Culinary Insights
The China Jade Blog
Explore authentic Szechuan cuisine, traditional cooking techniques, and the rich culinary heritage behind our dishes.
What Are Xiao Long Bao (小笼包)? A Guide to Shanghai's Soup Dumplings
Xiao long bao (小笼包) are Shanghai soup dumplings filled with pork and hot broth. How they're made and how to eat them.
Xiao Long Bao in Rockville, MD: Where to Find Shanghai Soup Dumplings
Where to find authentic xiao long bao near Rockville, MD. Shanghai Taste's hand-pleated 18-fold soup dumplings — what to order.
Peking Duck in Rockville, MD: What It Is and Where to Order It
Peking duck is Beijing roast duck with crackling skin, served with pancakes, hoisin, and scallion. What it is, how it's made, and how to order it at China Jade near Rockville.
What Are Dan Dan Noodles? Sichuan's Famous Street Noodles Explained
Dan dan noodles are Sichuan street noodles in spicy sesame-chili sauce with ground pork. Ingredients, málà flavor, and how to order.
Chinese Food in Derwood, MD: China Jade on Crabbs Branch Way
China Jade at 16805 Crabbs Branch Way, Derwood, MD. Authentic Szechuan & Cantonese, 100+ dishes, lunch specials. Open daily 11–9.
How Spicy Is Szechuan Food? A Heat Guide for First-Timers
Szechuan heat is málà — numbing and spicy, but adjustable. Which dishes are mild vs. fiery, and how to order at China Jade.
Chinese Food in Gaithersburg, MD: China Jade Is 10 Minutes Away
China Jade is 10 minutes south of Gaithersburg on Crabbs Branch Way in Derwood. Authentic Sichuan and Cantonese cooking, 100+ dishes, daily lunch specials.
What's in Hot and Sour Soup? A Guide to the Ingredients and Origins
Hot and sour soup (suān là tāng) is a thick northern Chinese broth sharpened with Chinkiang black vinegar and white pepper. Here's what's in the bowl and what makes a good one.
What Is Twice-Cooked Pork (Huíguō Ròu)? A Sichuan Classic Explained
Twice-cooked pork (huíguō ròu, 回锅肉) is a Sichuan dish that boils pork belly, slices it thin, then returns it to the wok with doubanjiang and leeks. Here's how it works.
Lunar New Year Dinner in Rockville: What to Order at China Jade
Plan your Lunar New Year reunion dinner in Rockville. Fish for surplus, dumplings for wealth — what to order at China Jade.
General Tso's Chicken: Where It Actually Comes From
General Tso's chicken did not come from General Zuo Zongtang. Chef Peng Chang-kuei created it in 1950s Taiwan. American kitchens then sweetened and battered it. Here's the real story.
Lo Mein vs Chow Mein: What's the Difference?
Lo mein and chow mein use the same wheat noodles but split at the wok. Lo mein gets tossed in sauce; chow mein gets pan-fried for crispness. Here's how they differ at China Jade.
Chinese Food Delivery in Rockville, MD: How It Works at China Jade
China Jade delivers across Rockville through the major food apps and direct orders. Here's the coverage, the dishes that travel well, and how to order so your food arrives at its best.
What Is Kung Pao Chicken? Origin, Ingredients & the Authentic Sichuan Recipe
Kung Pao Chicken is a 19th-century Sichuan dish with chicken, peanuts, and dried chilies. The authentic recipe vs. the American version.
What Is Doubanjiang? The Fermented Paste Behind Szechuan Cuisine
Doubanjiang (豆瓣酱) is fermented broad bean and chili paste from Pixian, Sichuan, the foundational ingredient in mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, and most authentic Szechuan dishes.
What Is Málà? The Flavor That Defines Szechuan Cuisine
Málà (麻辣) = numbing from Sichuan peppercorns + spicy heat from dried chilies. How it works and which China Jade dishes have it.
What Is Mapo Tofu? Ingredients, Flavor, and How It's Made
Mapo tofu is silky tofu in doubanjiang sauce with ground pork and Sichuan peppercorns. Ingredients, the málà flavor, and how China Jade makes the authentic version.
What Is Szechuan Peppercorn? The Ingredient Behind the Numbing Heat
Szechuan peppercorn is not a pepper. It contains hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, which causes the numbing sensation (má) in Szechuan cuisine. A guide to how it works.
Why Pan Fried Dumplings Are So Popular
Pan fried dumplings (guotie) have a crispy golden bottom and a juicy, tender top. Here's why they're one of the most-ordered appetizers at China Jade and across Chinese restaurants everywhere.
Lunch Specials in Rockville, MD: What's Included and What to Order
China Jade runs lunch specials Monday–Friday, 11 AM–3 PM. Four items under $12. Here's what's in each special and which entrées are worth ordering.
Chinese Food for Groups in Rockville: How to Order for the Table
Ordering Chinese food for 6, 10, or 20 people. Which dishes to pick, how many to order, and what China Jade recommends for group meals.
Szechuan vs. Cantonese Cuisine: How They Differ
Szechuan and Cantonese are two of China's most distinct regional cuisines. Here's what separates them, dish by dish.
Vegetarian Chinese Food in Rockville, MD: What to Order at China Jade
China Jade has 15+ vegetarian dishes, several of which are vegan without modification. A guide to what to order and how to request substitutions.
China Jade: Chinese Restaurant in Rockville, MD
China Jade has served Rockville since the early 2000s. Over 100 dishes, 4.1 stars across 370+ Google reviews, authentic Szechuan and Cantonese cooking. Open daily 11 AM–9 PM.
What to Order at China Jade: Our Most-Loved Dishes
Our regulars order the same dishes every visit. Here are the ones worth knowing about, with notes on what makes each worth ordering.
Chinese Food Near Shady Grove Metro: A Local Guide
China Jade is 5 minutes from Shady Grove Metro (Red Line), the closest authentic Szechuan restaurant to the station. Open daily 11 AM–9 PM.
What Makes Authentic Szechuan Cuisine Different?
Discover the unique characteristics of authentic Szechuan cooking, from traditional ingredients to time-honored techniques.
Stay Updated
Subscribe to get the latest insights on Szechuan cooking, new dishes, and exclusive offers from China Jade.
View Our Menu