Differences in Chinese and Western cuisine

To welcome us, CISabroad treated us with a typical Chinese dinner at our hotel. It was an eye opener for me to eat with a bunch of Americans in China. It was interesting watching Americans trying Chinese food as most of them were not exposed to these type of food. Their expressions were priceless when they see a dish which they have not seen before. We sat at a round table and shared the different dishes.

So many dishes!

Round table

Me and roommate! 

Being able to experience American culture as well as Chinese culture, I could do a comparison between the food of two cultures.

What is the difference between Chinese and Western food?

Forks & Knives Versus Chopsticks

Ingredients in food

The way Chinese food is prepared is different than the way Western food is prepared. Chinese tend to cut their ingredients into small pieces whereas Westerners tend to cook their ingredients in big pieces and cut their food on their plates with knives and forks. Ingredients used in Chinese cuisines such as ginger, garlic, spring onion, white pepper, soy sauce, bean curd, oyster sauce, black bean sauce etc. are not usually found in Western cuisines which contain milk, cheese and butter. 

Chopsticks Versus Forks and Knives

Chinese normally eat their food with chopsticks whereas Westerners eat their food with forks and knives. 

Chinese goes wild

If you look into the type of food Chinese eat, everything you name can be considered a dish. Fish, chicken, duck, goose, octopus, shrimp, deer, dog, pig, eel, jellyfish, squid etc. With all the animals listed, Chinese also eat the different parts of the animals such as chicken feet, fish head, pig intestines etc. No doubt Chinese food is a lot wilder than Western food.  

Cooking Methods
Chinese have a wide variety of ways to cook their food, from steamed, boiled, braised, stewed, baked, burnt, burst, grilled, fried and mixed.

Dining etiquette
The Chinese have their food in a round table where you have a turntable of different dishes. They usually share the dishes with a whole group of people. On the other hand, the westerners show respect for individuality. They usually eat their own dish which they ordered. 

I am glad that I am able to experience both types of cuisines. Personally, I still prefer Chinese cuisines. :)