Not Your Typical Prix Fixe V-Day Dinner
EAT Sunday, February 13th, 2011
Sitting on the fact that PDA is frowned upon in China, it seems the Chinese are not all bought on the idea of extravagant romantic gestures. Though it’s deemed shameful by some of our elders to canoodle with our beaus openly, love and unity is well signified in traditional Chinese fare.
A customary Chinese wedding consists of an eight to ten course meal—excluding dessert. Every dish is carefully chosen to wish newlyweds an everlasting and harmonious marriage. While you’re dining over candlelight this Valentine’s Day, give your food some thought and know a few of the Chinese symbolisms behind the dishes on your table.
Meats like chicken and duck hold the meaning of loyalty and fertility, while roast pork represents virginity (great for men to present to their fiancés’ parents upon an introductory meeting). If you’re planning to do dinner in Chinatown, you’re likely find sea cucumber on the menu. Don’t let its name mislead you; it’s not a vegetarian option. Sea cucumbers are a seafood delicacy that signifies peace and accord among a couple, and is also believed to be an aphrodisiac; might just be the perfect after-food following a lovers’ quarrel. For more on these dishes, check out CHCP.org.
So this V-Day, forget the chocolates and heart-shaped candies. Treat your date to a hearty meal and profess your love, wedding banquet style. Who knows? When you’re pointing out what each of your menu selections means, he/she will probably get the hint at going for something more long-term.
Short URL: http://blogs.aaja.org/ourchinatown/?p=347
Posted by Michelle Jiang
on Feb 13 2011. Filed under EAT.
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There seems to be meaning behind many Chinese dishes, as well as, etiquette. This reminded me of an article I came across: http://www.cnngo.com/shanghai/eat/5-chinese-eating-habits-explained-311204#ixzz1CMgoLRJz
Although I am familiar with some of the meaning discussed, the stories behind them are quite interesting. It’s fun to think about these things and to know that eating can be so much more than just eating!
Who needs chocolate and candy when you can have yummy chicken and duck.
Very insightful. I’ve been to multiple Chinese weddings and I never knew that there was any meaning behind the food. I think my favorites the red bean soup though.
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