6 Dishes You Should Not Miss When Eating at a Chinese Restaurant

It is quite normal to have a go-to dish when going to your favorite restaurants. However, doing this in a new or unfamiliar restaurant makes people tend to miss out on trying the other great dishes. This scenario is prevalent in Chinese restaurants, in which most people already have their favorite dim sum to order. Because of this, they never start exploring and getting to know other dishes. 

If you also find yourself ordering the same thing in a restaurant over and over again, you might want to give the other dishes a try. This article enumerates the authentic Chinese dishes you must try the next time you visit a Chinese restaurant.

Dish 1: Asian Greens

A common element you would find in most Chinese cooking are the greens. Besides keeping you healthy, the Chinese’ greens are cooked to perfection. You should have a bite of their crispy steamed bok choy, with freshness you can still bite, and the stir-fried vegetables rich in flavor. These healthy and rich flavors are a must-have in every meal. Eating in a Chinese restaurant without greens is like eating in an Asian restaurant without rice. 

Dish 2: Congee

If you like soup-like meals, you need to try this rice porridge. Congee is what parents let their sick children eat to get better, but it will still be a delicious meal even if you are in good condition. This soft food with a creamy taste can be eaten as is or garnished with your favorite meat, pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It is a nourishing Chinese dish that simply tastes good and satisfies your stomach every time. 

Dish 3: Shumai

A Chinese dim sum menu will always have shumai in it, and it is a must-try dish for you. Shumai is the traditional steamed Chinese pork and shrimp dumpling. Each piece is covered in a thin round sheet of unleavened dough that will be tender to bite and eaten with or without rice. 

Dish 4: Xiao Long Bao

Another item you would find in the dim sum corner is the famous and crowd-favorite xiao long bao. You would get a taste of the rich-flavored broth and tender pork fillings in every bite. It is also a healthy choice of Chinese snack to have that will shower your mouth with a slight sweetness and umami flavors. This dim sum is dipped in soy sauce and vinegar, making the taste and experience even better. 

Dish 5: Peking Duck

Peking duck is said to be the first dish you should try in China, so if you have not tried one yet, you must do so in your next Chinese meal escapade. This famous roast duck is almost always served everywhere, even in government events and national gatherings, making it a national symbol. Its fantastic taste of tender and moist meat, covered with thin and crisp skin, would not make you forget about this meal for a long time.

Dish 6: Char Siu Bao

If you want to explore the pork bun section, try getting a char siu bao. It is undeniably one of the most popular dim sums. In English, it translates to steamed BBQ pork buns and is a type of filled bun that would be perfect if you are a fan of sweet and salty pastries. You can also order it in its baked form. The Chinese BBQ pork found inside the white bun is marinated in a sweet BBQ sauce before it got roasted. 

Conclusion

The Chinese are known for their tasty, healthy, and fantastic cuisine. If you have not tried any items on this list yet, you are missing out on many delightful dishes! Therefore, you should grab some on your next trip or online order from a Chinese restaurant. Aside from being the Chinese’ top favorite, these meals say a lot about Chinese culture and history.  

Ocean Palace Restaurant is where you would find the best Chinese food in Houston that could satisfy any of your cravings above. Check out our menu and place an order today!