Unusual Chinese dishes: Learn more about exotic cuisine

21.11.2023 19:40
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:22

If you're actually interested in different countries' cuisines, then you should definitely learn more about various Asian dishes.

For instance, China is full of unusual and exotic food, and that's why foodies love visiting it so much.

Here are a few examples of unusual dishes that make Chinese cuisine stand out.

Century Egg (Pidan)

Despite its intimidating name, the Century Egg is not aged for a hundred years. 

Instead, duck, chicken, or quail eggs are preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice straw for several weeks to several months. 

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Photo:Pixabay

The process results in a translucent, black-colored egg white and a creamy, greenish yolk. 

The flavor is strong and unique, with a combination of salty and creamy notes.

Stinky Tofu (Chòu Dòufu)

Stinky Tofu lives up to its name with a distinctive, pungent aroma. 

The tofu is fermented in a brine made from various ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and sometimes dried shrimp. 

The fermentation process gives the tofu a strong smell, but fans of the dish appreciate its complex and savory flavor. 

Stinky Tofu is often deep-fried and served with spicy or tangy sauces to balance its intense taste.

Bird's Nest Soup (Yàn Wō)

This luxurious dish features the nest of the swiftlet bird, made from the bird's saliva. 

The nests are harvested from caves, and their unique texture and supposed health benefits make them highly prized. 

The nests are carefully cleaned, soaked, and then simmered into a delicate soup. 

Snake Soup (Shé Gēng)

In traditional Chinese medicine, snake meat is believed to have health benefits. 

Snake Soup is a nourishing dish that typically includes shredded snake meat, mushrooms, various herbs, and spices. 

It is often consumed during the winter months to provide warmth and vitality. 

Despite its exotic nature, Snake Soup is considered a traditional and cultural culinary offering in certain regions of China
 

Kate Yakimchuk Author: Kate Yakimchuk Editor internet resource


Content
  1. Century Egg (Pidan)
  2. Stinky Tofu (Chòu Dòufu)
  3. Bird's Nest Soup (Yàn Wō)
  4. Snake Soup (Shé Gēng)