Food In China/Japan
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The traditional Chinese cuisines that are found in restaurants vary from province to province. The development and diversity represents China's long history. The cuisine peaked during the Qing Dynasty, which lasted from 1644-1911. Each new dynasty bought about the introduction of new recipes. Chinese cuisine consists of 4 main parts: dainty, esthetics, atmosphere, and effects. There are also 4 divisions of flavors and 8 different regional cuisines. The diversity of geography, climate, customs, and products led to the evolution of the 4 flavors and 8 cuisines. Typically, the Chinese use an integration of color, redolence, taste, shape, and fines of the instruments. A few of the traditional cooking methods include boiling, stewing, braising, frying, steaming, crisping, baking, and simmering. When the food is finished cooking, it is precisely arranged on a variety of plates. This allows the consumer to appreciate it more. The history, features, geography, climate, resources, and life styles are all factors that determine the form of the dish. Since there are many provinces and districts in China, the cuisines in each area are drastically different from one another. Even geographic neighbors have completely different cuisine styles.

The first of the 8 cuisines is from the Shandong province. The Shandong cuisine is known for its clear, pure tase, with an emphasis on the aroma of the food. Most of the dishes are not very greasy, and are popular because of their fresh, crisp, and tender taste. The second cuisine is the hot and spicy Sichuan food. Sichuan is actually one of the most popular foods in China, despite of its pungant flavor. Locals would say that it is a must try for any foreigner who wants to get a real taste of Chinese food. Some popular examples of Sichuan food include Kung Pao Chicken and Mapo Toufu. The next type of food is the Guangdong cuisine. The food in the Guangdong province is known all over China for the clear, light, crisp, and fresh taste. Surprisingly, the Guangdong cuisine is popular among many Westerners, and actually the first food that they are introduced to. This food is precisely prepared using a wide variety of techniques including roasting, stir-frying, sauteing, stewing, and steaming. An example of Guangdong food is the ever popular roasted piglet. 

© Nate Heberlein 2009