Many travelers know Sichuan cuisine for its “hot and spicy” flavors or a few of its most famous dishes, but that is only the beginning. Sichuan cuisine is legendary in China for its sophistication and diversity. The regional cuisine boasts 5,000 different dishes.
Sichuan cuisine has enjoyed a worldwide reputation. However, most people immediately think of Sichuan food soon after it is mentioned as a hot or spicy food. You may wonder why the red pepper is so popular. Here is a common explanation. Sichuan has a humid climate that encourages people to eat strongly spiced foods. The red pepper may help reduce internal dampness.
Sichuan pepper is another important ingredient in Sichuan cooking. It is known as huajiao (flower pepper). It is the Chinese pepper, and it looks like a reddish brown fruit. The peppercorn comes from the prickly ash tree. The pepper flower creates a most sudden numbing effect on one's tongue.
Sichuan cuisine so carefully balances color, smell, flavor, shape and nutrition that its dishes not only look pleasant and appealing, but also nutritious. In Sichuan menu there are several hundred popular dishes. Sichuan cuisine is able to produce 100 different flavored dishes! Besides, Sichuan cooks provide dishes that are intentionally toned down for tourists at home and abroad. They have no difficulty in getting Sichuan food that suits their tastes whether it's in a banquet, outstanding lunches, dinners, or snacks.
