Food in China

Posted on Thursday, December 24, 2009

Regional Cuisine Specialties

With an inexhaustible variety of dishes to pick from in China, here are some culinary specialties you just can't miss during your travels:

• Beijing-Peking duck
• Hong Kong-Dim sum
• Szechuan-A hot-pot meal (Chinese fondue)
• Shanghai-Shanghai river crabs

Dining Do's and Don'ts

Here are some (un)common courtesies to consider when dining in China.

• In contrast to western rules, slurping is considered an acceptable way to cool down hot soup. Also, since rice is difficult to eat with chopsticks, it's perfectly normal to lift the bowl from the table and scoop it into your mouth.
• Before refilling your teacup, extend the courtesy of refilling the cups of fellow guests at the table, even if they are not empty.
• Many Americans were told as children to clean their plates when eating. But in China, eating the last piece of food on the table is an insult-signifying that he or she did not serve enough food for the guests.
• If placed incorrectly, chopsticks can be omens of bad luck. Standing them in your bowl after dinner replicates a sign of death-incense sticks standing in a bowl of ashes.

Southeast Asia Cuisine

Posted on Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Nam pla is a sauce based on preserved seafood, normally anchovies, but at times they also use dried shrimp. It is found in most Thai or Vietnamese kitchens and is a vital ingredient for hot and sour soup.

Toasted sesame oil is common in Vietnamese cooking for a fresh sauce, added to fresh lime juice, a dash of soy sauce, some chopped fresh green chili and scallions along with a pinch of sugar.  It goes especially well with spring rolls and lettuce wraps.

Rice is an essential accompaniment to most southeast-Asian meals. Try adding sweet rice vinegar as a condiment to the rice.

Coconut milk, lemon grass, chili and kaffir lime leaves are widely used. Thai basil is also popular, and has a very different flavor than Mediterranean basil.

Keep in mind that Southeast Asia covers Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, so food does vary from one region to another. Thai food is the most popular cuisine coming out of this region.