Looking at the recipe lists for Chinese food, you might easily be convinced you need a pantry the size of a small restaurant to get started with this cuisine. However, I’ve stripped it right back to the 20 essentials you need for Northern Chinese food.

Explore the powerful role of fire in Northern Chinese meat cookery, from smoking and roasting to braising and stir-frying. Learn how traditional techniques reveal the region’s resourcefulness and flavor philosophy.

Discover the rich history of meat in Northern China — from Muslim influences and the rise of lamb, to the impact of the Yuan Dynasty and beyond. This deep dive explores how regional, religious, and historical forces shaped a meat-loving culture.