Discover the rich flavors of Shandong cuisine, also known as Lu cuisine, with this guide to the top dishes you must try. From sweet and sour carp to braised sea cucumber, learn about the ingredients and taste of each dish and where to find them. Immerse yourself in the diverse and delicious Chinese cuisine that Shandong has to offer.

Exploring the diverse flavors and traditional techniques of Lu cuisine

Shandong, an eastern Chinese province on the Yellow Sea, is known for its Taoist and Confucian heritage. It is also home to the ancient state of Qi, the last kingdom conquered by Qin Shi Huang, China’s self proclaimed first emperor in 219 B.C. It is home to Taishan which is one of China’s most sacred peaks containing shrines , stone tablets, and pilgrimage trails.

Besides idyllic sites, Shandong’s cuisine is unique and unlike any other in China, first appearing in the Neolithic age, known as “鲁菜” or “lu cai” and has had a deep impact on other types of Chinese cuisines. Generally speaking, typical Shandong dishes are typically either deep fried, simmered, roasted, grilled, steamed, braised, stewed,, boiled, smoked, or wire roasted with the most common flavors being either sweet and salty, spicy and sour, sweet and sour, salt and chili pepper, garlic, or very sweet.

Due to its ideal location next to the ocean, its proximity to the yellow river, and direct relationship to Confucianism, Shandong is known for having access to a wide variety of fresh raw ingredients to use in daily cooking and providing China with a unique food civilization culture.

It was first Confucius in the Shandong region who put forward specific dietary requirements for food in China such as making sure food was cooked to specific temperatures, how to season food, maintain a proper nutritional diet, maintain proper hygiene, and engage in etiquette. These rules had a profound impact on other cuisines in the area, and were used to set apart Shandong cuisine from others. During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties it was Shandong cuisine which was known for its refined taste and was the preferred style of the imperial courts of the time.

In modern times, Shandong cuisine has developed rapidly; new dishes were created and old dishes were refined and modified to fit new tastes. Each city in the region has developed its own unique tastes and variations in traditional classics; Jining, known for its elegant dining and fine ingredients; Jinan, known for grilling, frying, roasting their clean and fresh dishes; Jiaodong, known for their high quality seafood aimed at cooking dishes with light seasoning to draw out the umami and specific tastes.

Top foods to eat while Shandong

Shandong cuisine, also known as Lu cuisine, is one of the eight major Chinese cuisines and is known for its use of seafood and meat, as well as its emphasis on braising and stewing. Here are some of the top foods of Shandong that you must try:

Sweet and Sour Carp (糖醋鲤鱼)

This dish is made by braising carp in a sweet and sour sauce. The fish is usually crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a balance of sweet and sour flavors.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallion (葱烧海参)

This dish is made by braising sea cucumber in a savory sauce with scallions. The sea cucumber is typically chewy in texture, and the scallions add a nice aroma to the dish.

Braised Intestines in Brown Sauce (九转大肠)

This dish is made by braising pork intestines in a savory brown sauce. The sauce is typically made with soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. The dish has a rich savory flavor, and the intestines are chewy and tender.

Braised Prawns in Oil (油焖大虾)

This dish is made by braising prawns in oil with ginger and garlic. The prawns are usually cooked until they are tender and juicy, with a rich savory flavor.

Steamed Stuffed Tofu (一品豆腐)

This dish is made by stuffing tofu with a mixture of meat and vegetables, and then steaming it. The tofu is usually silky in texture and the stuffing is usually savory and fragrant.

Dezhou Braised Chicken (德州扒鸡)

This dish is made by braising chicken in a savory sauce. The chicken is typically cooked until it is tender and juicy, with a rich savory flavor.

Caramel Sweet Potato (拔丝地瓜)

This dish is made by peeling and shredding sweet potatoes, and then sautéing them in a caramel sauce. The sweet potatoes are usually crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Diced Pork in Pot (坛子肉)

This dish is made by braising diced pork in a savory sauce. The pork is typically cooked until it is tender and juicy, with a rich savory flavor.

Cuttlefish Roe Soup (乌鱼蛋汤)

This soup is made by simmering cuttlefish roe in a savory broth. The soup is usually savory and rich in flavor, with a hint of sweetness from the cuttlefish roe.

Omelet Chicken Slices (芙蓉鸡片)

This dish is made by cooking chicken slices in an omelet. The chicken is usually tender and juicy, and the omelet is usually crispy and savory.

Stuffed Chicken with Eight-Treasures in Milk Soup (奶汤八宝布袋鸡)

This dish is made by stuffing a chicken with a mixture of eight different ingredients, such as mushrooms and chestnuts, and then simmering it in a milk soup. The chicken is usually tender and juicy, and the stuffing adds a nice contrast in texture and flavor.

Four Joy Meatballs (四喜丸子)

This dish is made by shaping ground meat into meatballs and then simmering them in a savory broth. The meatballs are usually tender and juicy, with a rich savory flavor.

Lungs in Milk Soup (奶汤怠肺)

This dish is made by simmering pork lungs in a milk soup. The lungs are typically cooked until they are tender and juicy, with a rich savory flavor.

Stewed Pork Hock (水晶肘子)

This dish is made by braising pork hock in a savory sauce. The pork hock is typically cooked until it is tender and juicy, with a rich savory flavor.

Stir-fried Scalloped Pork Kidneys (爆炒腰花)

This dish is made by stir-frying pork kidneys with vegetables and seasonings. The kidneys are typically cooked until they are tender and juicy, with a savory and slightly spicy flavor.

Exploring the Flavors of Shandong: A Guide to the Top Dishes of Lu Cuisine

Shandong cuisine is a diverse and delicious Chinese cuisine that offers a wide range of flavors and textures. From sweet and sour carp to braised sea cucumber, there are many dishes that are worth trying. Some of the most popular dishes include braised sea cucumber with scallion, braised prawns in oil, and Dezhou braised chicken, all of which are known for their rich and savory flavors. These are just a few of the many delicious foods that Shandong has to offer, so be sure to try some of these dishes on your next trip to Shandong or at a local Chinese restaurant.