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Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, blending numb, spicy, sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes in perfect harmony. If you ever find yourself traveling through China, be sure to try these 10 famous Sichuan dishes!
Among the various Chinese culinary traditions, Sichuan cuisine is the most widespread and recognized, particularly known for its spicy flavors. These dishes are often created with a special combination of chili peppers, peppercorns, garlic, and fermented bean paste. The fiery spice also helps mask the taste of certain ingredients like fish and meat. Despite its heat, Sichuan food is incredibly enticing to travelers to China, thanks to its unique aroma and vibrant colors.
1. Sichuan Hot Pot
Mention Sichuan Hot Pot, and most travelers to China will likely be curious to try it. This dish is the quintessential representation of the region's cuisine, with a rich, spicy flavor created by chili peppers and peppercorns, along with a variety of unique spices. Hot Pot is especially popular in the winter months as the heat provides warmth during cold weather. If you’re not accustomed to spicy food, you might want to reconsider trying this dish!
2. Spicy Duck Feet
Sichuan spicy duck feet attract diners with their golden-red color on the skin. When you take a bite, the intense spicy flavor, crunchiness, and chewiness stand out. This snack is perfect for those who enjoy sharing it with friends. In addition, when you travel to China, you can buy packaged spicy Sichuan duck feet as a souvenir for your loved ones and friends after your trip.
3. Sichuan Tofu
Sichuan Tofu is a must-try dish that combines soft tofu with minced beef or pork, Sichuan peppercorn sauce, and a hint of spice from Sichuan pepper. The bright red color from the chili peppers makes it visually striking. The tofu is soft and aromatic, topped with finely ground meat and flavorful spices. Enjoy it with a side of rice to elevate the dish even more.
4. Tofu with Eggplant in Spicy Sauce
Tofu with eggplant in spicy sauce is quite similar to Sichuan tofu but with a twist. The eggplant in this dish is tender and aromatic, while the tofu is creamy and coated in a spicy sauce. To add more texture and flavor, the eggplant is deep-fried to a crispy golden-brown before being served.
5. Kung Pao Chicken
This dish is prepared by frying diced chicken, then cooking it with dried red chilies and roasted peanuts, giving it its signature spicy flavor. The dish is named after Ding Baozhen, a governor of Sichuan during the Qing Dynasty. Kung Pao Chicken is more popular in the West than Mapo Tofu, as the overseas versions are typically less spicy or even not spicy at all compared to the original Sichuan recipe.
6. Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan Noodles are quite a popular dish in Sichuan. The noodles are made from wheat and are typically served with minced pork or beef, bok choy, Sichuan peppercorns, chili paste, sesame powder, spring onions, chives, soy sauce, and of course, chili. In some places, the seasonings are placed underneath the noodles, so be sure to stir the bowl well to fully enjoy the flavors of this dish.
7. Fish in Chili Oil
Fish in chili oil, also known as 'Shui Zhu Yu,' is prepared by briefly blanching the fish in boiling water, then submerging it in a pan of hot oil with dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The fish is then removed with chopsticks as the oil is not meant to be consumed directly.
Mala Chicken is known for its vibrant red color, with chicken marinated in chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The unique thing about this dish is that despite being seasoned with chili, the chicken is not overwhelmingly spicy, offering a perfectly balanced and flavorful experience.
9. Smoked Tea Duck
This dish takes several days to prepare. The chef cleans the duck meat, marinates it using a traditional family recipe, and then smokes it with tea leaves to infuse fresh flavors. After that, the duck is steamed and fried until crispy, but not overly so. If you're looking to switch from spicy dishes to something with milder seasoning, smoked tea duck is a perfect choice.
10. Fuqi Fei Pian
Fuqi Fei Pian is a cold dish made from beef, offal, tendons, and beef tripe mixed with a spicy sauce. It has a sharp, spicy flavor and is garnished with cilantro, peanuts, and sesame. The red sauce is primarily made from chili oil, pepper oil, and spices such as Chinese cinnamon and star anise. What makes this dish special is the story behind its creation: the couple who invented this dish had a harmonious marriage, and as a result, the dish is also called 'husband and wife lung slices' (a direct translation from Chinese).
Source: Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnApril 19, 2024
