stdClass Object ( [ID] => 29450 [post_author] => 14 [post_date] => 2013-05-06 04:02:33 [post_date_gmt] => 2013-05-06 04:02:33 [post_content] => IF you're from anywhere in the Western world, you were probably raised at least in part on Chinese take-out. Sweet and sour or General Tso's chicken, pork fried rice, fortune cookies. The offerings at most quick and dirty Chinese take-away places are typically delicious, but limited. When you arrive in China, however, you'll find that the cuisine is a bit more...well, varied. That's to be expected really, in one of the largest and most populous countries in the world, which has 23 distinct provinces and more than 50 ethnic groups. This is good news for traveling foodies because there is a plethora of dishes that will delight your taste buds and set them on fire. Below are five of the best dishes you'll find in China, though there are many, many more worth a taste.

Mapo doufu

If you enjoy spicy foods, the dishes from Sichuan province will be right up your alley, particularly the hot and savory mapo doufu. This is a tofu dish but the premier element is the spice, which consists of spicy flavoring as well as "numb peppers" that will leave your mouth watering and your face more than a little sweaty. The tofu is coated in a spicy sauce and is often served with ground meat as well. [caption id="attachment_29460" align="aligncenter" width="1000" caption="Mapo doufu Photo: courtesy bouchan via Shutterstock"][/caption]

Baozi and Jiaozi

These two are not exactly the same but can often be purchased together for quite cheap, and you'd do well to purchase several of each because they don't last long. Baozi are steamed buns filled with meat, and the complement of the slightly sweet bread and hot, flavorful meat makes a perfect quick breakfast or snack between meals. Jaozi are traditional dumplings, and can be had with a range of fillings. You can always find a pork or beef dumpling, as well as crab or shrimp, but vegetarians can indulge as well, since they are also available stuffed with leeks and other veggies. [caption id="attachment_29454" align="aligncenter" width="800" caption="Jiaozi. Photo: courtesy Paul_Brighton via Shutterstock."][/caption]

Hot pot

This dish, often associated with Chengdu province, makes for an especially good meal during the frigid winter months, when you can gather round a boiling pot of broth with friends and cook your choice of meats and vegetables. Hot pot options range from a cheap meal at a street side restaurant to a higher end meal where your choice of broth and the cuts of meat are much improved. Opt for everything from a standard chicken or pork to whole frogs and cow intestines. [caption id="attachment_29457" align="aligncenter" width="1000" caption="Hot pot. Photo: courtesy C.K. Ma via Shutterstock."][/caption]

Gan bian si ji dou

Another product of Sichuan province, this green bean dish packs some serious flavor and, you guessed it, spice. This dish is served fried, with flecks of chili pepper mixed into the beans. This preparation makes the green beans well done on the outside, but tender inside for a texture that will melt in your mouth. [caption id="attachment_29453" align="aligncenter" width="436" caption="Gan bian si ji dou. Photo: Zhu Difeng via Shutterstock"][/caption]

Di san xian

This dish - a flavorful mix of potatoes, eggplant and peppers in a sweet and tangy sauce - is bound to satisfy any palate. It's hearty, it's filling and is often served with fresh or fried garlic mixed in, for an extra pop of flavor. Although it's particularly enjoyable during the winter months, you can get a good meal out of di san xian any time of year. [caption id="attachment_29461" align="aligncenter" width="1000" caption="Di san xian. hoto: courtesy of bonchan via Shutterstock."][/caption] [post_title] => 5 must-try Chinese dishes [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => 5-must-try-chinese-dishe [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2013-05-06 04:11:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2013-05-06 04:11:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.travelwireasia.com/?p=29450 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )