
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.