Anthropology expert, Richard Wilk, explains that food is the first relationship a person experiences as a human. It is also the first social experience. Three times a day, throughout the year - it's hard to give up something that has been both, in your past and present. Food - is connected to our family and culture. It's in fact an identity you cannot lose right away because the food we consume, maps who we are.
For the Chinese, eating has always been a feast. An important time of the day that connects them with everyone. But what's healthy about that?
The fresh ingredients, every day
Chinese shops everyday for the fresh foods in traditional market and cook at home. Especially for the older people; they take time to cook and eat at home. They bargain for vegetables almost every day. Outsiders can imagine how these Chinese foods are prepared using the freshest ingredients in the market.
Chinese tea and yum cha
The Chinese snacks over sample-sized of delectable steamed foods. The bite size meal allows them to taste variety of dishes in moderate portion. Yum cha, literally means, "drink tea" - a very popular routine for brunch in Chinese homes or when they attend a social event to gather with friends and family. The dim sum options are commonly healthy and fulfilling - the dumplings, the buns, the rolls - and most of all, the antioxidant-rich Chinese tea that aids digestion.
The family-eating style
The Chinese mothers cook with big portions so everyone can share the dishes together. Round table is often associated with the Chinese culture because this shape can help them socialize with the others. Mealtime is important to them.
Foods served in courses
A typical Chinese dinner consists of fish or meat, vegetables, soup and rice. Soup before food is nourishing and it controls appetite. Chinese are not fond of desserts but when they do, they are not ice cream or cake. Most of the time, it's fruits.
