Imagine yourself sitting at a traditional Chinese restaurant, with the warm breeze brushing against your skin and the sun shining brightly overhead. As you peruse the menu, you can’t help but feel intrigued by the enticing array of cold dishes available. From refreshing and tangy appetizers to chilled, spicy mains, these popular Chinese cold dishes are the perfect way to combat the summer heat while indulging in the delicious flavors of Chinese cuisine. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as you explore the most popular Chinese cold dishes that will surely make your summer dining experience even more delightful.
Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles)
One of the most popular Chinese cold dishes to enjoy in the summer is Liangpi, also known as Cold Skin Noodles. This dish originated from Shaanxi province and has gained immense popularity all over China. Liangpi is made by mixing wheat flour with water, kneading it into a dough, and then stretching it into thin sheets. These sheets are then cut into noodles and boiled until they become soft and chewy.
Once the noodles are cooked, they are rinsed with cold water to remove excess starch and to cool them down. The chilled Liangpi noodles are then typically tossed with a variety of toppings and seasonings, such as shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame paste. The combination of the chewy noodles with the refreshing and tangy flavors of the toppings makes Liangpi a perfect dish to beat the summer heat.
Suanla Huanggua (Spicy Cucumber Salad)
Another popular cold dish to enjoy during the summer is Suanla Huanggua, which translates to Spicy Cucumber Salad. As the name suggests, this dish is made by marinating sliced cucumbers in a spicy and tangy dressing. The dressing typically consists of vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, garlic, and sugar, which gives the cucumbers a flavorful and refreshing kick.
Suanla Huanggua is a popular dish in Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors. The combination of the cool, crunchy cucumbers with the spicy dressing creates a mouthwatering contrast that is perfect for hot summer days. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to option for a quick and refreshing snack or side dish.
Baiqieji (Poached Chicken with Sauce)
Baiqieji, or Poached Chicken with Sauce, is a classic cold dish that is commonly enjoyed in the summer. This dish is made by poaching chicken until it is cooked through and then cooling it down in ice water to give it a tender and juicy texture. The chicken is then shredded and served with a flavorful sauce.
The sauce used in Baiqieji is typically made with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, garlic, and sesame oil. The chicken is then tossed in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors. The result is a dish that is not only refreshing but also packed with savory and umami flavors. Baiqieji is often garnished with cilantro or green onions to add a fresh and aromatic touch.
Dongpo Rou (Braised Pork Belly)
Dongpo Rou, or Braised Pork Belly, is a popular cold dish that originates from Hangzhou, a city known for its rich culinary heritage. This dish is made by slow-cooking pork belly until it becomes tender and succulent. The pork belly is then sliced and served chilled, usually with a side of steamed buns or rice.
The braising process gives the pork belly a melt-in-your-mouth texture and infuses it with rich flavors from the soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and spices used in the cooking liquid. Dongpo Rou is often garnished with green onions or cilantro, adding a fresh and aromatic element to the dish. The chilled pork belly, combined with the savory flavors and the soft texture, makes Dongpo Rou a delicious option to enjoy in the summer.
Hulatang (Chilled Sweetcorn Soup)
Hulatang, or Chilled Sweetcorn Soup, is a popular Chinese cold soup that is commonly consumed in the summer. This refreshing soup is made by blending cooked sweetcorn kernels with milk or coconut milk, sugar, and a hint of salt. The mixture is then chilled in the refrigerator until it reaches a cool and creamy consistency.
Chilled Sweetcorn Soup is loved for its rich and creamy texture, as well as its sweet and refreshing flavor. It is often garnished with additional sweetcorn kernels or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added taste and visual appeal. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the sweetcorn, making it a healthy and satisfying option to beat the summer heat.
Shuangpinai (Double-Skin Milk)
Shuangpinai, also known as Double-Skin Milk, is a popular dessert in Chinese cuisine that is particularly enjoyed during the summer months. This dessert consists of a delicate and silky milk custard that is enclosed in a thin layer of gelatin-like skin. The name “Double-Skin Milk” comes from the two distinct layers of the dessert.
To make Shuangpinai, milk is heated with sugar and then mixed with gelatin to create the custard mixture. This mixture is then poured into individual molds and chilled until it sets. The chilled custard is then served with a drizzle of ginger syrup or a sprinkle of osmanthus flowers for added flavor.
