The Plum’s Sweet-and-Sour Journey in Chinese Food, Poetry, and Pop Culture
From a symbol of young love in the verses of Li Bai to a viral meme telling people to mind their own business, plums have held a distinctive place in…
From a symbol of young love in the verses of Li Bai to a viral meme telling people to mind their own business, plums have held a distinctive place in…
In China’s ecologically rich southwestern province, mushrooms have become a seasonal favorite, drawing food lovers from across the country—and even s…
Despite Shanghai’s reputation as a trendsetting city in China, its cuisine—known as “benbangcai”—is surprisingly hard to find outside the megacity. Y…
While the southwestern province’s fermented soup has grown in popularity over the past several years, businesses still face challenges promoting it a…
Once a humble household snack sold by the streetsides, “chaohuo” has now become a hundred-billion-yuan business—but for many, its real value still li…
A poisonous ancient plant, konjac has become the country’s favorite crunchy, stimulating snack—and a global sensation for its healthy yet addictive b…
Though not as omnipresent as soy sauce, vinegar has long been cherished in China, and now a new generation is discovering its tangy appeal
Yogurt has long been enjoyed in disparate regions across the country—even honored with a dedicated festival among Tibetan communities. But as it beco…
The salted duck egg is an icon in Jiangnan cuisine. It’s most popular during the Dragon Boat Festival, but no time is a bad time for this classic del…
Originally a casual spot in France for affordable food and drinks, bistros in China, mainly themed on southwestern cuisines, have become high-end res…
Steamed dishes, or “zhengcai,” are convenient, affordable, and healthy—and growing in popularity in China’s competitive restaurant scene, which has l…
Once a staple food for train rides home during the Chinese New Year, instant noodles in China are now struggling to sustain growth