What To Order: China - Iron Skillet Beef

Chinese cuisine is a rich tapestry of distinct regional specialities, national staples, and ethnic mainstays, ranging from delightful to surprising to hard-to-stomach. At first it can all seem overwhelming and, to some I have traveled with, wholly unappealing. However, there are so many options that finding your favorite is only a matter of the right advice and an adventurous spirit.

Chicken feet are a Chinese favorite
that many visitors find hard to stomach

Not surprisingly, each region of the country proudly declares their dishes "the best," but that is a hard-fought title that each visitor should bestow themselves. When traveling in China, my favorite dish luckily transcends regional boundaries and is widely available across the country and known by all Chinese, a dish called '铁板牛肉' (tiě bǎn niúròu) or "iron skillet beef."

Slices of tender beef sirloin are fried together with peppers, onions, and spices and presented on a sizzling iron skillet. Think: a fajita without tortillas.

While each restaurant has their own take on the dish, some choosing to include mushrooms or other vegetables as filler or using their own secret blend of spices, iron skillet beef is pretty standard across the country and is a safe bet for anyone worried of making an "exotic accident" when ordering.

Another plus for travelers hesitant to venture too far into the uncharted waters of Chinese cuisine, 铁板牛肉 (tiě bǎn niúròu) is not served with the usual blistering zest that is common in many regional dishes such as Hunan, Chongqing, Guizhou and Sichuan Cuisines.

Whether your travels take you to the Middle Kingdom or the Chinese restaurant across town, add iron skillet beef to your repertoire - you won't regret it!