The combination of the smooth and creamy custard with the slightly firm and translucent skin creates a delightful texture that is both refreshing and satisfying. Shuangpinai is a popular dessert not only because of its taste but also because of its unique and beautiful presentation.
Xihongshi Chao Jidan (Stir-Fried Tomatoes and Eggs)
Xihongshi Chao Jidan, or Stir-Fried Tomatoes and Eggs, is a classic Chinese dish that is commonly enjoyed as a cold dish during the summer. This dish is made by stir-frying beaten eggs with ripe tomatoes, resulting in a colorful and flavorful combination.
To make Xihongshi Chao Jidan, ripe tomatoes are first diced and cooked until they release their juices. Beaten eggs are then added to the tomatoes and quickly scrambled until they are just set. The dish is seasoned with salt, sugar, and sometimes soy sauce, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
The combination of the juicy tomatoes with the fluffy and tender eggs creates a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for hot summer days. Xihongshi Chao Jidan is often served with steamed rice or as a side dish in a larger meal.
Pingguo Tang (Chilled Apple Soup)
Pingguo Tang, or Chilled Apple Soup, is a popular Chinese dessert that is commonly enjoyed during the summer season. This chilled soup is made by cooking apple slices with rock sugar and water to create a sweet and refreshing mixture.
To make Pingguo Tang, apples are peeled, cored, and sliced. The apple slices are then cooked together with rock sugar and water until they become tender and fragrant. The mixture is then chilled in the refrigerator until it reaches a cool and syrupy consistency.
Chilled Apple Soup is loved for its sweet and tangy flavors, as well as its cooling and thirst-quenching properties. It is often garnished with a sprinkle of osmanthus flowers or a few slices of fresh apple to add a touch of elegance to the dish. This dessert not only provides a sweet treat but also offers the health benefits of apples, making it a refreshing and nutritious option for the summer.
Yuxiang Qiezi (Fish Flavored Eggplant)
Yuxiang Qiezi, or Fish Flavored Eggplant, is a popular cold dish in Sichuan cuisine that is enjoyed during the summer. Despite its name, this dish does not contain any fish but rather gets its name from the combination of seasonings used in its preparation, which imitate the flavors of fish.
To make Yuxiang Qiezi, eggplants are first sliced and blanched, then stir-fried until they become tender. They are then mixed with a savory and spicy sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili oil. The sauce gives the eggplants a rich and tangy flavor that is reminiscent of fish dishes.
The combination of the soft and melt-in-your-mouth eggplant with the bold and spicy sauce creates a dish that is bursting with flavors. Yuxiang Qiezi is often served cold or at room temperature, making it a popular choice for a refreshing and appetizing summer dish.
Bailuobian (Radish Pancake)
Bailuobian, or Radish Pancake, is a popular Chinese street food dish that is often enjoyed as a cold dish during the summer months. This dish is made by grating radishes and mixing them with flour and other seasonings to create a batter. The batter is then pan-fried until it becomes crispy and golden brown.
Radish Pancakes are loved for their crispy texture and savory flavor. They are often served cut into wedges and enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. They can also be used as a base for other ingredients, such as sliced beef or vegetables, to create a more substantial meal.
The combination of the crunchy radish with the crispy pancake creates a delightful contrast of textures. Bailuobian is a popular choice for a light and satisfying dish to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Beijingersauniaobing (Beijing-style Sesame Seed Cake)
Beijingersauniaobing, or Beijing-style Sesame Seed Cake, is a popular traditional Chinese pastry that is commonly consumed as a cold dish during the summer season. This pastry consists of layers of flaky dough that are filled with a sweet and nutty sesame paste.
To make Beijingersauniaobing, dough is made by combining flour, water, and oil, which is then rolled out into thin sheets. The sheets of dough are then brushed with sesame oil and stacked on top of each other, creating layers that are individually crisp yet come together to form a tender and chewy pastry.
The layers of dough are then filled with a sweet sesame paste made from roasted sesame seeds and sugar. The combination of the flaky pastry with the rich and nutty sesame filling creates a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for the summer.
In conclusion, these popular Chinese cold dishes are a perfect choice to enjoy during the summer season. From refreshing salads to chilled soups and flavorful meats, these dishes offer a variety of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something indulgent and rich, these dishes are sure to please. So, take a break from the summer heat and treat yourself to a taste of Chinese cuisine with these popular cold dishes.
