1. Spinach Noodles (bō cài miàn)

Xi'an, in central China, is known for its noodles, and every self-respecting noodle joint in said city makes their noodles from scratch. This traditional Chinese food dish includes noodles made from spinach, then topped with whatever ingredients your heart desires. The above serving has a spicy tomato-like sauce and is topped with egg, potato, carrots, beef and chili.

2. Fried Mashi (chǎo má shi)

It's easy to find fried rice and fried noodles anywhere in the world. This gnocchi-lookalike, though, is quite different. It's a little bit sweet, but it's hot and hearty. The additional crunchy vegetables provide a delicious juxtaposition next to the soft thickness of the má shi.

3. BBQ Meat (kǎo ròu)

Kǎo ròu is the standard serving of meat in China, and might be one of the most well known traditional Chinese foods available. They are heavily spiced and come from both restaurants and street carts alike. Often cooked over burning coal, these sticks of meat come in many variations. You might find lamb, beef, chicken, or even the gizzards and other weird stuff no westerner would happily stick in their mouth.

4. Dumplings (jiǎo zi)

Another one of the most well-known of traditional Chinese foods, this is your classic dumpling, often filled with beef, pork or veggies. They can come steamed or fried and, man, do they taste good. The locals dip their dumplings in black vinegar mixed with a chili sauce, which adds a unique bitter, sweet and spicy flavor.

5. Mutton Stew (yáng ròu pào mó)

. Pào mó is a traditional dish of the Xi'an people. Seen here is pào mó served with mutton, though it can also come with pork or beef. Instead of noodles, this stew uses bits of unleavened bread, which soaks up the rich flavor. It's served with chili sauce and pickled garlic on the side, meant for eating on its own, alongside the stew.

6. Chinese Hamburger (ròu jiā mó)

This is the Chinese answer to a western hamburger, though, as a burger aficionado, I take serious issue with the fact that anybody would even call this one. That being said, it is a tasty treat. It's a homemade, stone-oven cooked bun with juicy, seasoned pork on the inside. The pork is left to cook overnight in a large pot of spices like cardamom and cloves, and by morning, the meat would fall right apart. We called them “ro-ji's” for short!