The Viking guide to

China

“Once you have travelled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” - Pat Conroy

Travel from Beijing to the Three Gorges on our Imperial Jewels of China cruise and-stay journey.

China’s diverse combination of thriving cities and vast rural landscapes makes it a fascinating country of contrasts. With its ever-growing modern architecture, the vibrant skyscraper-studded cities expand amongst ancient historical sites and soaring mountains.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by chatting with street vendors, watching an acrobatics show, and

attending a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. If you fancy a break from the bustling cities, learn some tai chi, an ancient martial art combining deep breathing, relaxation and flowing movements to soothe the body and mind.

Feast on the rich local cuisine and sample street food such as jianbing (chinese savoury crepes) for a traditional breakfast on-the-go. In

the south, try a traditional dim sum, including bao (steamed buns), jiaozi (steamed dumplings), and rice paper rolls with various fillings. Xiaolongbao (soup filled dumplings) are also very popular. In the north, a Mongolian barbeque and huo guo (hotpot) are a must-try, along with traditional Peking duck. For something sweet, try bingtanghulu (candied fruit) - think tangy toffee apples!

Discover Chinawith Viking

With its picturesque vistas and vibrant city streets, Hong Kong is a modern metropolis surrounded by beautiful islands.Wander the markets and try a traditional dim sum brunch before taking the tram up to Victoria peak for a sweeping view of the city from the sky. If you can, leave some time to explore the nearby islands including Lantau, Lamma and Cheung Chau.

Hong Kong

vExperience the beautiful islands of Hong Kong on our Southeast Asia and Hong Kong cruise.

Must sees

The view from Victoria peak is not to be missed. Towering over Hong Kong at an incredible 1,811 ft, it’s a picture perfect panorama. A great way to tour the Northern side of Hong Kong island is with a ride on a 1920s vintage tram, aptly called a “ding ding” by the locals because of the noise of the bell chime.

For the early risers, the nearby mountainous island of Lantau has a beautiful sunrise from the peak, and a host of cultural treasures to explore. Meet the locals at the Tai O fishing village and wander around the traditional fish merchants and old houses built on stilts.

The historic city centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Chinese and Portuguese influences, is home to baroque churches, pastel-hued homes and narrow cobblestone streets. But step out to the Cotai strip and you’ll find grand hotels and glitzy casinos - earning it the nickname the “Las Vegas of Asia”. If that all

sounds a bit much, you can instead unwind at Cheung Chau, a car-free island of beaches, shops and temples, nicknamed the ‘dumbbell island’ due to its shape.

Food

The Guangdong province is home to dim sum - small portions of food served in steamer baskets. It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast and served with lots of tea. Dim sum includes an assortment of delicious steamed buns, dumplings and spring rolls, each filled with a variety of fillings, a popular choice is cha siu bao (barbeque pork). Some other delicacies to try include siu yuk (roast pork belly), siu ngo (roast goose), bao zai fan (clay pot rice), wanton mee (wonton noodle soup), bor lor bao (pineapple bun) and douhua (tofu pudding).

Shopping

The streets of the Mong Kok area of central Hong Kong are crammed full

of vibrant market stalls with vendors selling everything from toys and collectibles, to fashion, shoes, and kitchenware. Other areas include the colourful oasis of flower market road and the neighbouring shops on Prince Edward Road. The two-story “In’s Point” holds collectibles, toys, movie merchandise and vintage goods.

If you’re looking for international fashion brands and high end designers, don’t miss the shoppers delights of Citygate Outlet and Harbour City, two of the largest malls in Hong Kong. For smaller, chic boutique shops and modern, upmarket restaurants, have a stroll around Starstreet Precinct.

Hong Kong is renowned for quality tailoring and has a history in bespoke men’s clothing. Male travellers can suit up, whilst everyone can admire the tailor’s incredible attention to detail. Some of the most popular in the city are W.W Chan and Sons, Empire Tailors, The Armoury and Hola Classic.

Immerse yourself in the artistic culture of this cool, sophisticated city. Xiamen is becoming a popular place for both Chinese and international travellers alike, on account of its thriving city, picturesque seascape and contemporary arts scene. Xiamen

Take in the culture of Xiamen on our Far East Discovery cruise.

In 2017, the city opened the longest elevated cycle path in the world, dubbed ‘the winding viaduct’, extending 7.6 km and running 5 metres above the ground. If you’re feeling energetic, rent a bike to ride along the cycle skyway for possibly the most scenic - and greenest - way to see the city.

