Many future visitors of China try to prepare themselves for the indigenous Food culture by visiting their local Chinese restaurant. When you arrive in China you will find yourself very disappointed in your Chinese food back at home. Authentic Chinese food tastes completely different, in a positive way, than what you might have tried already outside of China. True, the Chinese kitchen hygiene standards are a bit lower than western restaurants but this shouldn’t stop you from eating out during your stay. I can assure you that you will eat some of the finest meals here you ever had. I do understand that you might be a bit sceptic at first. We all heard the exaggerated urban legends about the Chinese food habits. However as you discover the culinary scene step by step, I can guarantee that you will fall in love. Read on to find out how to take your first steps in this richly diverse food scene.

Where not to eat

First and foremost, try not to eat fast food you can eat at home like McDonalds or KFC. It will be tempting to fall back on what you know, but don’t do it. I don’t want to sound like the cocky expat who feigns disappointment or a sense of disbelief when someone doesn’t try the local food. I am saying this for your own health. Fast food chain kitchens already have a pretty low reputation when it comes to hygiene in general. This is no different in China. In my six years I have been living in China I have been sick one time from the food and this was after a visit to a KFC restaurant. After spending a week in bed I solemnly swore to never eat at a fast food restaurant again. By now there are so many western style restaurants in China that whenever you feel homesick you might prefer to spend a few more yuan than rolling the junk food dice.

In general, yes, the hygienic standards for Chinese restaurant kitchens are a bit lower than the US or Europe. This does not mean that eating at a small noodle place or ordering a meat skewer at a food stall will give you food poisoning. The general rule is to check the attendance at peak hours. If there are many people at the restaurant, it’s definitely safe to go and eat there. It will even be good. However if there is nobody there during lunch or dinner time, you might want to take your meal somewhere else. This is a general rule that you probably uphold at home as well. Like this you will quickly find out which restaurants and bars are worth a visit and which ones you should avoid.

Also, the competitiveness among foreign restaurants is soaring nowadays. One bad review can make the difference between profit and loss. Therefore, such restaurants will always maintain impeccable clean kitchens and dining floors in general. If your trust issues linger, you can always eat there and feel perfectly safe. As aforementioned, prepare to spend some more there.

Fresh food

Local Chinese food is delicious because of its freshness. Vegetables and meat are bought on a daily basis so you can be sure that what you are eating was bought only the day before. Also you can see chefs make their noodles on the spot. Their swiftness and efficiency shows that they have been doing this for many years on end.

On top of all of this freshness, China’s local food contains very little calories. There is almost no fat in their meals, which they compensate by an abundance of oils and sauces. The rice and noodles, made out of dough, are high on carbs but this won’t make you put on any extra weight. You will most likely lose some weight if you indulge in noodle and rice dishes.

Start practicing

Last but not least, you should prepare to eat with sticks. Chinese restaurants do not provide you with a knife and fork but only have sticks, and sometimes spoons, at hand. Therefore, if you don’t want to make a fool out of yourself, you’d better get some practice in before you dig into your first noodle meal. From dumplings to slices of potatoes and a grain of rice, Chinese diners can pick up everything with this plain cutlery. Get some exercise in picking up small and larger food items but don’t panic if it doesn’t work at first. You’ll get all the hands-on experience you need here.

I hope that by reading this you have settled some of your worries, but mainly became a lot more eager to discover the local Chinese kitchen and eating habits. As quite a few people you might struggle a bit in the beginning. Remember to not worry if you get homesick food wise. The Chinese restaurant scene can offer you a bite to eat from every corner of the world. I have no doubt however that, as you spend some time here, the local dishes will start to look more and more appetizing to you. Step out of your comfort zone, take up your sticks and fall in love with the Chinese food culture, one noodle or rice dish at the time. You will definitely miss the Chinese food once you get back home.

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