Chinese Food

Chinese food is probably the most loved international cuisine next to pizzas. Noodles, fried rice, spring rolls, dumplings, aromatic teas, and amazing soups. These comprise the popular Chinese dishes. When we go to a Chinese restaurant, we never forget to order the hot and sour soup, right? Spring rolls or some dumplings may be ordered as appetizers. For a drink people order some of aromatic tea or maybe just a beer or a soft drink. The main course typically is a couple of varieties of their noodles and rice. It is fun to finish off with the fortune cookies and oranges.

However, this is not how the Chinese would have their meal. I came across an interesting article on the Chinese food culture. Here is what it says.

Contrary to popular belief, the Chinese don't normally drink tea during a meal. Tea is enjoyed afterward in a relaxing atmosphere. Besides encouraging conversation, it helps promote digestion.

Just as we like to relax with a cup of coffee after a good meal.

Water or soft drinks aren't served, as the Chinese believe it is unhealthy to serve cold drinks with a meal. A thin soup makes an appetizing substitute.

Huh! And we thought that drinks always accompany any type of meal.

Serve a thick soup for lunch or dinner. Normally you wouldn't serve a thick soup at a meal that has several other dishes.

And guess what, the hot and sour soup classifies into thick soups. So a hot and sour soup is not supposed to be followed by a series of dishes for the main course.

During a banquet, serve a thin soup between courses. Similar to a sorbet, thin soups can cleanse the palate and prepare it for the next course.

Hmm! Isn't that interesting? I think I am going to try and follow this during my next trip to a Chinese restaurant. I must have the hot and sour soup though. I love it! I'll remember to go by the rest of the rules about drinks and main course accordingly.