Rice versus Bread

The curiosity imbued in youthfulness allows one to more easily acquire the taste and appreciation for a new culture’s cuisine. I was an inquisitive 21 year old the summer of 1997, I joined a tour trip to China, with 12 foreign language professors and 12 students $800 all inclusive, 12 cities in 15 days. Always a good sign, the first thing I noticed in Beijing was the huge number of restaurants, which meant that variety is abundant. Despite that observation, by day two, all 12 professors complained about the lack of a Western breakfast. The rice porridge (? zhou) and boiled peanuts were not fit and all they wanted was toasted bread and good coffee for breakfast. Coffee and bread for breakfast are not Chinese food staples, at least not back in 1997. I was witnessing “Culture Shock” in these 12 American professors. By day 3 they were upset about lunch and dinner as well! I remember feeling bad for them, as they all looked so unhappy every time we sat down for a meal. I was also delighted to know that their lack of appetite only meant, more food for me! I decided to stay in China 1 year. I became aware of the importance of the gathering at the table. The conversation would begin by focusing on the dish, the ingredients, how it was prepared and perhaps a story of where it came from. This is what makes eating in China, and perhaps throughout Asia so different than in America. In China people eat like this daily, whereas in America this would be considered a detailed affair only fit for the holidays. In 1997 China, people celebrated the holiday of food every day. Perhaps this has changed since then, with the introduction of American fast food franchises, which have since led to the rise of diabetes and obesity. But I have a good feeling that the real food culture in China, the one that brings family and friends together, will never change. The concept known as “Nourishing Life” ?? (yang sheng), has been a part of their philosophy since ancient times. Their love for food is embedded in there being. Sharing a meal is one of the most prominent social acts in the fabric of their society. My teacher instructed me, that even the smallest grain of rice should not be neglected and is to be eaten, in order to show respect for the farmer who grew it. These are words I live by, because as you may know, as far as carbohydrates go, a bowl of rice packs more punch than a slice of bread.