So your next adventure is landing you in the beautiful Middle Kingdom, eh? First off, I have to say, you have made an excellent choice. While many of your friends have decided to travel (or move) to the more familiar countries of Europe, you are on your way to the exotic, foreign and mysterious Red China or the culture-rich, Asian home-away-from-home Taiwan. Be prepared to meet a people that will touch your heart with their effortless kindness and uninhibited friendliness. Your senses will soon be overwhelmed with color, size, volume and texture like no where in the Western world. I love these countries.
One of my favorite things about these two countries (Daddy China and the Rebellious Teenager Taiwan) is the food. If I were to choose a word for it, I'd say it's "lip-smacking". Savory and oily, Chinese food is simple yet unforgettable. But here's where I come clean: until you have overcome that mountain called Adjustment, some textures and tastes will make you squeamish, or down-right disgusted. Too much of this and you may end up leaving with the vow that the only Chinese food you will ever eat again is Panda Express. So to save you from this horror, I have created this list. Call it the Survivor's Guide to easing yourself into Chinese Gastronomy. When confronted with an overwhelming menu, or worse, a waitress standing expectantly at your side with not a menu in sight, you will have something to show them.
**Note: If there are 2 sets of Chinese Characters, the set on the right is for Taiwan. If there is only one set, use in both countries.
1. Tomatoes with Fried Eggs 番茄炒蛋
Okay so plenty of people don't like scrambled eggs and more than that don't love slimy tomatoes. But I swear, 9 out of 10 people love this dish. It's all in the MSG.
2. Sweet & Sour Pork 糖醋肉
I don't think any explanation is necessary here.
3. Shredded Potato 土豆丝
Americans love their carbs and what could be better than stir-fried potatoes with your rice? The best part about this dish is the subtle tangy vinegar.
4. Beef Steamed Bun 牛肉包子
A chewy steamed pastry stuffed with saucy beef, the steamed bun is generally a safe bet. Even the pickiest traveling mates have enjoyed themselves a "baozi" every once in a while. Once you've tried a good few of them you will begin to find your favorite shops or stands, and eventually move on to more adventurous flavors, like curry. Mmmmm...
5. Fried Rice 炒饭/炒飯
What's not to like? The only trick about Fried Rice is that it is customizable, which to a non-Chinese speaker can be difficult. They may ask what kind of meat and if you would like it spicy or not. Have that Chinese dictionary app handy!
6. Stir-Fried Bok Choy 小白菜 or 青菜
For being such a generally slender people, a salad is incomprehensible to them. They just don't eat raw vegetables. If you're wanting some greens, they will almost always come stir fried in garlic and oil and sometimes soy sauce. And almost without exception, the bok choy is the universal favorite among the Chinese food novice.
7. The Rice...Thinger 饭团/飯團
Alright, I admit, this is a little of a stretch. Not EVERYONE likes these. But many do. These rice wraps are basically seaweed wrapped around sticky rice with a savory meaty center. My favorite is the tuna--it tastes just like a tuna fish sandwich. There you go--a little bit of home. Although these tasty babies sold at your friendly neighborhood 7-11 are triangular, they also come in spherical and cylindrical shapes.
8. Beef Noodle Soup 牛肉面/ 牛肉麵
Every region of China and Taiwan has its own Beef Noodle Soup variety, but pretty much all of them are incredible. (If you "fear spicy", as the Chinese say, then just tell them "boo la")
9. Fried Noodles 炒麵/炒面
Dear American-Chinese Fried Noodles: Be afraid, be very afraid. Love, the Infinitely-More-Delicious Authentic Chinese Fried Noodles
10. The Smoothie/Slushy 冰沙
Better than any smoothie in the US, these guys are smooth and powerful and come in a never-ending list of flavors, from Peach to Pudding, from Dragonfruit to Taro.
Now go my friends! And when you feel comfortable with these foods I invite you to break away and take risks! Eat them Chicken Feet!
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