Chinese Food Culture

food chinese

Traditional chinese food

A Chinese meal is consisted of two parts: staple food, normally made of rice, noodles or steamed buns, and ts'ai, vegetable and meat dishes. (This is different from Western meals, which take meat or animal protein as main dish). The primary eating utensils are chopsticks (for solid foods) and ceramic spoon (for soups and congees). In a Chinese meal, everyone will have their own rice bowl; however, the accompanying dishes will be served in communal plates and shared by all people. Normally, the dishes are often eaten together with a mouthful of rice. Desserts are not main course in China; instead, Chinese desserts are considered as snacks eaten between two meals. If dessert is served in the meal, they will be served during the course of meal with no firm distinction made. If served at the end of the meal, the dessert is normally fresh fruit.

food chinese

Street food chinese

Street food is an important part of Chinese eating culture. The strange and delicious foods are hidden away in narrow streets and sometimes look unclean. But street food is a good way for people to relax and satisfy the taste buds.

China is popularly known for its food just the way it is popular for its rich culture, historical sites clothing and business.

Food establishments are accessible almost anywhere in the country.

From hotels, motels, restaurants cafes to street establishments. While street foods are famous among the locals, they are slowly being embraced by tourists visiting China.

Take a moment to learn about surprising historical and cultural facts behind your favorite delectable Chinese dishes!

  • Chinese food is one of the healthiest in the world.
    Traditional Chinese food has to always be fresh. Most dishes are filled with huge quantities of vegetables, grass-fed meats, seafood and herbs and spices. 
  • You never eat the same dish twice in China!
    China has 34 provinces and every province has their own culinary traditions. Aside from this, the Chinese can whip up ingredients in so many ways because they have a lot of cooking methods. 
  • There are eight culinary cuisines in China.
    Chinese people follow so many styles of cooking, but Chinese food experts have identified eight culinary traditions as the best. These culinary cuisines are looked at as models with their unique styles and strengths. 
  • Noodles, rice and soup are staples.
    In the north of China, where it’s colder and drier, people love to eat dumplings, noodles and steamed buns. In the south, bowls of rice or rice noodles are a staple every meal. 
  • Traditional Chinese food is almost completely dairy-free.
    If you’re lactose intolerant, this fact about Chinese food is the most important! Authentic Chinese food rarely uses milk-fat ingredients such as cream, butter, or cheese. However, if you eat out in bigger cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, they may mix dairy ingredients in their food, but not as common as American or European countries.

This is Why You Have to Try Street Food in China

Have any questions?

© Copyright 2023