ith signs that regional Chinese
food is gaining popularity in the
UK, we look at whether British
diners are really ready for an
alternative taste of China, and
some of the opportunities and challenges this may
present for restaurateurs.
With a population of nearly 1.4 billion, 56 distinct
ethnic groups, and a climate that ranges from
tropical in the southern fringes of Yunnan to sub-
arctic in the far north, China’s culinary landscape is
understandably diverse. Here in the UK, however, the
Chinese restaurant scene has been overwhelmingly
dominated by Cantonese-style food, much of which
has been adapted to Western tastes. Until recently,
less well-known regional offerings tended to be the
preserve of Chinese expats, business travellers and
students looking for a taste of home.
A TRUE TASTE OF CHINA
It’s no longer just Chinese diners who are keen to
sample authentic flavours from China’s provinces,
however. The British foodie public are increasingly
hungry for food experiences that allow them to
travel through their taste buds – and boast of their
gastronomic adventures
Upmarket London restaurant A. Wong serves dishes
that celebrate the diverse regional flavours of Chinese
cuisine. Chef and owner Andrew Wong believes
that an increase in travel to China is helping to spark
people’s interest in the country’s food culture.
“British and European people are now travelling in
and out of China more freely. People are intrigued
into the culture as a whole and want to learn more
about China, so it is only natural to want to learn
more about the food also,” he says. “There is also
now a certain snobbery around dining, where people
want to try unusual or traditional foods so they can
feel more cultured”CHANGING TASTES
This has spearheaded a growing trend towards UK
Chinese restaurants serving food from different
provinces of China, including some that have
previously been little-known in Britain. Silk Road
in Camberwell, South London, for example, serves
cuisine of the Xinjiang province. This is China’s
gateway to Central Asia and home to the Muslim
Uyghur people, whose food resonates with flavours
of the Middle East. Xi’an Impression in Holloway,
meanwhile, specialises in authentic street food fromEXPANDING
HORIZONS
THE RISE OF REGIONAL
CHINESE FOOD IN THE UK
Gain competitive advantage
by serving regional cuisine!
BELOW:
Gong Bao
ChickenREGIONAL CHINESE