Food In China: 10 Best Places To Savour Authentic Chinese Cuisine

An image of traditional Chinese food served in Xiamen with a variety of dishes.

China’s cuisine is a kaleidoscope woven with centuries of heritage, regional flavours, and innovative gastronomy. You can relish popular cuisine in China, like Peking duck in Beijing and also try good food in China, like dim sum in Hong Kong. Dining on authentic cuisine in China is a journey through lively street stalls, peaceful tea houses, and upscale dining rooms. There are various restaurants in China that offer an assortment of flavours for all tastes.

Top 10 Restaurants For Food In China

Here are some of the best restaurants to savour the delicious food in China, adding to your extravagant culinary experiences:

1. Cai Yi Xuan, Beijing

An image of luxurious fine-dining interiors at Cai Yi Xuan restaurant in Beijing.

Photo: Paul_Henri / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Located at the Four Seasons Hotel, Cai Yi Xuan is a sophisticated Cantonese cuisine in China that has a touch of sophistication. Its setting and Michelin-starred menu provide experiences to remember. Savour their pork belly and dim sum for some of China’s best food. The sophisticated decor is complemented by expert chefs serving some of China’s most famous food. Each dish is a reflection of traditional art and modern creativity. Little wonder this restaurant serves some of the most delicious food in China.

Location: 48 Liangmaqiao Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing
Timings: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10 PM

2. Ultraviolet By Paul Pairet, Shanghai

An image of Immersive dining experience food in China at Ultraviolet restaurant in Shanghai.

Photo: Mekan_4 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Ultraviolet is not just any restaurant offering food in China. Designed by Chef Paul Pairet, it is a blend of avant-garde food and multi-sensory experiences. With only 10 diners per night, the restaurant envelops diners in sound, vision, and smell for every course. Their molecular dishes redefine China’s delectable food. Renowned for breaking boundaries, Ultraviolet offers some of China’s most renowned food with panache. If you’re a foodie and an art lover, this is a must-visit food spot in China. It’s an experience to cherish and discover futuristic food in China that engages all seses.

Location: Secret location revealed after booking, Shanghai
Timings: Dinner only, advance booking required

3. Lost Heaven, Shanghai

An image of tribal-inspired interiors of Lost Heaven restaurant in Shanghai.

Photo: sontung57 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Lost Heaven is a tribute to Yunnan tribal cuisine in China, presented in a sophisticated and cultural setting. Its menu includes exotic herbs, spices, and tribal food, some of China’s most unique and tasty food. The dark wood furnishings and warm lighting create an appropriate atmosphere for its rich food. Renowned for ethnic authenticity, it’s a favourite spot for world-famous food in China in a non-urban setting. It’s also a top food in China destination for food historians and food adventurers. Try their Dai-style chicken or tea leaf salad, a must for food lovers in China.

Location: 17 Yan’an East Road, Shanghai
Timings: 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

4. TRB Hutong, Beijing

An image of romantic candle-lit dining at TRB Hutong in Beijing.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Located in a restored 600-year-old temple, TRB Hutong offers modern European-style food in China with a dash of history. It’s ideal for that fine dining experience in a peaceful, idyllic courtyard. While it’s not traditional Chinese, it offers a luxurious touch to tasty food by way of the artistry of fusion. Ideal for romantic dinners, it’s one of the most stunning places to indulge in world-famous food with a twist. The gourmet tasting courses are famous among international travellers. If you desire a notable food destination in China with that touch of sophistication, TRB offers an unforgettable experience.

Location: 23 Songzhusi, Dongcheng, Beijing
Timings: 12 PM – 2:30 PM, 6 PM – 10:30 PM

5. Din Tai Fung, Beijing / Shanghai

An image of delicious soup dumplings served at Din Tai Fung food in China.

Photo: Wow_Pho / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Din Tai Fung is a world-famous Taiwanese restaurant in China. It’s famous for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and is a favourite for tasty food that is consistent and comforting. The sophisticated, minimalist decor and open kitchen offer transparency and warmth. Even though it’s an international chain restaurant, it’s now a hot spot for trendy food. It’s also one of the most visited food spots in China for casual dining enthusiasts.

