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Chinese Food Culture
A Bite of China
is a series
of food documentary produced by CCTV and totally
has 7 episodes. It tells the histories
and stories behind Chinese cuisine:
the
meaning and the symbol each represents;
the relation between the nature and
the
people; the creation of unique foods and
traditional recipes. Every Chinese
is
proud
of
their
food
culture.
Get
to
know
Chinese
life
philosophy
and
the
respect
they have for the nature and food. This is the
video you can't miss.
In
fact
the documentary
shows
more everyday
food
which
is consumed and
appreciated
by
all
Chinese,
while
fine
Chinese
cuisine
more
emphasizes
technique, flavor and style, but it is
under the same philosophy. If you have a
chance to watch through this series,
I'm sure you will get a comprehension of
not just food but also traditional
Chinese culture, with a better sense of life for
most
Chinese
people,
whether
in
the
city
or
countryside,
and
also
the
huge
diversity in China.
Episode 2----The Story of
Staple food
Rice
Rice
is
a
major
staple
food
for
people
from
rice
farming
areas
in
southern
China. It is most
commonly eaten in the form of steamed rice. Rice
is also used
to produce beers, wines
and vinegars.
Noodles
Chinese noodles come dry or fresh in a
variety of sizes, shapes and textures
and
are
often
served
in
soups
or fried
as
toppings.
Some
varieties,
such as
Shou Mian
(
寿面
, literally noodles of
longevity), are symbolic of long life and
good health according to Chinese
tradition.
筷子
[kuà
i zi]
Chopsticks
China
is
the
hometown
of
chopsticks.
The
culture
of
chopsticks
has
a
long
history in China. The
tradition of using chopsticks as tableware was
introduced
to many other countries in
the world such as Vietnam, North Korea and South
Korea.
The
invention of chopsticks reflects the wisdom of
Chinese ancient people. A
pair
of
chopsticks,
though
they
look
simple,
can
nip,
pick,
rip
and
stir
food.
Nowadays, chopsticks are considered to
be lucky gifts for marriage and other
important ceremonies.
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Chopsticks are
small, often tapered, sticks used in pairs of
equal length as the
traditional
eating
utensils
of
China
and
its
Diaspora,
Japan,
Korea,
Vietnam
and Northern
provinces of Laos, Thailand and Burma. Generally
believed to
have
originated
in
ancient
China,
they
can
also
be
found
in
some
areas
of
Tibet
and
Nepal
that
are
close
to
Han
Chinese
populations.
Chopsticks
are
most commonly made of
bamboo or plastic, but are also made of metal,
bone,
ivory, and various types of wood.
The pair of sticks is maneuvered in one hand,
between the thumb and fingers, and used
to pick up pieces of food.
Chinese Etiquette
As a country that pays great attention
to courtesy, our cuisine culture is deep
rooted
in
China's
history.
Chinese
dining
is
about
showing
respect
and
hospitality
for
the
guests.
As
a
visitor
or
guest
in
either
a
Chinese
home
or
restaurant
you
will
find
that
table
manners
are
essential
and
the
distinctive
courtesies
displayed
will
invariably
add
to
the
enjoyment
of
your
meals
and
keep you in high spirits!
Respect First
It
is
really
an
admirable
custom
to
respect
others
at
the
table,
including
the
aged, teachers and guests while taking
good care of children.
Chinese people
stress filial
piety
all
the
time.
The
practice
of
presenting
the
best or fine food first to the senior
members of the family has been observed
for countless generations. In ancient
times the common people led a needy life
but they still tried their best to
support the elder mother or father who took it for
granted.
Although
the
hosts
in
China
are
all
friendly
and
hospitable,
you
should
also
show
them
respect.
Before
starting
to
eat
dinner,
the
host
may
offer
some
words of greeting. Guests should not
start to eat until the host says, ―Please
enjoy
yourself‖
or
something
like
that,
otherwise
it
suggests
disrespect
and
causes displeasure.
When hosts place dishes on the table,
they will arrange the main courses at
the center with the supporting dishes
evenly placed around them. When the
main dishes are prepared in a
decorative form either by cut or other means
they will be placed facing the major
guests and elder people at the table. This
also embodies virtue.
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Chinese Table
Manners
In
Chinese
culture,
it
is
normal to
hold
the
rice
bowl
—
rice
in
China
is
rarely
served on a
plate
—
up to one's mouth and
use chopsticks to push rice directly
into the mouth.
It is acceptable to transfer food to
closely related people (e.g. grandparents,
parents,
spouse,
children,
or
significant
others)
if
they
are
having
difficulty
picking up the food. Also it is a sign
of respect to pass food to the elderly first
before the dinner starts.
It is poor etiquette to tap chopsticks
on the edge of one's bowl, as beggars are
believed to make this noise to attract
attention. It is impolite to spear food with
a
chopstick,
unless
the
food
is
difficult
to
handle,
such
as
fish
balls.
It
is
considered poor etiquette
to point rested chopsticks towards others seated
at
the table.
Chopsticks
should
not
be
left
vertically
stuck
into
a
bowl
of
rice
because
it
resembles the ritual of
incense-burning that symbolizes
death
in general. Holding chopsticks incorrectly will
reflect badly on a child's
parents, who
have the responsibility of teaching their
children.
Serving
chopsticks (
公筷
,
from serving dishes. These chopsticks
are to be returned to the dishes after
one
has
served
oneself,
and
are
often
a
different
colour
from
individuals'
chopsticks.
Chinese Cuisine
Chinese
cuisine
is
any
of
several
styles
originating
in
the
regions
of
China,
some of which have
become highly popular in other parts of the world
–
from
Asia
to
the
Americas,
Australia,
Western
Europe
and
Southern
Africa.
The
history
of
Chinese
cuisine
stretches
back
for
hundreds,
if
not
thousands
of
years,
and
produced
both
change
from
period
to
period
and
variety
in
what
could be called
traditional Chinese food, leading Chinese to pride
themselves
on
eating
a
wide
range
of foods.
Major traditions
include Anhui,
Cantonese,
Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong,
Szechuan, and Zhejiang cuisines.
Eight Culinary Traditions
of China
Chinese dishes may
be categorized as one of the Eight Culinary
Traditions of
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