Exploring The World Of American Cantonese Food – An Unforgettab
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Chinese food cannot be called complete if it doesn’t feature Cantonese cuisine, a style that has flourished for centuries. In Chinese, this style is known as Guangdong cuisine. If the Eight Great Culinary Traditions of China are taken into consideration, then this food is called Yue Cuisine. This post will dig deeper into the best Cantonese food in NYC and mention some of the most served dishes in this food tradition.
Introducing Cantonese Food
The Cantonese food is served fresh, keeping its natural flavors intact. It is starkly different from the Western Chinese cuisine. Care is taken not to add spices in excess so as not to upset the guests’ taste buds. The traditional cooking methods are adopted from Southern China, involving mainly steaming and stir-frying.
The old Chinese saying still rings true that “The Chinese will eat everything with four legs except for the table.” Everything from chicken feet and duck’s tongue to snakes is a part of their food. Some exceptions are there, however, like cats and dogs.
The people in the US are used to eating Cantonese food, which has been adapted to the local taste preferences. However, the typical Chinese food is not on their menu. This is because most of the immigrants from China settled in the US a good 200 years back. They introduced Americans to the Chinese cuisine.
Common American Cantonese Dishes
Dim Sum
Dim sum is the heart of Cantonese food. These are richly flavored dishes served in bamboo baskets and are meant to be shared with your companions. Some choice options are shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves. You can choose from a wide variety, from savory to sweet, providing for everyone’s unique palate.
Sweet and Sour Pork
This is the best Cantonese food in NYC, featured in Chinese American cuisine. It blends a savory balance of tangy and delicious flavors. The juicy pork has a coating of red sauce made by mixing vinegar, sugar, and ketchup to open up its unique notes. To give a unique twist of flavors, add chunks of pineapple and bell peppers.
Char Siu
Char siu is a typical Cantonese barbecue. It is prepared by marinating tender pork in a sticky mixture of soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and Chinese five-spice. The spices give the dish a sweet-salty flavor. This dish may be served alone in the main course or in combination with noodles and rice. It is relished by most Americans.
Wonton Noodle Soup
The wonton noodle soup is a nourishing dish and features the plump wontons filled with a mix of shrimp and pork. They are served by immersing them in a flavorful broth in combination with springy egg noodles. Some chopped green onions are sprinkled on the top to bring out their unique flavors. That’s why this dish is called comfort food.
The Nutshell
In a nutshell, from the delicious Char Siu to Sweet and Sour Pork to Wonton Noodle Soup, every dish in Cantonese cuisine takes you on a unique and unforgettable journey.