Chinese Cuisine: Familiar, but not really

“Hey, let’s order Chinese takeout. Everybody in?” Your five senses perk up with the sights, smells and tastes of Pot stickers, crab rangoon’s, orange chicken, and dumplings. But, contrary to popular belief, Chinese cultural cuisines surpass the local Panda Express’s Menu. China is a huge power located in Eastern-Asia, and it has a rich history that makes the food that much special. After Mongolian control, fourteen great dynasties, Western excursion, World War one divisions, communism, and Forest Gump beating the Chinese in Ping Pong, the culture still stands strong and resonates the roots of Chinese ideals from each fantastic period of their history. What is even more fantastic is that the food captures each dynasty, each emperor, and each historical adventure the country has been through. This same historical influence on food is also found in American culture, which is only one of the similarities that Chinese culture and American Culture share. China is also just like the United States, in where different regions bring up different food palates. Like did you know the eight different regional districts of china; Chuan, Cantonese, Lu, Min, Su, Xiang, Hui, and Zhe, all have unique cuisine types? Me neither, and that is why I am so captivated and interested in researching Chinese Culture. The Chinese culture, identical to its food, will be full of surprises; not to mention delicious to learn about. And hopefully, my journey will lead to learning about the strict dining etiquette, the Chinese methods of cooking such intrigue, complex foods, and the foods associated with each special festival in the Chinese calendar year. And  hey, maybe I will try some fried rice throughout the expierence. 

http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Chinese_history