ABSTRACT
To understand the important role of food in Chinese culture, look no further than the way references to food are used to describe so many different aspects of the lives of Chinese people. Making a living is called “feeding one’s mouth;” a job is called “a rice bowl” or “earning food;” a person who is doing well in life is someone who “eats well everywhere;” a beautiful woman is described as “fit to be eaten;” a popular person is said to have a “mouth-watering aroma;” and someone who is jealous is said to be “drinking vinegar.” In fact, instead of asking “How are you?” a Chinese person may ask, “Have you eaten?” In this chapter, we describe historical differences among eight major Chinese cuisine types that have developed over the millennia, the contemporary restaurant industry, and current restaurant trends. We conclude with an outlook for the future in the Road Ahead section.
