莆田菜
pú tián cài
Putien food
莆田菜 refers to the regional cuisine from Putian city in Fujian province, China. It is known for its emphasis on fresh, natural ingredients, especially seafood, and its light, delicate flavors, often using steaming, stewing, and braising methods.
When to use it
Neutral. When discussing regional Chinese cuisines, 莆田菜 is a specific term. It falls under the broader category of 闽菜 (Fújiàn cài), or Fujian cuisine, which is one of China's 'Eight Great Cuisines.'
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “Poo-tee-EN tsai.” Pú is a rising tone, tián is a rising tone, and cài is a falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 福建菜fú jiàn càiFujian cuisine (broader category)
- 兴化菜xīng huà càiXinghua cuisine (older name for Putian cuisine)
- 莆田卤面pú tián lǔ miànPutian braised noodles (a famous signature dish)
Examples
我最喜欢吃莆田菜，因为它很清淡。
wǒ zuì xǐ huan chī pú tián cài ， yīn wèi tā hěn qīng dàn 。
I like Putian food the most because it's very light.
这家莆田餐厅的菜品很受欢迎。
zhè jiā pú tián cān tīng de cài pǐn hěn shòu huān yíng 。
The dishes at this Putian restaurant are very popular.
如果你喜欢海鲜，一定要尝尝莆田菜。
rú guǒ nǐ xǐ huan hǎi xiān ， yí dìng yào cháng cháng pú tián cài 。
If you like seafood, you must try Putian cuisine.
Pro tip: Putian cuisine is often considered a sub-branch of Fujian cuisine (闽菜). Its distinct characteristics include a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially seafood, and a preference for light, natural flavors over heavy spices.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →