Ming Dynasty

If you enjoy eating vegetables, you'll probably love the many vegetables available in Taiwanese cuisine. They include: cassava root, daikon radish, Chinese broccoli, bitter melon, asparagus, cauliflower, lotus root, Chinese cabbage, baby corn, eggplant, carrots and pak choi.

Chinese food actually played a key role in a tense point in U.S. history. The Yenching Palace in Washington, D.C., now closed, was the location for a vital secret meeting between U.S. and Russian officials during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Sesame oil provides a rich, nutty flavor and only a small amount of it is required for cooking. It is perfect for light stir fries and for marinating vegetables and meat, and is often the oil of choice within Chinese cuisine.