But beyond just admiring the beauty of Mandarin characters or listening to classical poetry, why not immerse yourself in Chinese culture through one of its most beloved elements: food?
Whether you’re fluent in Mandarin or can only say nǐ hǎo, you can still join in the celebration by exploring Chinese cuisine at home.
From savoury stir-fries to delicate desserts, cooking Chinese dishes offers a hands-on way to honour the culture and history behind the language.
Why Food is a Delicious Gateway to Language and Culture
In Chinese culture, food is so much more than sustenance—it’s a symbol of family, tradition, celebration, and storytelling. Many Chinese phrases and idioms even incorporate food, like “吃苦” (chī kǔ), which literally means "eat bitterness" but refers to enduring hardship.
So, why not try “speaking” Chinese through your kitchen? It's a way to connect with the culture in a sensory, joyful, and creative way.
Easy Chinese-Inspired Dishes to Try at Home
You don’t need a wok or years of experience to whip up something tasty. Here are some beginner-friendly recipes to help you get started:
Starter: Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼 - Cōng Yóu Bǐng)
These flaky, savoury pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft inside. Made with just flour, hot water, oil, and spring onions, they’re surprisingly simple and deeply satisfying.
Main: Egg Fried Rice (蛋炒饭 - Dàn Chǎo Fàn)
A fantastic way to use up leftover rice, this staple dish can be customised with vegetables, prawns, or tofu. The key is cold rice, a hot pan, and a quick hand.
Main: Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐 - Má Pó Dòu Fǔ)
This classic from Sichuan is spicy, numbing, and packed with umami. Soft tofu is simmered in a sauce of fermented black beans, garlic, chilli, and Sichuan peppercorns. Serve it over steamed rice for a warming meal.
Bonus: Dumpling Night! (饺子 - Jiǎo Zi)
Making dumplings is a bit more involved, but it’s a brilliant group activity. Fillings can range from pork and cabbage to shiitake mushroom and tofu. Make a batch and freeze some for later!
Don't Forget Dessert!
Chinese desserts often differ from Western ones in that they're less sweet and use ingredients like glutinous rice, red bean paste, or fruits. Here are two to try:
Tangyuan (汤圆 - Tāng Yuán)
These chewy rice flour balls are typically filled with black sesame paste or red bean and served in a warm, lightly sweet ginger syrup. Symbolising unity and family, they’re often enjoyed during festivals but can be made anytime.
Almond Jelly (杏仁豆腐 - Xìng Rén Dòu Fu)
Light and fragrant, this chilled dessert is made with almond milk and gelatine or agar agar. Often served with tinned fruit, it’s a refreshing way to end your meal.
Make It a Full Cultural Experience
While cooking, you could listen to a Chinese playlist or watch a Chinese film with subtitles. Learn the names of ingredients in Mandarin and practise saying them. You could even decorate the table with red accents (a lucky colour in Chinese culture) to add to the atmosphere.
Resources to Get You Started
Books: Every Grain of Rice by Fuchsia Dunlop offers approachable and authentic Chinese home cooking.
Websites: The blog The Woks of Life (https://thewoksoflife.com) is packed with family recipes and step-by-step tutorials.
Language Learning: Try using an app like Duolingo or HelloChinese to learn a few food-related words as you cook.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Language Day is a brilliant reminder of the beauty, complexity, and history of the Chinese language—but it’s also a great excuse to explore Chinese culture in ways that engage your senses. Cooking Chinese meals at home is an enriching experience, whether you’re stirring a sizzling wok or biting into a sesame-stuffed dessert.
So grab your chopsticks, turn on some Mandarin music, and bring the flavours of China into your kitchen.
Happy Chinese Language Day! (中文日快乐! - Zhōngwén Rì Kuàilè!)