You may have every Chinese restaurant within fifty miles on speed dial, but unless you’ve been to China, you’ve never really experienced the country’s cuisine. China is a vast country with enough people to create subcultures within subcultures. ‘

The traditional dish of one region is vastly different from that of its neighbor, and what’s served in America is a watered-down conglomerate of the real thing. In reality, there are eight primary styles of Chinese cuisine.

The Sichuan Style

Sichuan cuisine hails from the Sichuan Province, and includes some of the spiciest dishes in the country. Their focus is on the mouth-numbing flavor of the Sichuan peppercorn combined with a bold mix of peanuts, garlic, and other not-so-subtle spices. For a real taste of Sichuan, try to mapo doufu or beef soup.

The Jiangsu Style

For a more delicate dining experience, you’ll have to look Northwest of Shanghai. The … Read More ...