Summary: Discover the heart of Chinese cuisine with 家常菜 (jiāchángcài), the beloved category of homestyle cooking. More than just a collection of recipes, it represents the warm, comforting, and simple dishes that Chinese families eat every day. Unlike elaborate banquet meals, jiāchángcài is all about nourishment, affordability, and the unmistakable taste of home. This guide will explore its cultural significance, practical usage, and how it differs from Western “comfort food.”