Introduction to Chinese Food

Joanne Chen

2015

民以食为天 mín yǐ shí wéi tiān

Food is the first necessity of the people;

The masses regard food as their heaven

Food plays a significant part in Chinese culture and daily life. The importance of food is reflected in greetings. Nǐ chī bǎo le

ma?我吃饱了Wǒ chī bǎo

le .

你吃饱了吗？ Nǐ chī bǎo le

ma?

Have you eaten yet? (How are you?)I have eaten full. (I am fine.)

A Chinese Meal Generally Consisting two components:

• Staples• Various of grains • Rice, Noodles, Buns, Tofu

• Dishes • Vegetables, fish, meat

Steam Rice

Noodles

Rice NoodlesSteam Bun

Meat Bun Green Onion Pancakes

Vegetable

Beef noodle soup

BBQ Pork

Fish

Duck

Tofu

Cooking Methods Stewing

Steaming

BoilingPan-frying

Stir-frying

Deep-frying

炒炖

蒸

煮炸

煎

Cooking Tools

Table Settings

Utensils, plates and Bowls

“Thank you” Gesture

• Chinese people like having meals with tea.

• When someone pours tea into your cup, you can tap the table with your first two fingers two or three times, showing thanks to the person.

Food with Tea

一盅兩件One pot of tea andTwo Dim sum items

飲茶Dim sum

Eight distinct Han schools of Chinese cuisine

All eight branches of Chinese cuisine stress the nutrition and the artistic beauty of Chinese dishes.

Shandong Cuisine ( 魯菜 lǔ cài)

Shandong Cuisine is Cuisine is commonly and simply known as Lu cuisine.

It is also known for its excellent seafood dishes and delicious soup.

Sea Cucumber stew

Sichuan cuisine （川菜） Sichuan cuisine is originating in the Sichuan

Province.Sichuan cuisine is prepared with a wide

variety of ingredients.

Hunan cuisine （湘菜） Hunan cuisine is well known for its hot spicy

flavor, fresh aroma and deep color. It requires skilful use of kitchen knifes, delicious

taste and beautiful shapes.

Guangdong Cuisine（粤菜） Dim sum, literally "touch your heart", is a Cantonese term for

small dishes. It features sour, bitter, spicy tastes with a clear and fragrant smell.

Fujian cuisine (闽菜 ) Woodland delicacies such as edible mushrooms

and bamboo shoots are utilized.Chefs are skilled in the use of a kitchen knife, full

of interest. Dishes are meticulously prepared, refined and

graceful.

Budda jumps over the wall

Jiangsu cuisine（蘇菜） It is very famous all over the world for

its distinctive style and taste.  It visualizes high cutting techniques. It pays great attention to soup, which

is strong but not greasy, and delicious.

Zhejiang cuisine（浙菜） Derives from the native cooking styles

of the Zhejiang region. The dishes are not greasy, having but

instead a fresh, soft flavor with a mellow fragrance.

Anhui cuisine（徽菜） Using a wide variety of ingredients. Adopting unique techniques. Paying

great attention to nutritious food.

Medicinal Food• Medicinal food is food with the function of dietetic

therapy.• Taking medicine and food mas materials and

processing them through cooking. • A combination of Chinese traditional medical

knowledge and cooking experience.

藥補不如食補

Food for holidays

Dumplings

Chinese New Year

Rice Cake

Seeds and Dry Fruit

Sweet Rice Ball

Zongzi for Dragon Boat Festival

Moon Cake forMoon Festival

Cake for wedding

Stem bun for birthday

MEANING OF FOODS in Chinese culture

Fish – abundance Eggs- fertility Duck – fidelity Dumplings – money

(shape) Apple –

Peace(pronunciation)

Chicken – symbolizing a good marriage and the coming together of families

Noodles - longevity

Chinese Believe:

• There is no single thing more important than having a meal.

• Having meals together with friend, family or business partners is an occasion to unit relationships.

• Eating is a good way to maintain social harmony.

吃飯皇帝大Chī fàn huáng dì dà