Must sees

Visit the stunning Nanputuo temple, founded by the Tang Dynasty, take some time to relax at the botanical gardens, and find the goddess sculpture at Bailuzhou park - the largest open square park in Xiamen. Afterwards, take a stroll around the pedestrian-only Gulangyu island, filled with scenic viewpoints, gardens and museums - such as the Piano Museum.

If you’re in the mood for some more culture, soak up the local art scene in Shapowei, the emerging creative hub of Xiamen. Be sure to walk along Ding’aozai Street, famous for its cat murals, street art and boutiques. There’s even a museum with a cafe serving cat-themed coffee and cookies. Experience an action packed extravaganza at the Minnan Magic cultural show, depicting ancient traditions and folklore tales using acrobatics, dance and Shaolin kung fu.

Food

You can’t visit the Fujian region without trying the variety of oolong, white, and black teas that grow here. Experience a tea tasting ceremony and learn the traditional Chinese art of serving and drinking tea, which emphasises the tastes and aromas at every step.

A traditional Gulangyu island delicacy is fish soup made with balls of white fish fillet and served in a fragrant broth. Other popular dishes of the region include lo mai gai (sticky rice with chicken), chinese chive buns, and jien hao biang (oyster omelettes). A sweet peanut soup, made by peeling, soaking and stewing peanuts with sugar, is another regional favourite. Locals often eat it at breakfast with Youtiao (deep fried dough sticks), buns and dates.

Shopping

Zhongshan Road is a pedestrian shopping street bursting with stores, small trinket shops street vendors and cafes. Contrary to the name, the area is more than one road and actually spans across a few nearby lanes such as Dingan Road, with its vivid night market.

The modern metropolis of Shanghai is home to a huge financial hub and shining skyline of towering architecture. This trendy city combines ancient culture, art and history with 21st century infrastructure and stylish shopping districts.Shanghai

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Experience the modern metropolis of Shanghai as part of ourImperial Jewels of China cruise-and-stay journey.

Shanghai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world in terms of skyscraper construction. The spectacular skyline is best viewed from The Bund, a long stretch of waterfront area on the western side of the river.

Must-sees

Located in the People’s Square, Shanghai Museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces including ancient chinese paintings, sculptures, bronze, ceramics and relics from the Ming and Qing dynasty. The museum itself is hard to miss, as the top is shaped like an ancient chinese cooking pot. The Jade Buddha temple is another popular attraction, hosting two jade Buddha statues brought in from Burma along with many other cultural artefacts. Unwind in the tranquil Yuyuan gardens and take in the beauty of the pavilions and City of God temple.

Going slightly further out of the city, you can see the delicate chinese craft of silk making and watch the process

of this artistry at the Tianhou silk factory.

A Shanghai trip isn’t complete without experiencing the modernities of the city. Take a ride on the high speed train and go to the top of Shanghai tower (the tallest building in China), for an incredible birds eye view. Those who aren’t afraid of heights must try the glass bottomed walk atop of the oriental pearl TV tower.

Food

Seafood is abundant in Shanghai, the most common are freshwater fish like eels, and shellfish. A local speciality are shanshi leng mian (eel noodles). Another must-try is xiaolongbao, steamed buns filled with a rich flavoursome broth, which are meant to be gently bitten into and slurped up. v (pan-fried pork buns) are another delicious delicacy, although variations of this can usually be found across the country.

Shopping

Shanghai, the style capital of China, is a fashion lovers paradise full of luxury malls and large shopping districts - it’s often termed the ‘Paris of the east’. The main shopping boulevards, Nanjing West Road and Huaihai Road, are lined with lavish boutiques, malls, high street brands and designer flagships. Check out the newly opened Plaza 66 on Nanjing West Road for a glamourous array of luxury brands.

The Tian Zi Fang district is a small area of quaint alleyways with a host of speciality boutiques and cafes; perfect for local finds. Yuyuan old street is packed tightly with traditional shops and street food vendors, surrounded by ancient buildings and pagodas.

Head to the waterfront promenade, The Bund, for luxury brands intermixed with local boutiques and vendors on the side streets. The South Bund fabric market on Lujiabang Road has almost every fabric you could ever want, with custom men’s and women’s tailoring available at many of the stores.

