Xiang cuisine - hot, spicy delights

Hunan cuisine, also known as Xiang cuisine, is one of the eight regional cuisines of China. Hunan cuisine is hot because the air is very humid which makes it difficult for the human body to eliminate moisture. The local people eat hot peppers to help remove dampness and coldness.

Hunan province lies in the south of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. It has a moderate climate, abundant rainfall and fertile soil. The superior natural conditions and rich resources provide the ingredient base for the development of Hunan cuisine.

Dishes with pickled vegetables, especially with red pepper, are very appetizing and refreshing. Hunan locals have hot and spicy flavored food not only for three meals a day but also for snacks. Here are some examples of Xiang cuisine.