Home >> Specials >> Food Tour >> More Information About Chinese Food >> Full Text

Cultural mentality is reflected in the diet

放大图片 放大图片
Chinese philosophy emphasizes “the nature and the people as one.” This kind of cultural mentality is reflected in the diet, by way of the food and the eater’s harmonious co-existence and growth. Therefore, there are many taboos in the daily Chinese diet.
From daily diets, the Chinese have learned about and discovered lots of “no-no’s.” Such as: breakfast cannot not be dry foods or eggs only: no smoking during meals; no watching TV when eating; and never get angry during a meal. Before and after meals, drinking too much water or having cold drinks are not recommended; strong tea and fruits are also advised against. After physical exercise, too much sugar would also be inappropriate. The list goes on and on.
For some people, these taboos to daily food intake are not worthy of concern. However, as soon as one feels discomfort or it is during special times such as pregnancy, these taboos must not be taken lightly.