Location: Multiple locations in Beijing, Shanghai
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM

6. Da Dong Roast Duck, Beijing

An image of sliced Peking Duck at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant, Beijing.

Photo: andreaegger / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

For China’s signature Peking Duck, Da Dong is on one’s wish list for China’s food. This duck is famed for being lean and crunchy, so making it healthy is a smarter take on the beloved food dish. This preparation stands elegant and almost theatre-like when served with pancakes, spring onion, and hoisin sauce. And incorporate their original menu, which still lists modern changes, substantiating their selection of delicious Chinese food. Da Dong has cemented its position as a significant food destination for locals and foodies in China.

Location: Various locations, Beijing
Timings: 11:30 AM – 10 PM

7. The Grandma’s, Hangzhou

An image of local-style dishes at The Grandma’s restaurant in Hangzhou.

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The Grandma’s is a popular chain that serves home-style Zhejiang cuisine in China. With queues being a common sight, the restaurant prides itself on hearty and cheap meals. From shrimp stir-fry to lotus root soup, each dish reflects traditional values and delicious food. The warm interiors and quick service make it a hotspot for casual dining. It also satisfies people looking for comfort and authenticity in food.

Location: Multiple outlets in Hangzhou
Timings: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM

8. Chili’s Fish Head, Chengdu

An image of spicy fish head hotpot served at a local Chengdu eatery.

Photo: zhangtingzhi / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

If you like spicy taste, Chili’s Fish Head restaurant in Chengdu is a flame-loaded adventure along with Sichuan-type food. Celebrated for the pepper-stacked fish head hotpot, it attracts spice seekers seeking strong and delicious food. It’s famous for its strong flavours and lively ambience. Its reputation establishes it as a go-to destination for celebrity food that’s not for the faint of heart. This is a must-visit if you’re venturing into the true heart of food.

Location: Kuanzhai Alley, Chengdu
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM

9. Mercato, Shanghai

An image of Italian-Chinese fusion cuisine at Mercato restaurant in Shanghai.

Photo: Cparks / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Situated on the Bund, Mercato by Jean-Georges Vongerichten is a high-end Italian-style food with local flair. Its farm-to-table philosophy and riverfront vistas make eating a sensory experience. Truffle pizza and green tea tiramisu are just a couple of tasty fusion foods at its best. It’s luxurious and trendy, great for a date night or fine dining. While not authentic Chinese, it’s listed for its creative contribution to well-known food. A significant choice for people seeking world gourmet food, Mercato offers creative and delectable food experience.

Location: Three on the Bund, Shanghai
Timings: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6 PM – 10:30 PM

10. Yang’s Fried Dumplings, Shanghai

An image of crispy pan-fried dumplings served fresh at Yang’s in Shanghai.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Yang’s Fried Dumplings is unrivalled for a quick snack of soul-comforting food in China. Their shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings) are crunchy, succulent, and addictive. Cheap and iconic, it’s one of China’s most popular street food choices. Yang’s has preserved the original technique and taste for decades. A truly important food destination for dumpling lovers in China, it embodies the essence of accessible and flavourful food.

Location: Multiple outlets in Shanghai
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM

Exploring the culinary landscape of China is an unforgettable adventure for food lovers. From high-end gourmet dining to street-style snacks, the variety of food in China is both diverse and delicious. Whether in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Hangzhou, you’ll find something that defines the heart of tasty food. Craving more food stories from China? Plan your food adventure with TripXL today.

Cover Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but always choose clean stalls with good local footfall.
Most high-end and casual restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, especially in cities like Shanghai and Beijing.
For fine dining places like Ultraviolet or TRB Hutong, advance booking is essential.
Expect to spend around ¥100 - ¥200 / ₹60 - ₹120 per person in a mid-range restaurant.
Yes, English menus are available at most restaurants, especially in big cities and popular tourist areas.

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