Why Mandarin cuisine
is special

Mandarin cuisine has the reputation for being China's most refined cuisine.

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Insights on
Mandarin cuisine

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Narrow definition

The term Mandarin cuisine can refer to the elaborate and delicate Mandarin specialties that were originally cooked for the elite members of the now-defunct Imperial Court.

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Broad definition

Nowadays the more common meaning of Mandarin cuisine encompasses the above definition as well as the cooking styles of nearby areas. My map shows that region.

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Occidental term

Mandarin cuisine is an Occidental term. Though not commonly used in China, "Mandarin cuisine" is widely used abroad to define a regional culinary area that includes Beijing (see my map).

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Chinese banquets

Mandarin cuisine (in its Imperial Court sense) is the cuisine of the traditional Chinese banquet.

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Famous specialties
you shouldn't miss

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Peking Duck

The succulently crisp skin of the duck is the most precious part of the dish. The diner smears a sweet bean paste with a scallion onto a thin flour pancake, then rolls and eats the preparation using his hand.

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Bird's Nest Soup

The nest of swallow is simmered to extract its gelatinous substance, which flavors and thickens the soup.

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Chicken Velvet

A very delicate forcemeat of chicken breast and egg white. Often poached.

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Tea Eggs

Hard boiled eggs, with cracked shells, are marinated in hot spiced tea until a distinctive cracked pattern and flavor is apparent.

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Moo Shi Pork

Slivers of pork, egg, tiger lily buds, cloud ear fungus, and other vegetables are stir fried together, combined with a light sauce, and eaten rolled up in thin flour pancakes. Moo Shi Pork was created by peasants as a dish for using up leftovers.

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Test yourself

How many of these major
world cuisines do you know well?

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications