A comparative study on food culture between China and America
As we know,the people regard food as of fundamental importance.Every country has their own food culture.So this thesis mainly introduces the differences between China and Western culture from culture and differences.
The main difference between Chinese and America eating habits is that unlike the West,where everyone has their own plate of food,in China the dishes are placed on the table and everybody shares.If you are being treated by a Chinese host,you will be prepared for a ton of food.Chinese are very proud of their culture of food and will do their best to give you a taste of many different types of cuisine.Among friends,they will just order enough for the people there.If they are taking somebody out for dinner and the relationship is polite to semi-polite,then they will usually order one more dish than the number of guests.If it is a business dinner or a very formal occasion,there is likely to be a huge amount of food that will be impossible to finish.
Traditionally speaking,there are many prohibitions at Chinese tables,but these days not many people pay attention to them.However,there are a few things to keep in mind,especially if you are a guest at a private home.But you’d better remember these things:
1) Don't stick your chopsticks upright in the rice bowl.Instead,lay them on your dish.The reason for this is that when somebody dies,the shrine to them contains a bowl of sand or rice with two sticks of incense stuck upright in it.So if you stick your chopsticks in the rice bowl,it looks like this shrine and is equivalent to wishing death upon a person at the table!
2) Make sure the spout of the teapot is not facing anyone.It is impolite to set the teapot down where the spout is facing towards somebody.The spout should always be directed to where nobody is sitting,usually just outward from the table.
3) Don't tap on your bowl with your chopsticks.Beggars tap on their bowls,so this is not polite.Also,in a restaurant,if the food is coming too slow people will tap their bowls.If you are in someone's home,it is like insulting the cook.