Wuhan Capital of the Hubei province, Wuhan is a bustling commercial hub divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers. The city is full of beautiful lakes, ancient history, and cultural shows.

In Wuhan you’ll be able to see a mesmerizing musical performance of ancient bronze bells. There’s also the Han Show Theatre, which provides a magical experience of dance and acrobatics.

Must-sees

Take a trip back in time at the Hubei provincial museum, one of the most well known museums in China. It’s packed full of ancient artefacts and relics dating as far back as 400 AD.

The east lake in Wuhan is one of the largest urban lakes in China. Take a walk or cycle around it and find some of the many scenic spots. The most notable scenic areas are Tingtao and Mo Hill.

Visit the stunning Yellow Crane Tower, the symbol of Wuhan. Each floor has an exhibit with a different theme including legends and poems honouring the tower across various dynasties. The top of the tower has a beautiful panoramic view of the city, the Yangtze river and its bridge.

Food

Sample a selection of traditional delicacies along Hubu alley; the place to go for street food. Popular dishes in the area include doupi, a snack made with crispy bean curd and filled with sticky rice and diced meat or vegetables. Another local delicacy is re gan mian, hot dry noodles topped with sesame, chilli and spring onion. Other dishes to try include spicy hot pot and spicy lobster and crayfish - Bali Long Xia (Bali Lobster) restaurant is said to be one of the best.

Enjoy the history and natural beauty of Wuhan on ourImperial Jewels of China cruise-and-stay journey.

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DalianDiscover the beauty of modern architecture combined with scenic parks and squares in Dalian. Immerse yourself in the friendly local culture at the street markets, or take time to unwind in the city’s numerous open green spaces.

Take in the relaxing atmosphere of Dalian as part of our Far East Discovery cruise.

If the sun’s out during your visit, it is well worth visiting one of Dalian’s golden beaches. Whether you’re interested in watersports, or simply want to relax, you’ll find the perfect picturesque spot.

Must-sees

You’re spoilt for choice for green spaces in Dalian. Check out the sculptures and fountain at Xinghai Square and park. Visit People’s Square and admire the flower-lined walkways and perfectly kept lawns in this tranquil space in the heart of the city. Transport yourself back in time with a tour of the city on an old style wooden tram.

In the Liaodong peninsula, about 50 km from the city, you’ll find Golden Pebble Beach (JinShiTan). Away from the bustle of Dalian city centre, this idyllic spot is great for sunbathing, relaxing, or even trying your hand at some water sports activities. Photography and culture enthusiasts should also take advantage of the area’s exhibition halls and gorgeous landscapes.

For a slightly more intimate experience, pay a visit to Bangchuidao Island. It’s not as popular as some of the other beaches in the area, making it the perfect place to spend an hour or two soaking up some sunshine, and taking in the beautiful scenery.

Food

For a relatively small city, Dalian has a great selection of eateries and is particularly famous for its variety of fresh seafood. Some of the most popular dishes are fried shrimps, steamed sea bream and scallops. A traditional Dalian snack is yan xu bing’zi (salted fish and corn pancake). When it comes to restaurant recommendations, Wanbao Seafood Restaurant is without a doubt one of the most highly regarded in the area. The opulent decor and excellent service make it easy to see why, and although it’s on the higher end of the price bracket, it’s certainly worth a visit - particularly if you’re a seafood lover.

Yangtze RiverThe mountainous middle stretch of the Yangtze river is home to a series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. The massive Three Gorges Dam in Sandouping city is the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant and took almost 20 years to build.

Admire the wonders of the Yangtze river and Three Gorges on our Imperial Jewels of China cruise-and-stay journey.

Must-sees

The gorges comprise of Wu gorge, Xiling gorge and Qutang gorge - the latter being the smallest, narrowest and most spectacular. Keep an eye out for one of the oldest historic mysteries of China; the hanging coffins of the Bo people. These

graveyards are suspended on sheer cliff edges, some hanging as high as 100m. For years people have been trying to determine why the Bo people practiced this tradition; there are various theories relating to spirituality and beliefs of the ancient people.

Be sure to ride on a Sampan, a small wooden boat, along the stunning goddess stream. Surrounded by towering peaks of the Wushan mountain and perfectly preserved natural landscapes, it’s no surprise that the locals call it the “beauty stream”.

