How to eat at an authentic Chinese restaurant?
Eating Chinese food at a typical authentic Chinese restaurant is generally very social. People sit around the table to share a selection of different dishes that are placed in the center of the table instead of each having their own.
How is food shared in a Chinese restaurant?
In Chinese restaurants, the many different dishes on the menu are usually shared. Eating Chinese food at a typical authentic Chinese restaurant is generally very social. People sit around the table to share a selection of different dishes that are placed in the center of the table instead of each having their own.
What are Your Favorite Chinese dishes?
Soups, Sides, Desserts, and Snacks 1 Chinese Soups 2 Steamed (Stuffed) Buns 3 Chinese Dumplings 4 Tofu Dishes 5 Vegetarian Dishes 6 Favorite Chinese Desserts 7 Chinese Snacks
What is the Chinese menu?
A variety of dishes that people share are selected and placed in the middle of the table. Chinese menus are often helpfully separated into sections such as "rice dishes", "noodle dishes", "vegetables", and "beverages" (see food type links below), and they are not usually separated into sections such as "lunch" and "dinner" as in Western menus.
How many meat dishes can you have in a 5 person party?
This means that if you have a group of 5 people, you might select 2 meat dishes and 3 vegetable dishes, but it's up to you. Appetizers, entrees, or desserts are optional as is the choice of beverages.
Why do people sit at the table?
People sit around the table to share a selection of different dishes that are placed in the center of the table instead of each having their own. This can make eating Chinese food rather fun. It is customary in China to select one dish for each person at the table.
Is there a "just in time" approach to eating in China?
Unlike in the West, where at most sit-down restaurants, the whole meal is prepared and served at one time, in China there's a "just in time" approach. The cooks will usually decide to cook the dishes in an order that makes sense to them, and the dishes will arrive at varying times when they are ready.
Is there kosher food in China?
Unfortunately, kosher restaurants and restaurants catering for food allergies are almost non-existent in China. If you have a food allergy or other requirements, see How to Handle Food Allergies When Traveling in China for help on explaining to the restaurant staff how they should prepare your food.
Is tea provided in China?
Customary Provided Beverages. Tea is customarily provided in China's restaurants. Drinks are also optional. Unlike what you might assume, tea is not provided as a matter of course in all regions of China, though it is provided in many local-style restaurants in regions such as Guangdong and Hong Kong.
Can Chinese menus be written in English?
In China your first Chinese restaurant visits and use of Chinese menus might cause frustration, especially if the menus are not written in English and there aren't pictures of the dishes. Here you'll learn what Chinese menus are like and how to use them.
