The Chinese food field guide
One dish opens
a whole new table.
Start with Kung Pao, explore Sichuan, and learn to order by flavor—not guesswork. This growing library begins with a few dishes explained well.
Meet your next favorite
What Is Hoisin Sauce? Hoisin Sauce vs Oyster Sauce, Explained
What is hoisin sauce? A sweet-salty fermented soybean paste. Here's how it differs from oyster sauce, and whether either bottle has seafood.
Explore the guide →Culture & dining馄饨皮 · crab rangoonWhat Is Crab Rangoon? Crab Rangoon vs Fried Wonton, Explained
What is crab rangoon? A crispy wonton filled with cream cheese and crab. Here's how it differs from a fried wonton and why it started at Trader Vic's.
Explore the guide →Culture & dining粥 · zhōu / jookWhat Is Congee? Congee vs Jook, Explained (Plus Turkey Jook After Thanksgiving)
What is congee? A plain-English guide to Chinese rice porridge, congee vs jook, what to order at dim sum, and how to make turkey jook from leftovers.
Explore the guide →Culture & seasonal dining感恩节 / 糯米饭Chinese Thanksgiving Dinner: Sticky Rice Stuffing vs Bread Stuffing (and Other Chinese Sides for Your Turkey)
A Chinese Thanksgiving dinner guide: sticky rice stuffing vs bread stuffing, easy Chinese sides for your turkey, and what to bring to Friendsgiving.
Explore the guide →Culture & dining麻辣烫 · málàtàngMalatang vs Hot Pot: What's the Difference for First-Timers?
Malatang vs hot pot: what is malatang? A numb-spicy personal bowl the shop cooks for you, unlike the shared tabletop hot pot you cook yourself.
Explore the guide →Culture & seasonal dining丁未羊年 / 春节饺子Year of the Goat 2027 Is Coming Early—What the Chinese Zodiac Means for Your Dumpling Dinner
The Year of the Goat 2027 arrives early on February 6. Learn Chinese zodiac basics and plan an easy family dumpling night with our food guide.
Explore the guide →Pantry & comfort food油辣椒 / 辣椒脆What Is Chili Crisp? The Chinese Condiment Showing Up on Mac & Cheese
Wondering what is chili crisp after seeing it on mac & cheese or grocery shelves? Discover flavors, ingredients, heat levels, and American comfort food pairings.
Explore the guide →Dumplings & freezer meals锅贴 / ギョーザGyoza vs Potstickers: What's the Difference on a Freezer Aisle?
Standing in the freezer aisle wondering about gyoza vs potstickers? Compare wrappers, fillings, origins, and pan-fry tips before dinner.
Explore the guide →Takeout & soups蛋花汤 / 酸辣汤Egg Drop Soup vs Hot and Sour Soup: Which Takeout Classic Should You Order?
Unsure whether to get egg drop soup or hot and sour soup? Compare ingredients, flavor profiles, nutrition tips, and takeout pairings in our complete guide.
Explore the guide →Takeout & noodles捞面 / 炒面Lo Mein vs Chow Mein: What's the Real Difference on a Chinese Takeout Menu?
Lo mein vs chow mein: understand the real difference in noodles, sauce, and wok texture before ordering your next Chinese takeout meal.
Explore the guide →Pantry & condiments辣椒油 / 油辣椒Chili Crisp vs Chili Oil: What's the Difference (and When to Use Each)?
Chili crisp vs chili oil: discover the real difference in crunch, heat, and texture so you know exactly when to spoon and when to pour.
Explore the guide →Culture & dining饺子 / 美式鸡肉炖面团Chicken and Dumplings vs Chinese Dumplings: Why "Dumpling" Means Two Different Things
Chicken and dumplings vs Chinese dumplings: are they related? Learn why "dumpling" means two different things, from Southern stew to Chinese jiaozi.
Explore the guide →Culture & dining春卷 / 美式蛋卷Egg Roll vs Spring Roll: What's the Difference (and Why Americans Mix Them Up)?
Egg roll vs spring roll: learn the real differences in wrappers, fillings, calories, and how to air fry them for maximum crunch.
Explore the guide →Culture & dining火锅 / 전골Chinese Hot Pot vs Korean Hot Pot: What's the Difference (and How to Eat It Like a Pro)
Chinese hot pot vs Korean hot pot: learn the key differences in broths, sauces, and etiquette before your first visit to eat like a pro.
Explore the guide →Dining guide点心 · diǎn xīn / 饺子 · jiǎo ziDim Sum vs Dumplings: What’s the Difference? A First-Time Ordering Guide
Dim sum is a Cantonese small-plate meal; dumplings are one kind of food you might order at it. Learn where har gow, siu mai, potstickers and soup dumplings fit.
Explore the guide →Dish guide麻婆豆腐 · má pó dòu fuWhat Does Mapo Tofu Taste Like? A First-Time Ordering Guide
What mapo tofu is like to eat: very tender tofu in a thick, bright-red sauce with chile heat and Sichuan pepper tingle, served with white rice.
Explore the guide →Dish guide担担面 · dàn dàn miànWhat Are Dan Dan Noodles? Flavor, Ingredients & How to Order
Dan dan noodles are Sichuan dry-tossed noodles with a rich, punchy sauce. Learn how to mix and order them, and what to ask about heat, meat, sesame and peanuts.
Explore the guide →Cuisine & culture川菜 · chuān càiSichuan Food for Beginners: What to Try Beyond Kung Pao
Go beyond Kung Pao chicken with Sichuan dishes, from twice-cooked pork and mapo tofu to dan dan noodles. Learn málà and how to order your first meal.
Explore the guide →Keep a familiar starting point