XianThe ancient city of Xian is over 3100 years old, and is where the Silk Road begins. It is one of the oldest cities in China and the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals. There’s a multitude of ways to soak up some culture in Xian. You can learn about the history of the Tang dynasty and the famous Terracotta Warriors, and visit various museums, parks and shows.

Favourite memory “Walking through St Mark’s Square”Viking guest, Hall of Fame survey, March 2018

Visit the wonders of Xian on our Imperial Jewels of China cruise-and-stay journey.

Must-sees

Of course, a trip to Xian wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Terracotta Warriors. The museum holds a mausoleum where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was laid to rest over 2000 years ago. Marvel at the 8000 life sized sculpted warriors and their horses, each sculpted with their own distinctive features.

Visit the grounds of the Huaqing palace, a peaceful mountainside area with hot springs and beautiful gardens, and ride a cable car to the top of Mount Li for panoramic views. Another must see in the centre of town is the stunning architecture of the Wild Goose Pagoda and Gulou (drum tower), displaying ancient drums dating back thousands of years. Tang Paradise park and lake also showcase Tang dynasty culture and architecture, including performances and a light show in the evening.

Be sure not to miss the Tang dynasty dance and music show at the Tang dynasty palace or Shaanxi Grand Opera House. The show celebrates the traditional musical heritage and dancing of the Tang dynasty era.

Food

Xian Shulin market is a great place to start, with a huge selection of street food vendors, you can try traditional local muslim and chinese inspired dishes and enjoy views of the drum and bell towers.

Traditional dishes include yangrou paomo (bread in a meaty broth), chuan (small meat skewers), liangpi (cold noodles), and roujiamo, a Xian speciality burger with baked leavened bread and braised meat. In the Autumn, drink delicious freshly squeezed pomegranate juice from the street vendors.

After a long day of sightseeing, relax and have a drink at one of the

establishments along Defu Lane. For tea lovers, Fubaoge is a first-class tea house. If you fancy a stronger tipple, check out the selection of eclectic bars and pubs on the street.

Shopping

Xian Dong Da Jie (East Street) is one of the main shopping areas, lined with big malls along with some specialist Chinese goods and antiques stores. Xiangzi Temple Street is the place to buy tea and art, packed with galleries and tea and coffee shops. Xian’s oldest book store can also be found here.

Bei Yuan Men Street and Shu Yuan Men Street are both full of traditional Chinese arts and crafts, particularly handcrafted products, antiques, paintings and jewels. Shu Yuan Men Street is also known as “calligraphy street” due to its collection of inscriptions, paintings, calligraphy works, and books.

BeijingFrom the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, Beijing holds over 3000 years of ancient history. This capital city is known for both its rich cultural heritage and modern architecture, it exudes history at every turn and is the centre of politics, education and culture in this vast country.

Must-sees

A trip to Beijing wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Great Wall. Over 2000 years old and the longest man-made structure ever built, it’s the most well known symbol of China. Hike along a section of the wall that a lot of travellers miss; Huangyaguan or “Yellow Cliff Pass”, so named for the golden hue of the shrubbery that clings to its precipitous slopes.

Immerse yourself in the ancient history of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered a national treasure by the Chinese. Explore this magnificent complex of traditional Chinese architecture, made up of 90 palaces and courtyards with 980 buildings.

Visit the nearby Tiananmen Square

(meaning “Gate of Heavenly Peace”). This enormous site has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters of ancient and modern Chinese history. It’s been a rallying point for student demonstrations for decades. Two of the most notable were the May Fourth Movement (1919) and the Tiananmen Square incident (1989).

Walk around the grounds of the Temple of Heaven, an impressive complex of religious buildings used for worship in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This park is home to astonishing structures, the most well known being the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its wooden pillars supporting the entire ceiling without nails or cement.

Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China.

Witness a lavish production of gravity-defying acrobatics by 50 costumed players at one of Beijing’s most renowned stage shows. The Red Theatre Kung Fu Show, produced by China’s leading production company, is a visually stunning display of some of China’s best Kung Fu martial artists.

Food

Bei jing kao ya (or Peking roast duck) is the epitome of Beijing cuisine. Most commonly served with chun bing (light pancakes) and fresh toppings like cucumber and spring onion, this crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside meat is a must have whilst in the capital. You’ll find numerous duck restaurants in the city specialising in this dish, one of the oldest, dating back to 1864 is Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant. Some restaurants may carve the duck by the table and even demonstrate the correct way to

Visit the historical sites of Beijing on our magnificent Far East Discovery ocean cruise.

assemble a duck wrap with chopsticks.

Wan Dou Huang (split yellow pea cake) was said to be one of Empress Dowager’s favourite snack. Renowned for its golden-yellow hue, this royal snack is sweet with a refreshing taste of peas.

Street food is abundant in Beijing, with many vendors offering bǐng - toasted flatbreads or pastries with a variety of fillings. From savoury flavours like minced lamb, spring onion or chilli and garlic to sweet pastries with red bean or lotus paste, you’ll be sure to find varieties of this dish everywhere.

Those with a more adventurous palette may want to try lv rou huo shao (donkey meat bun). There’s an ancient legend that says two gangs who controlled the salt business and food transportation business in the Song dynasty fought and the victors

decided to kill and cook the donkeys captured from the other gang. Now, the shredded donkey meat is served in a crunchy bread bun with green pepper relish.

You can also experience having your food cooked at the table with shuan yangrou, a traditional Mongolian hotpot. This bubbling broth is typically served with thinly sliced lamb, leaf vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, spices and dipping sauces.

Shopping

The Panjiayuan Market is a huge antiques market, selling a wide range of arts and crafts including ceramics, jewellery, posters and furniture. There are around 3000 vendors, and although some stalls are open daily, the market really comes alive at weekends. Be ready to bargain with the vendors as they will often set a

high asking price, and will be content with negotiating a deal.

The Silk Market on East Xiushui Street, what used to be an outdoor market now turned shopping mall, is home to around 1000 retailers and vendors set across multiple floors. As well as silk goods and quality tailors, the mall also offers a wide array of clothing, jewellery, calligraphy, porcelain, electrical goods, and more. Again, don’t feel shy to bargain for a good deal.

If you’re looking for high end and branded goods, visit Taikoo Li Sanlitun shopping centre. This sleek plaza comprises of two sites, North and South, just a few minutes apart from each other and are both packed with big designer names and opulent stores.

FoodRenowned and loved throughout the world, Chinese cuisine is a distinctive blend of fresh, local ingredients, seasoned and spiced to perfection. Food is an important part of the culture and each region has its own style influenced by local history and tradition. Each one of our recipes has been specially selected to give you a truly authentic taste of China.

Shrimp & Crab WontonMany regions of China have different varieties of wontons. The meaning of the word also varies: in Mandarin, it means “slowly boiled dumpling,” but in Cantonese it means “swallowing clouds.”

These versatile, delightful dumplings can be steamed, poached in soup, or fried and served with dipping sauces. This style below is typical of Cantonese cuisine.

Ingredients

170g finely shredded cabbage, preferably Savoy

Large pinch of salt (to taste)

170g shrimp and lump crabmeat, chopped

50g spring onions, finely chopped

14g (1 tbsp) ginger purée, or finely grated ginger

5g (1 tsp) soy sauce

4g (1 tsp) sesame oil

15g (1 tbsp) cream cheese

398g (1 pack) wonton wrappers

473-682g vegetable or peanut oil

Method1. Combine cabbage, salt, shrimp and crab,

onions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and cream cheese in a bowl and mix well.

2. Separate wonton wrappers and arrange on a dry surface.

3. Place a scant teaspoon of filling in the centre of each wrapper; wet edges and seal by bringing opposite corners together, forming a triangle.

4. Bring 2 remaining corners together toward centre and seal with a pinch.

5. Preheat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Working in batches, fry wontons until golden brown, about 6 minutes.

6. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels.

Serving Suggestion Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as hoisin; sweet and sour or Chinese mustard.

Prep time: 30 minutes.

Cook time: 36 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.

Pot Stickers(Chinese Dumplings)These delicious little Chinese dumplings are a traditional treat during Chinese New Year, filled with meat or vegetables, then cooked by steaming, poaching or frying. Consider doubling or tripling

the recipe and freezing some (uncooked) for a great “go-to” fast meal—just drop them into hot broth, add a few vegetables, and you have a hearty, warming soup.

