Is traditional Chinese cuisine popular in Northern Europe?

What would it be like to eat traditional Chinese food in Denmark, a country in Northern Europe?

As we all know, the most captivating aspect of Chinese cuisine is the layers of flavor. When a dish is placed on the table, you’re not just tasting the ingredients themselves—you can experience a balance of salty, sweet, spicy, umami, and fragrant flavors that come together in harmony.

Take Chinese pastries, like butterfly puff pastry, for example. This traditional Chinese snack is not only popular in China but also widely appreciated by food lovers in the Americas and Europe. Compared to desserts in Western countries, Chinese pastries are not overly sweet. Chinese sweets are more focused on achieving balance and subtlety in flavor.

For butterfly puff pastry, the outer layer is made from puff pastry, which is similar to the crust of a lemon pie. However, in China, people tend to stack dozens or even hundreds of layers of the puff pastry to make it extra crispy. While people in Europe and America typically bake puff pastries, in China, they are usually deep-fried in oil. The pastry layers unfold like flowers in the oil, creating a beautiful and visually stunning process. If you prefer something sweeter, some Chinese recipes for butterfly puff pastry add osmanthus jam, which is made from osmanthus flowers and sugar. This jam adds a sweet, floral fragrance, providing both a delicious taste and an aromatic experience. Sometimes, red bean paste is added inside, so you get a crispy outer layer and a soft, sticky filling—this combination is truly delightful.

Next, let’s talk about baozi (steamed buns). In China, baozi is one of the most common snacks and one of the dishes that best showcases Chinese culinary skill. While making baozi is not difficult, creating delicious baozi requires real craftsmanship. When you see a European or American guest enjoying a baozi, the joy on their face often reveals how well the chef has perfected their art.

Making baozi is not overly complicated, but it involves several precise steps. The dough needs to be kneaded and left to rise, while the filling, typically made from minced meat, is flavored with garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves. If you want to speed up the process, you can cook the meat filling beforehand. Then, simply wrap the filling in the dough, steam the buns for about 20 minutes, and voilà—delicious baozi is ready to serve. Many Western guests are often amazed by how juicy and flavorful these buns are, as Chinese baozi are tender and filled with savory, aromatic broth. The balance of saltiness, fragrance, and freshness is a true feast for the senses.

In fact, every country has its own unique cuisine and food culture, influenced by geography and cultural traditions. From a certain perspective, food reflects these cultural influences. For food lovers, the ultimate goal of delicious food is simply to bring joy, as seen with Western sweet treats. The sweet flavors of European and American desserts are not only delicious but also trigger the release of dopamine, making people feel good and energized.

Chinese food, on the other hand, places great emphasis on balance. When you eat Chinese food, you’re likely to taste a mix of flavors—salty, sweet, and sometimes spicy—representing the fusion and inclusiveness that Chinese cuisine embodies. This harmonious blend of flavors creates a unique dining experience.

As Christmas and New Year approach, two of the most beautiful holidays, I hope everyone can enjoy the celebrations, have fun, and, of course, indulge in some delicious food.