While there are many regional cuisines in China, the country boasts eight in particular. Known as the Eight Great Traditions, they highlight the diversity and richness of the countryโs culinary culture.
These eight cuisines are Sichuan, Hunan, Cantonese, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Shandong.
Not everyone is able to discern great variation between regional cuisines, but there are key differences. Take Cantonese and Shanghainese cuisines, for example, the latter of which forms part of Jiangsu cuisine.
Most fans of Chinese cuisine will know about things like dim sum, roast meat and xiaolongbao โ dim sum and roast meats are Cantonese, while xiaolongbao or soup dumplings are Shanghainese โ but what really sets the two cuisines apart?
It is the approach to seafood, says chef Wang Yong, executive Chinese chef of Jin Sha at the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake.