The Role of Aromatics in Chinese Cuisine

The Role Of Aromatics In Chinese Cuisine 

For thousands of years, Chinese cuisine and culture has deeply rooted its art for aromatics in dishes with different ingredients such as herbs, spices and seasonings. At Blue Pavillion in Leeds, you’ll experience authentic Chinese dishes that combine these layers of spices, herbs, vegetables and flavours – we’d love for you to join us and try our Mid-Autumn Set Menu or pick any of our delicious dishes from our other menus. 

Available Sunday to Friday, our Mid-Autumn Set Menu offers incredible value at just £29.95 per person, including a starter, main course and side. Want to treat yourself and others? Add a second course or dessert for just £8 extra or go all out and enjoy both for the ultimate indulgence.

Let’s take a look into how aromatics play an important role in making our main courses, desserts and drinks taste beautifully delicious, and how these ingredients are quintessential in Chinese cultural traditions. 

What Are Aromatics? 

Aromatics are a blend of ingredients such as herbs and spices, and they are integral to layering flavours and infusing fragrances. Many of these spices and herbs are implemented in dishes that are significant to Chinese traditions. From lotus seed pastes used in mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, to golden crispy spring rolls in the Chinese Spring Festival, aromatics play a fundamental role in Chinese food and traditions. 

During the cooking process, many of our chefs sizzle aromatics in oil to help release their fragrances, a signature technique when it comes to crafting authentic dishes. 

Throughout the centuries, it has often been believed that the ingredients we use in food are for the soul and spirit, not just the body. That’s why visiting Blue Pavilion isn’t just about enjoying delicious food, but the entire experience and how both food and the environment makes you feel. Aromatics play a large role in that entire experience. 

Aromatics In Our Signature Autumnal Dishes

During the autumn season, many people in China enjoy celebrating the Chongyang festival, also commonly known as the Double Ninth Festival. Celebrating nature, climbing mountains and valuing spiritual healing, this festival is also widely recognised for its aromatic dishes and herbal teas. Chrysanthemum tea is primarily associated with this festival as these flowers tend to bloom in autumn, becoming a symbol of purity and nobility, as well as fighting off illnesses that affect us during the cold seasons. 

Aromatics such as ginger, garlic, spring onions and chili are often found in traditional Chinese medicine to support immunity and enhance spirituality – these are key values that reflect the spirit of the Chongyang Festival, which centres on connecting with nature and showing deep respect for the elderly. These fundamental flavourings make up some of our delicious and decoratively presented autumnal dishes! 

An enticing fusion of garlic, star anise and ginger, Dong Po Pork is a delicious main course option to treat yourself throughout the autumn season. Thanks to its balance of hearty herbs and spices that act as restorative healing properties, this dish ties in with the themes of spirituality and honouring elders at the Chongyang Festival.

Mongolian Sauce and King Po Chicken is also a wonderful option as a main, with its composition of layered dried chilis, garlic, ginger and spring onions. The aromatic sharpness and energising ingredients make it a great option for the cooler months, this healthy and rejuvenating dish is sure to warm you up.

The Role Of Aromatics In Our Cocktails 

Just like our dishes, we use a wide variety of ingredients to create indulgent cocktail recipes that mirror Chinese cuisine too. They can include anything from a layer of teas, flowers and spices to fruits, wines and spirits, all of which give you a bubbling taste of Chinese inspired fragrant beverages. Let’s take a look at some of our gorgeous cocktails that can be paired with our unique dishes. 

The Jiuzhaigou Hu cocktail, named after the beautiful Jiuzhaigou valley located in southwestern China, is a dynamic blend of Roku, aperitif wine, blue curacao, lemon and bitters. The citrusy sharpness of the lemon blends harmoniously with the floral Roku, making it a great option to pair it with the Dong Po Pork, where the cocktail’s citrus notes contrast nicely with the pork’s richness. 

A similar option that you may consider is the Xing Fu cocktail, meaning “Happy” in Mandarin Chinese. It’s a delicious combination of Roku, peach liqueur, lemon and raspberry, whose aromatic layers make it a perfect option if you’re one for fruity and sweet cocktails. Combining sweet tastes, fantastic presentation and a positive meaning behind it, this cocktail is sure to make you smile!

Our Chang’An cocktail is an aromatic blend of Kakuzo Yazo, lychee Liqueur, sake and prosecco. Named after an ancient Chinese city, the Chang’An cocktail has aromatics that not only enhance the cocktail’s refreshing taste, but reflect the ancient Chinese philosophy of using fragrant ingredients to invigorate the senses and support well-being. 

Matcha In Complementary Desserts 

Aromatics play an important role not only in Chinese cuisine, but in Asian food as a whole. Our Matcha Oreo Cake combines indulgent flavours of chocolate oreo with earthy matcha powder, originally sourced in Japan. It is a great option to follow your Fillet Steak In Mongolia Sauce or Dong Po Pork, where its light bitterness complements these dishes and brings your dining experience to a satisfying finish. 

We like to present our desserts in artful, visually appealing ways, as we believe that this helps to contribute to their fragrance and aromatics too (plus it adds to the overall experience as well!).Pairing our desserts with strawberries, macrons, blueberries and blackberries gives our ice creams and cakes a lighter, sweeter feel that is delightful to the senses too. 

Experience These Aromas In Our Authentic Chinese Restaurant 

Come and taste our delicious dishes that combine various aromas and flavours, energising body and spirit in our traditional ways. For only £29.95 per person you can enjoy our Chinese cuisine and have a unique, memorable dining experience.