Mapo tofu: A memorable mapo tofu packs a boatload of zing -- salty, peppery and spicy flavors should all hit the taste buds. This famed Sichuan dish is most commonly cooked with minced pork or beef along with the all-important tofu. Click on for more delicious Chinese foods.
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Xiaolongbao: Hugely popular both in and outside China, xiaolongbao, also called xiaolong tangbao (translated as small basket soup bun), is a mix of soup and pork packed inside a thin dumpling wrapper. The soupy dumpling can also be filled with crab meat and crab roe.
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Congee: Congee, a simmered, mashed rice soup, is believed to be great for the digestive system. It's comfort food for many Chinese, whether in sickness or in health.
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Hot and sour soup: A bowl of hot and sour soup should have a balance of sourness (from vinegar) and spiciness (from peppers). Shreds of tofu, Chinese mushrooms, wood ears and bamboo shoots are some of the common ingredients found in this thick soup.
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Peking duck: This world-famous dish has been captivating stomachs -- including those of ancient Chinese emperors -- for centuries. It features crispy duck skin, juicy meat, radish, cucumber, scallions and sweet bean sauce wrapped neatly in a thin pancake.
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Steamed pork belly with preserved mustard greens: The tender, well-braised pork belly is irresistible, but the star of this Hakkan dish is mei cai, a dry, pickled Chinese mustard that gives the hearty stew its slightly sour and salty taste.
