China
Diverse Chinese Foods in the Asia Foodstore Online Shop
Chinese cuisine is one of the oldest culinary traditions in the world, offering a vast array of dishes. Depending on the region, different ingredients, aromatic sauces, spices, and unique preparation methods are used. Whether mild and balanced in the south, spicy in the west, or hearty in the north – each region of China has its own specialties. Chinese food culture is shaped by cultural and spiritual influences that are reflected in the flavor, texture, and symbolism of dishes. In China, eating is not just nourishment, but an expression of culture, community, and joy. Discover a wide selection of Chinese foods at Asia Foodstore – noodles and rice in various forms, sauces, typical Chinese spices and snacks, ramen, and a broad range of instant products.
... more...
What Makes Chinese Food Special
Chinese cuisine is known for its variety of flavors and preparation techniques. Contrasting tastes – sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter – as well as textures like crispy, soft, or juicy are deliberately combined into unique culinary compositions.
Wok cooking – the most essential cooking method in China – allows for quick stir-frying at high temperatures, as well as deep-frying, steaming, and braising. Typical ingredients and seasonings like soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, chili paste, garlic, Sichuan pepper, ginger, and spring onions are staples in every Chinese kitchen. Fresh vegetables such as pak choi, eggplant, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, and shiitake mushrooms are also widely used. Meals often include meat (pork, chicken, duck), seafood (fish, shrimp), or tofu. Noodles, rice, steamed buns, or dumplings (e.g., jiaozi) serve as filling side dishes. Instant ramen noodles from well-known brands like Samyang are also highly popular.
In China, food often carries cultural or spiritual meaning – dumplings represent wealth, noodles symbolize longevity, and fish abundance. Like in many Asian countries, eating is a social activity: many small dishes are shared from the center of the table. This custom is a sign of unity and respect.
Balancing energy is another key principle. Cooling Yin foods like tofu and cucumber are combined with warming Yang ingredients like ginger and meat to maintain harmony between body and mind.
Traditionally, food is eaten with chopsticks, which have symbolic meaning. As knives at the table are considered impolite, all ingredients are prepared in bite-sized pieces suitable for chopsticks.
Typical Chinese Dishes
Chinese dishes showcase the culinary diversity – hearty meat dishes stir-fried in a wok are just as popular as vegetarian options, small snacks, and delicately prepared dumplings like Dim Sum:
- Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings): Especially popular during New Year for symbolizing luck and wealth. Filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood and steamed, boiled, or fried.
- Kung Pao Chicken (Gong Bao Ji Ding): A spicy stir-fry dish from Sichuan with chicken, peanuts, spring onions, and chili.
- Peking Duck (Beijing Kaoya): A specialty of China’s capital – crispy roasted duck served in thin slices with pancakes, spring onions, and hoisin sauce.
- Hot Pot (Huǒguō): A beloved communal winter dish where meat, vegetables, and tofu are cooked at the table in hot broth.
- Dan Dan Noodles (Dan Dan Mian): A spicy Sichuan street food made with noodles, minced meat, chili oil, and peanut sauce.
- Mapo Tofu: Soft tofu in a bold, spicy sauce of minced meat, bean paste, chili, and Sichuan pepper.
- Fried Rice (Chao Fan) and Fried Noodles (Chao Mian): Classic everyday meals with rice or noodles, egg, vegetables, meat or shrimp, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy deep-fried rolls with vegetable or meat filling – a popular appetizer or snack.
- Dim Sum: Small steamed or fried bites (e.g., wontons, siu mai, baozi) from Cantonese cuisine, traditionally served with tea.
- Steamed Fish with Soy Sauce: Tender fish cooked with ginger, spring onions, and soy sauce – symbolizing prosperity, often served at festive occasions.
