Cultural discovery through Peking Duck

Peking Duck opened a door into a cuisine I'd previously known almost nothing about. The bold and numbing flavours are unlike anything in my usual rotation and I mean that positively. Chinese cuisine encompasses eight major regional schools with distinct ingredients and techniques. Understanding that context made the dish taste different — richer with meaning.

I learned that Shaoxing wine is central to this cuisine's character, not just a seasoning. The a regional specialty restaurant setting was authentic and helpful for understanding what I was eating. Tsingtao beer completed the picture. A genuinely educational meal.