When the words “Chinese food” are mentioned, a common theme such as fried rice, teriyaki chicken, and orange chicken comes to mind. However, this concept is incorrect; authentic Chinese food is very different from the “classic” American take. Each of the eight regions in China has even their own signature styles that are considered unique cuisines alone: Sichuan, Hunan, Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shandong.

• Sichuan cuisine is probably the most well-known style in the Western world (thanks to the classic Ma Po Tofu), with its signature numbing spiciness in practically every dish. Its flavorful dishes are saturated with peppercorns and chilis, leaving your tongue numb and face sweating in satisfaction.
• If you enjoy the Sichuan style, try the Hunan cuisine! Unlike the Sichuan-style, the Hunan style uses peppers and vinegar (they love pickling) to stimulate your taste buds for its sour “dry” spiciness, making it spicier than Sichuan.
• Guangdong cuisine is famous for its light recipes eaten all over China. This style’s simple low-oil cooking and scarcity in seasoning not only make the dishes healthy but also bring out the natural flavor of the main ingredient.
• The Fujian cuisine is known for its love for wild ingredients, seafood, soups, and fermenting. With soups as the main beverage, dishes of wild herbs and exotic seafood, and the interesting but popular “Drunken” dishes (cooking in red rice wine), there’s nothing not to love.
• However, if the Fujian style doesn’t have enough fish for your tastes, no worries: the Zhejiang cuisine is based around fresh, balanced seafood. This region right by the ocean is a light harmonization of flavors, known for its fresh and appealing seafood and its dainty sweets.
• Perhaps you enjoyed the earthiness of the Fujian, then, the Anhui cuisine is the best fit for you. Don’t look down on the simple peasant dishes; the wild hearty food of the Yellow Mountain isn’t one of the most popular cuisines for nothing; it is known for its rich, earthy flavors.
• On the other hand, the Jiangsu cuisine is full of flavor, sweet gourmet dishes meant for a banquet. Well known in the Western world as the Shanghai style, this cuisine is popular for its sweet, rich, royal-like taste, a pleasure for all.
• Last but certainly not least, the Shandong cuisine accentuates seafood with onions and spices (not the Sichuan or Hunan kind). With its bright flavors, this Northern style definitely claims a spot with the other seven cuisines.

Feeling hungry? Who wouldn’t? With these unique yet all delicious cuisines, there’s a perfect match for anyone, Chinese or not. We Americans have really been missing out, so go on and explore each style for yourself!

Photo courtesy of OMNIVORESCOOKBOOK.COM