Our Chinese Product Recommendations
- Hoisin Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Sichuan Pepper
- Five-Spice Powder
- Chinese Noodles
- Ramen Noodles
- Rice Vinegar
- Black Bean Paste
- Chinese Rice Wine
Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
Preparation time: approx. 30 minutes
Servings: 2–3 people
Ingredients:
For the meat:
- 300g chicken breast (diced)
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or Chinkiang vinegar
- 1–2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
Other ingredients:
- 2 tbsp oil (e.g., peanut oil)
- 3–4 dried chili peppers (cut into pieces)
- 1 tsp Sichuan pepper (lightly crushed, optional)
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
- 1 piece ginger (approx. 2 cm, finely chopped)
- 1 spring onion (sliced)
- 1 handful unsalted peanuts (roasted)
Preparation:
-
Marinate the meat:
Mix the chicken with soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Let sit for 10–15 minutes. -
Prepare the sauce:
Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. -
Stir-fry:
Heat oil in a wok. Toast chilies and optional Sichuan pepper briefly (approx. 10 sec), then add garlic and ginger. -
Cook the meat:
Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes on high heat until cooked through. -
Finish:
Stir in the prepared sauce and let it simmer briefly until it thickens. Add peanuts and spring onions. -
Serve:
Serve with rice or fried noodles.
Influences of Other Countries on Chinese Cuisine
Over the centuries, Chinese cuisine has been shaped by neighboring countries, trade routes, and cultural exchange. Countries with close political or economic ties have left notable culinary influences:
- Vietnam and Southeast Asia: Influenced the lighter, herb-rich, and fresh dishes of southern China. Ingredients like fish sauce, coriander, and rice noodles, as well as parallels in street food, originate from this region.
- India: Influences are seen particularly in the Uyghur cuisine of western China – curry, cumin, lamb, and vegetarian dishes are shared culinary traits.
- Japan: The variety of soy sauces, tofu preparations, and tea culture made their way from Japan. Fermented foods and minimalist cooking methods also reflect Japanese influence.
- Korea: Especially in northern China, elements like kimchi, fermented dishes, and spicy pastes are widespread. Serving food in many small bowls follows the Korean banchan tradition.
- Central Asia & Russia: Spices, dumplings (like mantou/jiaozi), and lamb dishes came to China via the Silk Road. Nomadic cooking styles still exist in parts of northwest China.
Why Buy Chinese Foods at Asia Foodstore?
- Wide Product Range: Discover a large assortment of snacks, sauces, spices, noodles, rice, instant products like Samyang Hot Chicken Ramen, and other Asian specialties.
- Authentically Chinese: From soy sauce, oyster sauce, and five-spice powder to ramen noodles and traditional snacks – find many original Chinese products in our shop.
- Top Quality: At Asia Foodstore, we offer products from trusted brands known for high-quality ingredients and authentic flavor.
- Expert Advice: Have questions about our Chinese products, ingredients, or recipes? Our experienced team is happy to assist you.
- Fast Shipping: Your order is shipped within 1–3 business days – securely and aroma-sealed. Free shipping from €49.
Order Chinese Products Now at Asia Foodstore
Ready to try Chinese cooking yourself? Our online shop offers over 1,000 Chinese products for you to discover, cook, and enjoy. From sauces, spices, black bean paste, and tofu in many variations to noodles, rice, and snacks – we have it all. We also carry non-food items like bamboo steamers, skewers, woks, chopsticks, and ceramic bowls. Everything you need for an authentic Chinese dinner at home.
Questions about our Chinese products, a recipe, or your order? Just email us or use our contact form – we're happy to help!
FAQ – Chinese Foods
Which Chinese dishes are best for an Asian dinner with
friends?
Great options for sharing include dumplings (Dim Sum), fried rice,
sweet and sour chicken, or Mapo Tofu. Combine with dips, side
dishes, and noodles for a sociable meal.
How do I combine Chinese spices without overpowering the
dish?
Start with basics like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Use bold flavors like Sichuan pepper, chili oil, or fermented bean
paste sparingly and carefully.
Which Chinese dishes can be made vegetarian or
vegan?
Many classics can easily be made meat-free – fried noodles with
vegetables, tofu with Sichuan sauce, or steamed vegetable
dumplings. Tofu, mushrooms, and pak choi are popular plant-based
ingredients.
What is “Hot Pot” and how is it eaten?
Hot Pot is a communal meal where fresh ingredients like meat,
vegetables, or tofu are cooked at the table in hot broth. Each
guest prepares their own bowl from the pot – a flavorful and social
dining experience.
Which Chinese snacks are good for
beginners?
Tasty snacks to try include sweet rice cakes, crispy lotus root
chips, or mildly spiced rice crackers. Mooncakes or dried mango
strips are also popular.