By Busayo Onijala
Chinese cuisine, with its diverse flavours and communal dining tradition, reflects a culture of sharing and togetherness, making it a tool for cultural exchange between China and other countries.
Kevin Zou, Tour guide, GZL Tours, China, described China’s diverse cuisine as an important expression of the country’s culture, hospitality and tradition of bringing people together.
Zou told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that China’s geographical spread had produced distinct culinary traditions, with foods reflecting the history, environment and lifestyles of different regions.
He said the diversity was evident in cuisines from southern, northern, eastern and western parts of the country, noting that Cantonese cuisine was known for its delicate preparation and respect for ingredients.
The guide identified Cantonese, Sichuan, Shandong and cuisines from the Jiangnan region, including Shanghai, among major Chinese culinary traditions, each with distinct tastes and preparation methods.
He described Beijing roast duck as a traditional speciality of Northern China, saying that roasted goose was among the well-known dishes associated with Cantonese cuisine.
According to him, Cantonese cuisine places emphasis on preserving the natural taste of ingredients as well as careful preparation, presentation and cutting techniques.
He said Sichuan cuisine, particularly hotpot, had also gained popularity because of its spicy taste and communal dining experience.
“The communal nature of Chinese dining is central to our food culture as it is traditionally centred around a round table, which allows everyone to sit together and share different dishes.
“This is Chinese culture. It is an eating culture which brings people together. That is the idea behind the round table,” he said.
Zou said Chinese cuisine had gained international popularity partly because of its variety as it offered different tastes and dining experiences across countries.
“Experiencing different Chinese dishes can provide foreigners with an opportunity to understand aspects of Chinese culture beyond food.
“The communal character of Chinese meals can also create opportunities for people from different cultural backgrounds to interact and build relationships.
“Food creates an informal space for conversation and understanding,” he said.
NAN reports that Chinese cuisine has also become increasingly accessible to Nigerians, with Nigerian restaurants offering Chinese dishes in different parts of the country.
Miss Temitope Komolafe, a private chef specialising in intercontinental cuisine, said food was one of the easiest ways to introduce people to a culture.
“You do not need to speak the same language to appreciate a good meal.
“Nigerians have a strong food culture of their own; so, introducing Chinese cuisine is an opportunity for two food cultures to learn from each other,” she said.
Komolafe said culinary exchanges could go beyond introducing people to new flavours, as they could also create opportunities for people to appreciate the traditions and values associated with another culture. (NAN)