!This post was written before I stopped eating meat! Just like in every culture food isn’t only for feeding ourselves but eating also has a social aspect. Today’s article will take you to Chengdu, China. The home of the Giant panda, the capital city of Sichuan but also a heaven for foodies.
Chengdu Food Tours
After living in Chengdu for a while I realized that I didn’t know a lot about the food culture. I was always eating the same dishes, the dishes I felt comfortable ordering. Time to get out of my comfort zone! I looked around a bit and finally, Chengdu Food Tours drew my attention. As the name suggests., Chengdu Food Tours organizes food tours. It’s also an online platform for courageous foodies and cultural interaction. CFT is about interacting, learning (and of course, teaching), and exploring. The platform includes different kinds of food tours, workshops, ‘the Sichuan food blog’, and more. Jordan, the author, sees food as the cultural vehicle for immersing oneself in a culture.
Jordan, founder of CFT
When I interviewed Jordan, I was obviously not only curious about his business in China but also about his personal experience as a foreigner moving to China. Just like many other foreigners that are established in China, Jordan sets his first steps into China as a student. His passion for Chinese culture, his curiosity, and his international relations led him to the idea/opportunity of Chengdu Food Tours. Food became a big focus, not only because he was fascinated by the flavors and diversity but also as a means to immerse himself in a particular culture. Getting to know the food is getting to know the culture. He uses Chengdu Food Tours to share his experience with other travelers.
Chinese Food Culture & Typical Sichuan dishes
In Chinese culture, food has many symbolic meanings. I’ll give you a very clear example: during the Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Mooncake Festival), people eat mooncakes. At weddings, people will serve seeds, as symbols of bearing many children. I tell you, there are too many dishes that have a symbolic meaning to sum up in this article. Every region in China has its specialty. Food in China is very regional and seasonal. If you want to be able to experience Sichuan optimally, you also have to appreciate the local food. Sichuan province is the province that’s known for its spiciness. By the way, did I mention that Chengdu is a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy? Here are some pics of typical Sichuanese dishes.
Street food
I’d get on the first flight back to Chengdu just to get some street food. Like the word already gives away: it’s food sold on the streets. Especially at night, Chinese vendors come and go with their little vehicles. It’s an important part of Chinese food culture. The most known street food is Chinese Barbecue or 烧烤 (Shaokao). But, always be careful with your stomach when trying street food: many vendors have never heard of the word ‘hygiene’!
Curious about Chengdu Food Tours? Check their website. Cheers, and enjoy your meal 😏
