Chinese Food

Chinese food is unique, whether you are comparing it to food from other countries, or  comparing food from different regions in China. China is very large, with many geological and climate differences, so different regions generally have their own unique tastes. Because of agricultural benefits,  people in Northern China traditionally prefer wheat products, while those in the south prefer rice. The people of the north and south are separated by the Qin Ling mountain range and Huai River. 

During the winter season, Lakes and rivers north of this border freeze during the winter. 

The difference of food culture has often led to misunderstandings. One time, a group of ten men from the north went to the south. They ate a full meal and then asked what were some of the best desserts. The waiter answered that Zongzi were very popular. The men asked for ten zongzi, one for each of them. The waiter tried to discourage them, saying that the zongzi were very big. The men laughed and insulted the waiter saying that they were not weak and skinny like the people of the south. When the zongzi were served however, they were bigger than the men’s head’s. After the men finished eating, they were so full from eating the zongzi that they needed medical help. 

Some well known regions with recognizable dishes include the Sichuan region, which specializes in spicy, hot, food, the Guangdong region, where every dish is known for being fresh, and more.

A lot of the time, in areas where it is harder to store food, more ingredients are added into dishes to make up for the lack of freshness.

The first form of cooking used commonly was to roast your food. Later on, people started to boil and steam food. Frying your food only became popular later on in the Song dynasty.

Food was, and still is a very important part of holidays. For example, during the mid-autumn festival, mooncakes are an essential part of the celebrations. During the new year celebrations, dumplings are a must have. During the dragon boat festival, Zongzi are very symbolic.

A very common misconception is that Beijing makes very good ducks. The truth is, the people of Beijing are really just good at roasting ducks. Meanwhile, there is a saying that no duck ever leaves the south alive. 

Another interesting fact that not many people know about is that people in ancient China didn’t sit together when they ate. Instead, they had separate tables. Only later on in the Yuan dynasty, when the Mongolian traditions came into China did people start eating together. It is because of this, that hot pots only became popular later on, after the Yuan dynasty.

The fact is, no matter where you go in China, delicious food of all types is everywhere.