August, enjoy the last of summer

In traditional Chinese calendar, around this time of the year, there are 40 days of “san Fu”, which are the hottest and most humid days of the year, when most Chinese people prefer fresh and strong flavours, to stimulate the appetite and to reenergise the body.

Zha Jiang Mian (noodles with fried mince)

This is a famous dish from Beijing, it’s salty and sweet fermented soya paste flavour is typical of the city. People enjoy it either as a quick snack or light dinner.

Crushed Cucumber Salad

Crushed cucumber takes on the flavour of the sauce so well, no wonder it is such a popular dish all over Northern China, a perfect salad for the hot days.

Fried Wonton

This is a unique way in which Cantonese people enjoy wontons, the crispy pastry dipped in the sweet chili sauce added wonderful texture and flavour to these already delicious little parcels. They have been my favourite childhood treats.

Bang Bang Chicken

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular Sichuan dish. It is believed that the owner of a chicken meat stall first used a wooden stick to bash up chicken meat, so each small portion would have the same amount and same flavour. The word “Bang Bang” came from the banging sound of the wooden stick.

Twice Cooked Pork

This is another famous Sichuan dish. Pork is the main kind of meat most Chinese people eat every day, as it is the most economical. There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy pork in Chinese cuisine, and our Northern Irish pork works so well in this dish too!

Stir Fry Aubergine

Aubergine is a popular summer veg in most part of China, this dish is a great example of simple flavours work perfectly together.

Sweet and Sour Tomato and Eggs

Tomato and eggs, a classic combination, it is simple, nutritious and delish.

Sticky Rice in Coconut milk and Mango.

Coconut and mango are main produces in the very southern tip of China, especially the Hainan island, a lovely dish from this province, so refreshing!