Powered by over 5000 years’ civilization, Chinese cuisine has a significant presence in both the European Union (EU) and the United States (USA), with certain dishes becoming very popular among consumers. Here are some of the most commonly recognized and popular Chinese dishes in these markets:

Popular Chinese Dishes in the EU and USA:

1. General Tso’s Chicken: A dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s often served with steamed rice and is a favorite in both regions.

2. Sweet and Sour Pork/Chicken: Another sweet and tangy dish with deep-fried meat, usually pork or chicken, coated in a sauce made from sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce.

3. Kung Pao Chicken: Known for its spicy flavor, this dish includes chicken stir-fried with peanuts or cashews, vegetables, and chili peppers.

4. Fried Rice: Variations include Yangzhou fried rice, egg fried rice, and seafood fried rice. These are typically made with cold leftover rice, mixed vegetables, eggs, and sometimes meat or seafood.

5. Chow Mein/Noodles: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and sometimes meat, shrimp, or tofu. The dish can vary depending on the region, with some versions being dry while others are more saucy.

6. Dumplings (Jiaozi): Popular both steamed and pan-fried (often called potstickers), these are filled with meat and vegetables and served with dipping sauces like soy sauce or vinegar.

7. Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables, sometimes meat, and served with sweet chili sauce or plum sauce.

8. Hot and Sour Soup: A flavorful soup made with ingredients like mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, and chicken broth, seasoned with vinegar and white pepper.

9. Egg Rolls: Larger than spring rolls, these are stuffed with cabbage and other vegetables and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

10. Orange Chicken: Similar to General Tso’s Chicken, this dish features chicken pieces coated in a sauce flavored with orange zest and juice.

Trends and Adaptations:

It’s worth noting that many of these dishes have been adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients available in the EU and USA. For example, authentic Chinese cuisine may differ significantly from the versions found in Western countries, which often cater to local palates with milder spices and sweeter flavors.

Additionally, there has been a growing interest in more authentic and regional Chinese cuisines, such as Sichuan, Cantonese, Hunan, and Shandong styles, which offer a wide variety of flavors and dishes beyond the traditional Westernized versions.

If you’re considering importing or selling Chinese meals in the EU or USA, it might be beneficial to conduct market research to identify which dishes are currently trending and preferred by local consumers.