Ingredients

Filling:

227g ground pork or turkey

2 green onions, minced

25g bamboo shoots, minced

5g (1 tsp) ginger, minced

9g (1 tsp) cornstarch

10ml (2 tsp) soy sauce

1/3 g (1/8 tsp) white pepper

Sauce:

90ml (6 tbsp) soy sauce

60ml Chinese black vinegar, rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar

30ml sesame oil

30g (2 tbsp) chili garlic sauce

Sauce:

22 round pot-sticker wrappers

32ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil

148ml water

Method

1. Combine all filling ingredients thoroughly; set aside.

2. Mix all sauce ingredients together well.

3. To assemble dumplings, put 14g (1 tbsp) filling in centre of a wrapper.

4. Press lightly against work surface to form a flat bottom.

5. Brush wrapper edges with water; fold in half; press to seal.

6. To cook, heat 15ml (1 tbsp) oil in a nonstick frying pan on medium high; swirling to coat bottom.

7. Add half of the pot stickers seam

side up and cook until bottoms are golden brown, about 3 minutes.

8. Add 75ml water, cover, reduce heat and cook until water is absorbed, about 3 minutes.

9. Remove from pan and repeat with remaining pot stickers.

Serving Suggestion Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as hoisin; sweet and sour or Chinese mustard.

Prep time: 30 minutes.

Cook time: 36 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.

Eight PreciousVegetable Stir-FryThis vegetarian entrée is easy to prepare. Created by celebrity chef Martin Yan, who designed the menus for Viking’s China ships, it appears in his Quick & Easy cookbook. The number eight has

been regarded by the Chinese as a lucky number for a long time, so the dish may bring you good fortune as well.

Ingredients

Sauce:

6g (2 tbsp) cornstarch

18ml (4 tsp) cold water

120ml vegetable or chicken broth

18ml (4 tsp) rice wine or dry sherry

15ml (1 tbsp) oyster-flavored sauce

15ml (1 tbsp) soy sauce

5ml (1 tsp) toasted sesame oil

8g (2 tsp) sugar

3/5 g (1/4 tsp) white pepper

Stir-Fry:

15ml (1 tbsp) peanut oil

6g (1 tsp) garlic, minced

3g (1/2 tsp) ginger, minced

32g carrots, peeled and sliced

65g jicama, peeled and sliced

60g lotus root, peeled and sliced

8 Chinese long beans, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch) pieces

4 heads baby bok choy, quartered lengthwise

8 small shiitake mushrooms, stems removed

30ml (2 tbsp) water

1/2 med red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 2.5cm (1 inch) diamonds

4 med asparagus spears, trimmed and thinly sliced diagonally

Method

1. To make the sauce, whisk cornstarch and water

together in a small bowl.

2. Add remaining sauce ingredients, stirring to combine; set aside.

3. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat; add oil, swirling to coat sides.

4. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 10 seconds.

5. Add carrots, jicama, lotus root, long beans, bok choy and mushrooms; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

6. Add water, cover, reduce heat to medium low and cook 3 minutes.

7. Remove cover, turn to medium high heat, add bell pepper and asparagus and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.

8. Add sauce and cook, stirring until sauce boils and thickens.

Serving Suggestion Serve over Chinese noodles or steamed rice.

Prep time: 15 minutes.

Cook time: 6 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Shrimp with Pan-FriedCrispy NoodlesChef Martin Yan created the Chinese menus for Viking’s China ships and he kindly shared this favorite recipe with us. He notes the key to perfect noodle pancakes is shaking the pan

to prevent sticking. These pancakes are a great accompaniment for a variety of other dishes too, so feel free to experiment.

Ingredients

Sauce:

115ml ketchup

115ml water

30ml (2 tbsp) sweet chili sauce

22g (11/2 tbsp) curry powder

Crispy Noodles:

454g fresh Chinese egg noodles

5ml (1 tsp) sesame oil

30ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil

Shrimp:

15ml (1 tbsp) peanut or vegetable oil

2g (1 tbsp) lemongrass, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

5g (1 tsp) ginger, minced

2 green onions, cut into 5cm (2 inch) pieces

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

450g med raw shrimp, shelled and deveined

15ml (1 tbsp) sesame oil

Method

Sauce:

1. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

Crispy Nooles:

2. Add noodles to a large pot of boiling water; cook for 1 minute; drain and rinse under cold water.

3. Toss with sesame oil; set aside.

4. Heat a wide nonstick frying pan over medium and add 15ml (1 tbsp) of vegetable oil, swirling pan to coat.

5. Spread half of noodles evenly in pan and cook about 5 minutes.

6. Turn; cook another 5 minutes until golden brown.

7. Shake pan a few times to prevent noodles from sticking.

8. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in a low heat oven (approx 90°C).

9. Repeat with remaining noodles and oil.

Shrimp:

10. Heat a large wok or wide frying pan over high heat; add oil, swirling to coat.

11. Add lemongrass, garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, for 15 seconds.

12. Add bell peppers and green onions; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

13. Add shrimp and cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes or until they begin to curl and turn opaque.

14. Add sauce; cook until it boils and thickens slightly.

15. Add sesame oil and toss to combine.

Serving Suggestion Serve over the crispy noodles.

Prep time: 10 minutes.

Cook time: 15 minutes

Makes 4 servings.

Jianbing(Chinese Savoury Crepes)This well-loved street food is a staple breakfast dish. For many people in China these serve as a delicious, quick and filling snack on the go. It could also be made as an appetiser or quick lunchtime snack. You can experiment with a variety of fillings and sauces

to fit your taste. Popular sauces include sweet bean and chilli bean sauce, hoisin sauce and hot chilli oil (Chiu Chow is a popular one found in Asian supermarkets).

Ingredients170g flour (all-purpose)

118ml warm water

1 large pinch of salt

Vegetable oil for cooking

4 eggs

Sweet bean or hoisin sauce (to taste)

Hot bean sauce and/or hot chilli oil (to taste)

Toasted sesame seeds

2 spring onions, finely chopped

1 bunch of fresh coriander (optional)

1 head of romaine lettuce (optional)

Method1. Combine the flour, warm water and salt with

a spatula, mix for 2-3 minutes or until the dough forms a ball but is still sticky.

2. Drizzle a teaspoon of oil onto the dough and cover the bowl with cling film.

3. Leave to rest for 1 hour. Meanwhile, prepare your desired fillings.

4. Once the dough has rested, divide it into 4 pieces and oil your hands and rolling pin slightly so they don’t stick.

5. You can also oil the surface if it starts to stick.

6. Roll the dough out really thin, until it’s almost translucent.

7. Add a teaspoon of oil into a medium-hot frying pan, gently lift the dough and place it in the pan evenly. It should sizzle slightly as it hits the hot pan.

8. Immediately crack an egg onto the dough and gently whisk and spread it out evenly before they both set, then add another teaspoon of oil on top.

9. When the edges start to cook, flip the dough and cook the egg side for 10-15 seconds, then flip again and cook until slightly golden.

10. Once cooked, place onto a plate egg side up and spread on your chosen sauces.

11. Sprinkle on the fresh toppings - spring onion, sesame seeds, coriander - then just before serving add a leaf of romaine lettuce and roll up the dough.

Serving Suggestion Once rolled up, eat straight away to enjoy the perfect contrast of hot dough and crisp, fresh fillings.

Prep time: 1 hour 5 mins.

Cook time: 10 mins.

Makes 4 servings.

Chinese Mango PuddingOften found in Hong Kong dessert shops and bakeries, this dish is a perfect summer’s day dessert. The sweet mango flavour combined with the

creamy smooth texture melts in your mouth and is a delightful after dinner treat.

Ingredients3 medium-large very ripe mangos (or approx 450g very ripe mango chunks)

2 packets of gelatin sheets (10g)

160ml coconut milk

60ml double cream

100g granulated sugar (or more to taste)

Condensed milk to serve (optional)

Mint leaves to serve (optional)

Method1. Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water until soft.

2. In a pot on the hob gently heat the sugar, soaked gelatin, and half of the coconut milk over a low heat.

3. Stir until the sugar and gelatin have dissolved, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

4. Dice the fresh mango and place most of the chunks into a blender, saving a couple of pieces as garnish if you like.

5. Add the other half of the coconut milk and blend until smooth.

6. Add this to the milk, sugar and gelatin mixture when it has cooled, then add the double cream and stir to combine it all.

7. Next, strain the mixture through a sieve to ensure its smooth with no bits - use a spatula to push the mixture through slightly.

8. Pour the smooth mixture into ramekins and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until fully set.

Serving Suggestion If you want to eat your mango pudding in Hong Kong style, serve with a splash of sweet condensed milk and some fresh, ripe mango chunks. A mint leaf can be used as garnish if you want to impress.

Prep time: 15 mins.

Cook time: 5 mins.

Setting time: 2-3 hours.

Makes 4 servings.

Your memoriesFor full details of our Imperial Jewels of China cruise-and-stay journey:https://bit.ly/2vIE8Qj

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Sheila Hughes

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