Vinegars

Vinegars are widely used in Chinese, Southeast Asian and Japanese cooking. Unlike Western vinegars, they are usually made from rice. There are many varieties, ranging in flavour from the spicy and slightly tart to the sweet and pungent, and all can be bought from Chinese grocers. They are sold in bottles and will keep indefinitely. If you cannot obtain Chinese vinegars, I suggest you use cider vinegar instead. Malt vinegar can be used, but its taste is stronger and more acidic.