Traditional Chinese food has a delicious combination of textures and flavors. These unique recipes have stood the test of time and often make Chinese food an international favorite. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese cuisine has five flavors that must be combined: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy. Let's learn more about each one.

1. Sweet

Chinese dishes use ingredients, such as fruit and honey, to make foods taste sweet. You’ll discover sweet dishes for every meal, not just dessert. The sweet flavor is usually combined with other flavors to create unique dishes you don’t find elsewhere. A popular Chinese dish that is sweet is BBQ pork.

2. Sour

Sour is found in many dishes and commonly combined with a sweet flavor for an irresistible flavor that lingers on your taste buds. Vinegar, vegetables, and fruits are all used to create a sour taste that makes food lively without making your face pucker. One food that combines sweet with sour is sweet and sour chicken.

3. Bitter

Most people don’t realize that they love bitter flavors. This taste is a critical ingredient in Chinese dishes. Bitter ingredients, like herbs or melons, can help create balance. For example, some bitterness can be added to sweet dishes to ensure they aren’t too sweet. Mild bitter ingredients are often added to stir-fry dishes to create a unique taste.

4. Salty

Salty ingredients further create balance in traditional Chinese dishes to ensure food has the perfect harmony. The most common ingredient to add this flavor to dishes is soy sauce. It’s added to stir-fry dishes, used as a marinade, and more.

5. Spicy

Spicy Chinese dishes, like hot and sour soup, remain popular. The most common taste combined with spicy is sour to create the perfect combination. Spices are often used to give dishes a pleasant kick. These ingredients can include cinnamon, curry powder, the occasional pepper, and more.

Ancient Chinese medicine is carefully designed to create a harmonious balance in the body, often using natural methods. Traditional Chinese cuisine goes hand in hand with this. Various flavors are combined to help create balance in a dish and make a unique combination that creates the perfect balance of flavor. If you're looking for delicious Chinese cuisine, then don't wait to visit Jade's Restaurant today!