Five thousand years of Chinese culture, breeds five thousand years of Chinese flavor
The Philosophy of Yin –Yang （the two opposing principles in nature）&Five elements, The Ethical Concept of Confucian Ethics.
Chinese cooking skills and profound Chinese food culture are developed based upon Chinese nutrition and health theory, artistic achievements in food industry, authentic diet from majorities etc. Four major characristics of the beauty of Chinese food culture include : "Nutrition based theory", "Remix of five foundamental seasonings”, “Inter-changeable cooking method & ingridients”, and “spirital & emotional satisfaction”. These characteristics differentiate it from food of other cultures and make it unique and popular.
In Chinese culture, food is not only for daily living, but also contains a sense of celebration. For example, when a new born arrives in a family, family members, relatives and friends will get together to have red-coated ege to represent their congratulation; “Ege” represents the wish of extension of one’s life with more children to carry on the family trandition and the ancestral line.
In this regard, Chinese food culture as well represent social significance with five thoursand years of contineous emerging and development.
“Craftsmanship, Beauty, Connection and Etiquette” are the fundamental elements of Chinese food culture. It represents food quality, emotional experience, and its social connection. It interprets the connection between Chinese culture and its food tradition.
Craftmanship: Confucius once said: "there is never too much refinement in food preparation nor too much details in cooking”. This is the primary spirit ingragrate the entire foor preparation process from raw material selection, side dish design, cooking, food presentation and the dining experience design.
Beauty: Chinese food becomes popular in almot all nations around the world for its beauty – not only the taste, but also the presentation that brings emotional and spiritual satisfaction.
Mr. Sun Yat-sen （The Father of Modern China） once said: " Craftmanship in taste is the spirit of Chinese cooking”. "Yans Spring and Autumn" (an ancient Chinese history book) made a similar statement in 770 B.C.
Connection: Chinese food party carries more significance rather than just a social event. It connects people at all different level. While people enjoy food around a dinner table, you would be able to chichat, discuss business, exchange informations, conduct an interview, friends and beloved ones return from a trip or leaving for one. You may even resolve a conflict by a nice meal and a bottle of beer or wine. In acient time, “Tea House” used to be designated place for people to get together for chichat over a cup of tea (equivelent to a cup of coffee in the U.S.) and snacks, enjoy authetic entertainments like story telling and local drama show; Moreover, you could critic and complain about the central government. In this regard, Chinese food also plays a role of emotional therapy which helps for stress management and nurture one’s spirit.Etiquette: Similar to formal dining in the U.S., formal Chinese food party is very particilar with its etiquette, from seating arrangement, tableware setting and sequence of dishes to be served. You may see them as etiquette or ethics. This element is one of the key elements of Chinese Food Culture.
In summary, Chinese food culture is consist of four key elements - Craftmanship, beauty, Connection, and Etiqutte. This culture will not complete if any one of these element is missing.
Crafemanship and Beauty primarily focus on food quality and its presentation; While Connection and Etiqutte refer to emotional experience and its social function. These elements are inter-dependent. Craftmanship brings out beauty; beauty brings emotional satisfaction thus encourage connection; when everyone is well connected in harmony, thus comply with etiqutte.