Vegetables, Tofu and Eggs

A balanced multicourse Chinese meal often comes with a vegetable, egg, or tofu dish. In the rural areas of China, where vegetables are mostly homegrown, a humble lunch or dinner comes with at least two or three vegetable dishes—crisp and tender Chinese greens, beans, peas, and/or eggplants.

Egg and tofu dishes are also highly favored by the Chinese people because they are healthy and full of nutrients. Dishes such as Tea Leaf Eggs are sold by street vendors or prepared at home, as a light snack throughout the day, while Mapo Tofu is another favorite for many people.