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Scene illustrating a Simplified Chinese-language popular foods conversation

Key Phrases

饺子

jiǎo zi

Dumplings

宫保鸡丁

gōng bǎo jī dīng

Kung Pao chicken

豆浆

dòu jiāng

Soy milk

Skills You'll Learn

Ordering food

点餐

diǎn cān

Describing dishes

描述菜品

miáo shù cài pǐn

Identifying ingredients

辨认配料

biàn rèn pèi liào

Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases

🥟

饺子

jiǎo zi

Dumplings

💬 The character [饺] can be tricky; it looks like a moon (月) in a wrap!

🇨🇳 A traditional food during Chinese New Year. Eating them symbolizes wealth.

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🍚

炒饭

chǎo fàn

Fried rice

💬 [炒] means 'fry'; it's a common character in many dish names.

🇨🇳 A popular go-to dish in Chinese cuisine, often made with leftovers.

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🦆🍽️

北京烤鸭

běi jīng kǎo yā

Peking duck

💬 [烤鸭] means 'roast duck'; it’s a famous dish from Beijing.

🇨🇳 Known for its crispy skin, traditionally served with pancakes.

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🌶️🧄🫘

麻婆豆腐

má pó dòu fǔ

Mapo tofu

💬 The character [麻] indicates 'numbing'; it gives the spicy tingling sensation.

🇨🇳 Sichuan dish famous for its spicy and numbing flavor profile.

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🍗🌶️

宫保鸡丁

gōng bǎo jī dīng

Kung Pao chicken

💬 [宫保] is a special title; think royal and delicious.

🇨🇳 Traditional Sichuan dish, originally named after Ding Baozhen, a Qing Dynasty official.

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🥢

春卷

chūn juǎn

Spring rolls

💬 [春] means 'spring'; perfect season for this fresh snack.

🇨🇳 Typically eaten during Spring Festival, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

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🍜🔥

热干面

rè gàn miàn

Hot dry noodles

💬 [热] means 'hot', indicating both temperature and spiciness.

🇨🇳 A signature street food from Wuhan, often eaten for breakfast.

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🐟🐖🍜

鱼香肉丝

yú xiāng ròu sī

Fish-flavored pork strips

💬 [鱼香] literally means 'fish fragrance', but no fish is involved!

🇨🇳 This name refers to the seasoning style originally used for fish dishes in Sichuan cuisine.

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🍖

红烧肉

hóng shāo ròu

Braised pork

💬 [红烧] is a common cooking method meaning 'red-braised', imparting a rich color.

🇨🇳 A beloved comfort food, famously adored by Chairman Mao.

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🚀

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