Authentic Mainland Chinese Food - Braised Pork Belly, Noodles, and Dumplings

I would like to post about authentic mainland Chinese food, including Chinese-style braised pork belly, noodles, and dumplings.

In fact, when you visit a ‘Chinese restaurant’ in Korea, the food served there is more of a Chinese-style Korean cuisine.

Actually, Tangsuyuk, Jajangmyeon, and Jjamppong do not exist in China. While there is a similar dish to Tangsuyuk called ‘Guobaorou,’ it is quite different.

The image above shows dumplings, and there are many different types of dumplings in China. This one is ‘Jiaozi’ (potstickers/dumplings).

Besides Jiaozi, there is also ‘Baozi,’ which is similar to the large steamed king dumplings we have in Korea.

This is a Chinese-style noodle dish. While some have a beef broth base, others use a lamb broth base.

As a side note, lamb broth has a very distinct smell, so it can be difficult to eat if you are not used to it.

This is Chinese-style braised pork belly.

It is similar to Korea’s ‘Buldojang’ (Buddha Jumps Over the Wall) or similar varieties, and it is delicious.

This is Chinese delivery food, which usually delivers rice and side dishes separately. It can be considered typical Chinese home-style cooking.

It consists of stir-fried potatoes and a meat-and-vegetable stir-fry.

When you order delivery, about 80% of the time it is a stir-fry, and 20% of the time it is a soup or stew.

For reference, unlike in Korea, it is rare to see raw vegetables seasoned and eaten as a salad or ‘muchim.’

I see stir-fried peas and some seasoned vegetables as well.

These are also delivery foods.

This is Chinese-style Shabu-shabu (Hot Pot). It was not a Malatang base.

The broth was.. unique.

This is beef.

In China, they also add seafood like squid, along with lamb; it is a bit different.

Lamb, beef, and sometimes pork are available.

This is thinly sliced meat with a soy sauce base, topped with cilantro. I personally did not enjoy it much..

There are also pots divided like this with a Malatang side.

This place sells skewers individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Jajangmyeon and Jjamppong, found in Korean Chinese restaurants, also available in mainland China?

No, they are not available in mainland China. Korean Chinese restaurant food is closer to Korean food with a Chinese twist, so Jajangmyeon and Jjamppong do not actually exist in China. Similarly, while Tangsuyuk has a similar dish called Guobaorou, it's not exactly the same food.

What is the difference between the Chinese dumpling types Jiaozi and Baozi?

Baozi are similar in form to Korea's steamed king dumplings, while Jiaozi refers to general potsticker-style dumplings. China has various types of dumplings like these, each with different characteristics and textures.

What kind of meat is mainly used for the broth base of Chinese noodles?

Beef or lamb broth is mainly used as the base. Especially with lamb broth, there can be a unique lamb smell, which might make it a bit difficult for those unfamiliar with the aroma to eat it for the first time.

How are local Chinese delivery meals typically structured?

Rice and side dishes are usually delivered separately. About 80% of delivery food consists of stir-fried dishes like stir-fried potatoes or stir-fried meat and vegetables, with the remaining 20% being Chinese home-style dishes composed of soups or stews.

Do people in China frequently eat raw vegetables?

No, it's rare to eat raw vegetables seasoned like in Korea. In China, it is common culinary practice to enjoy vegetable dishes that are mostly cooked over fire or stir-fried, such as stir-fried peas or seasoned vegetables.