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Chinese Takeaway Regional Influences

The growth in popularity of Chinese food via the multitude of Chinese takeaways has been phenomenal and to most non-Chinese this means an abundance of strongly flavoured, deep-fried dishes that are fundamentally similar in taste. Chinese food is, however, much more than that, and on many Chinese takeaway menu’s you can read something about the origins of the various dishes and this demonstrates the huge variety and diversity of Chinese food. China is the fourth largest country in the world and has over a billion inhabitants, all of whom add something to the diversity of its culture and food. The next time you are in your local Chinese takeaway, take a look at the menu for information about the origins of its food and in particular the regional influences from which it draws.
The majority of Chinese food can be sub-divided into eight regions and these give Chinese food its wide range of flavours and aromas.
Shandong Cuisine ?Dishes from this region tend to be pungent and very clean with a distinct lack of grease. The emphasis is very much focussed on crispness, freshness, tenderness and aroma, with shallots and garlic being used for seasoning. Chinese takeaways provide another famous dish from this region and this is the widely known “birds-nest soup”. Soups are predominant in dishes from the Shandong region and they tend to be either thin and therefore clear and fresh or thick and creamy with a strong taste.
Sichuan Cuisine?This type of cuisine is known as “Szechuan,” in the west, and as such it appears on many Chinese takeaway menus around the world.  The chilli takes a central role in dishes from this region and the use of garlic and ginger is also popular. Meat dishes are fried without oil or pickled and braised and famous dishes from this region include Kung Pao Chicken, Twice cooked Pork and Mapo Tofu.
Guangdong (Cantonese) Cuisine?The Guandong region is perhaps the most famous in Chinese takeaways under its more well known name of Cantonese, and the food is very light, crisp and fresh with an emphasis on meat dishes. Poultry is particularly popular and it is usually roasted, deep-fried or steamed to preserve the natural flavours in the meat. Well known dishes are Shark’s Fin Soup, Steamed Sea Bass and Dim Sum.

Fujian Cuisine?The seafood dishes in Chinese takeaways tend to be from this region and seasoning is sweet, sour, or salty. A strong theme is the pickled taste of many dishes and they have strange and wonderful names such as Buddha Jumping Over the Wall and Prawn with Dragon's Body!
Huaiyang Cuisine?This region uses very fresh fish and crustaceans and dishes are sweet, light and fresh. Presentation focuses on elegance and carving is often used to present a dish to full effect. An example of this presentation can be seen in the widely known melon carving. Common Chinese Takeaway items include Stewed Crab with Clear Soup, Crystal Meat, and Crispy Eel.
Zhejiang Cuisine?This is a lesser known region for Chinese cooking and dishes tend to be tender with a very mellow fragrance. Chinese Takeaways don’t often include dishes from this region but if you are lucky enough to find items such Longjing Shelled Shrimp or Beggar's Chicken on your takeaway menu then give it a try – you will be pleasantly surprised.
Hunan Cuisine?The use of chilli, pepper and shallots is very common in Hunan cuisine and the flavours are strong and pungent. Chicken is a popular meat and Dongan Chicken; and Peppery and Hot Chicken can often be found on your local menu.

Anhui Cuisine
Braising and Stewing are the main theme of this region and the unusual addition of candied sugar to dishes makes it a real treat. Chefs are trained to use temperature in cooking to produce varied effects and again the typical Chinese takeaway doesn’t often include these dishes but if you find one that does then this is the real taste of China. Famous dishes include stewed soft shell turtle with ham and Bamboo shoots cooked with sausage and dried mushroom.

Chinese Food Guide

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Phoenix Palace

3-5 Glentworth Street , London, Other NW1 5PG
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
The best dimsum ever! - 2009-12-06 11:27:26

Review:
I chanced on this little gem a few years ago and now it has become an extension of my own home. At Phoenix Palace you are greeted with a genuine warm smile by members of staff who truly care. The restaurant is spacious and cosy and wth ample seating all round. Private parties or bookings are well catered for if booked in advance. The food is simply to die for. On offer is dimsum from mid-day and right upt o late in the afternoon. The dimsum is well prepared, tasty and fresh. Careful planning and time has gone into preparing the food and each dimsum portion retains its own characteristic and signature. You cannot go wrong with any of the food so go ahead and order anything you like and you will be pleasantly surprised. A la carte is available throughout the day but my personal preference is dimsum. Try the Vietnamese spring rolls, or prawn dumpligs. for the adventurous, chicken feet are a must. Phoenix Palace delivers locally and take away is available. If you are visiting London then Phoenix Palace is a must, go ahead and enjoy!

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