China food guide 2026: From street food to fine dining, discover the best dishes, hidden gems, and cultural eating customs. Written by a California expat who’s spent 5 years eating his way across China.
Why Sichuan Hotpot Is More Than Just a Meal Hey there, fellow travelers! Are you ready to embark on a spicy adventure in the heart of China? Well, you’ve come to the right place! As an American who has spent over 5 years living in Chengdu, I’ve become somewhat of an expert on all things Sichuan, especially when it comes to the famous Sichuan hotpot. If you’re also a foodie planning a trip to Chengdu, don’t miss our Chinese street food guide – it covers the night markets and street stalls that every first-timer should experience. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you the history, best restaurants, and cultural significance of this delicious dish. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to drool! ...
Hangzhou: West Lake, Tea Culture & the G20 Summit Legacy Hey, Joran Here When I told my Chengdu wife I was going to Hangzhou for a weekend, she got genuinely excited. “You’ll love it,” she said. “It’s very chill. Very beautiful.” She was right. Hangzhou is China’s “laid-back city” the place where people from Beijing and Shanghai escape to drink tea and look at water. West Lake is legitimately one of the most beautiful urban spaces I’ve been to anywhere in the world. And I’ve been to a lot of places. ...
The Foreigner’s Guide to Chinese Food Delivery (Meituan & Ele.me) Hey, Joran Here In my first month in Chengdu, I ordered food delivery 47 times. I counted. Not because I’m lazy (okay, partly because I’m lazy) but because I was too scared to order in restaurants. My Chinese was “nihao and thank you,” and menus were walls of indecipherable characters. Meituan and Ele.me became my lifeline. Today, I order delivery like a local and I want you to be able to do the same, even if your Chinese is worse than my martial arts (which, trust me, is saying something). ...