About Chinese Cuisine

It is often said that the Chinese are a lucky people for where ever they go they can always have hometown food.

Such is the popularity of Chinese cuisine.

Chinese food preparation reached a peak during the Qing Dynasty (1645-1911). During this time, a style of cooking and food preparation called the Man Han Quan Xi was created. This style encouraged the preparation and serving of many dishes, each with its own distinctive flavour and appeal. "Ä veritable banquet in preparation and presentation".

From this point on Chinese cuisine has been broken down into what is called the four flavours (pungent, sweet, sour, & bitter) and eight cuisines employing the full range of cooking techniques; frying, braising, simmering, boiling, baking, steaming, crisping and stewing. When completed a Chinese meal is arranged on a variety of plates so it can be viewed, smelled and savoured. Prepared mostly into bite sized pieces for chop stick usage the whole meal oozes daintiness in the dishes, aesthetics and visual appeal.

Traditional Chinese meals consist of two components. Firstly, a starch or carbohydrate source such as rice, noodles, pancakes, or steamed buns mantou. The second component consists of various dishes of vegetables, meat, fish, soup and other delicacies cooked in a variety of methods described above.

In the north of China, conditions aren't favourable for rice cultivation so barley, millet, wheat and soybeans are the staple with noodles and breads filling out the meals. In the south rice is the dominant staple.

Desserts aren't common in Chinese cuisine, rather sweets or sweet dishes are often introduced during the course of the meal. If desserts are to be served, they are generally fruits such a sliced oranges. Another dessert is a sweet soup made from red beans and sugar and served warm.

Cold drinks are also considered harmful to digestion so hot drinks like tea and soup are usually served with meals.

The art of enjoying Chinese cuisine to the full involves combining excellent food with good manners. The practice of presenting the best or finest foods to the family elders first has been practiced for generations and is why Chinese is one of the richest and diverse culinary heritages in the world.

Comparisons are made between the eating etiquette of China, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam.

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