preparation methods and flavour help to make Kung po chicken a unique dish.

Peking duck is one of Chinas most popular dishes, representing the diversity of Chinese culture. Peking duck originates from North East China and is also known as Beijing roast duck.

Unlike most recipes for duck or any kind of meat or poultry the emphasis is on the skin of the duck more than the actual meat. It is customary for Chinese restaurants to split the dish over two or more courses. The first dish is the skin served with minimal amounts of fat left on to provide more texture. The second course uses the meat to make stir fry or a similar dish with a complimentary source.

In a resourceful manner some restaurants even find a use for the bones of the duck. The bones are boiled to create stock to make a broth or soup to aid digestion. Some restaurants even offer the bones for their customers to take home and prepare themselves if they are full up.

Onigiri is a dish that is popular in Chinese cuisine that originates from Japan. In Japan origini are an extremely popular snack available from most convenience shops in a range of traditional flavours as well as newer recipes such as tuna and mayonnaise and spicy cod.

Onigiri are small rice balls that are designed to be eaten on the move. Onigiri are made by rolling rice into balls, adding a filling and covering the ball in seaweed. Onigiri are also made into triangle or oval shapes although the ingredients and flavour remain similar.

Like many Chinese and Japanese dishes onigiri has a distinctive combination of flavours, much different to traditional western dishes. The traditional filling for onigiri is pickled fruit with salted fish or meat providing the typical sweet and sour flavour.

Great food to eat on the go and a good source of carbohydrate from the rice and omega oils from the fish. The perfect snack to help you work or play!