Top 10 Dishes from 'A Bite of China' Documentary

A culinary journey through China’s most iconic flavors, as seen in the legendary documentary series.

If you have ever watched A Bite of China, you know it is more than a food show — it is a love letter to Chinese culture, geography, and tradition. The documentary takes viewers from misty mountain villages to bustling city kitchens, revealing how climate, history, and local customs shape what ends up on the plate. For international travelers planning a trip to China, these ten dishes are a must-try starting point.

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1. Dongpo Pork (Braised Pork Belly)

One of the most famous dishes from Hangzhou, Dongpo Pork is named after the Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo. The pork belly is slowly braised in soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The documentary highlights the importance of patience — the long cooking time transforms the fat into a silky, savory delight.

Travel tip: Visit Hangzhou’s restaurants near West Lake for the most authentic version.

2. Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles (Lanzhou Lamian)

Watching a chef pull noodles by hand is a performance in itself. In A Bite of China, you see how wheat flour, water, and years of practice create delicate, elastic noodles. Served in a clear beef broth with cilantro, radish, and chili oil, this dish is a staple of Northwest China.

Travel tip: Head to Lanzhou in Gansu Province. Local noodle shops serve it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

3. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

These delicate dumplings from Shanghai are filled with pork and a rich broth that solidifies into a gelatinous cube when chilled. When steamed, the cube melts back into soup, creating a burst of flavor with every bite. The documentary shows how precision in folding is key — each dumpling must have at least 18 folds.

Travel tip: Look for xiaolongbao in Shanghai’s old-town eateries or specialty dumpling houses.

4. Peking Duck

No list of Chinese dishes is complete without Peking Duck. The documentary traces its origins to imperial Beijing kitchens. The duck is air-dried, glazed with maltose syrup, and roasted until the skin is crispy and golden. Served with thin pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce, it is a hands-on dining experience.

Travel tip: In Beijing, book a reservation at a well-known roast duck restaurant. It is best enjoyed as a shared meal.

5. Hot Pot (Huoguo)

Hot pot is more than a meal — it is a social event. The documentary shows how different regions, from Chongqing’s fiery, oil-laden broth to Beijing’s milder lamb-based version, put their own spin on this communal dish. Diners cook raw ingredients like sliced meats, mushrooms, and vegetables in a bubbling pot at the table.

Travel tip: For an authentic experience, visit Chongqing and order a pot bubbling with Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies.

6. Mapo Tofu

This classic Sichuan dish combines soft tofu with minced pork in a spicy, numbing sauce made from doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste) and Sichuan peppercorns. The documentary emphasizes the balance of flavors — the heat, the numbness, and the silkiness of the tofu.

Travel tip: Look for this dish on any authentic Sichuan restaurant menu, especially in Chengdu.

7. Dim Sum (Cantonese Small Plates)

Dim sum is a tradition of small, bite-sized dishes served in bamboo steamers. From har gow (shrimp dumplings) to siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), the documentary explores the craftsmanship of Cantonese chefs. Dim sum is typically enjoyed during morning or afternoon tea.

Travel tip: Visit Hong Kong or Guangzhou for a dim sum breakfast or lunch. Go with a group to sample more varieties.

8. Yangzhou Fried Rice

This is not your average fried rice. Yangzhou Fried Rice features fluffy rice stir-fried with ham, shrimp, eggs, and seasonal vegetables. The documentary highlights the technique of high-heat wok cooking, which gives the rice a smoky, slightly charred flavor (wok hei).

Travel tip: You will find excellent versions in Yangzhou itself, as well as in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

9. Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen)

From the karst landscape of Guangxi comes Guilin Rice Noodles. The dish features slippery rice noodles topped with braised pork, peanuts, pickled beans, and a rich broth. The documentary shows how local farmers rely on this hearty, affordable meal to fuel their long workdays.

Travel tip: In Guilin, street-side stalls serve the most authentic bowls. Add chili oil to taste.

10. Roujiamo (Chinese Meat Flatbread)

Often called a “Chinese hamburger,” roujiamo consists of stewed, spiced pork or beef stuffed into a crispy, baked flatbread. The documentary traces its origins to Shaanxi Province, where the meat is slow-cooked for hours with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger.

Travel tip: Xi’an is the best place to try roujiamo. It is a popular street food sold from mobile carts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I watch A Bite of China? A: The documentary is available on various streaming platforms. Search for the English-subtitled version.

Q: Are these dishes easy to find for international travelers? A: Yes. Most of these dishes are available in restaurants across major Chinese cities. For regional specialties like Lanzhou Lamian or Guilin Mifen, visit the specific province for the most authentic taste.

Q: Do I need to know Chinese to order these dishes? A: Not necessarily. Many restaurants in tourist areas have English menus or picture menus. You can also show the Chinese name on your phone.

Q: Are there vegetarian versions of any of these dishes? A: Some dishes, like Mapo Tofu and Yangzhou Fried Rice, can be made vegetarian. Always ask the restaurant.

Q: How spicy is Sichuan food? A: Very spicy. Sichuan cuisine uses both dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. If you have a low spice tolerance, start with small amounts and ask for “mild” (微辣, wēi là).

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Conclusion

A Bite of China offers a beautiful window into the country’s culinary soul. Each dish tells a story of geography, history, and human connection. For international travelers, tasting these ten dishes is not just a meal — it is a way to experience China’s diverse regional cultures firsthand. As you plan your trip, keep this list handy. Your taste buds will thank you.