Chinese Breakfast: How is it different to Western Breakfast?
When comparing Western and Chinese breakfast, the differences can be rather fascinating! They range from traditional and cultural aspects to differences in the food itself. If we want to understand Chinese culture, it is very important for us to take an extra look just at culinary aspects, as they are rich and reflect much of Chinese tradition. Today, we’ll be looking at exactly this point and lead you through two aspects of Chinese breakfast: culinary aspects and traditional implications of ‘breakfast’ for Chinese culture!
Culinary Aspects – Major Differences Between Western and Chinese Breakfast
Starting from flavours, Western breakfasts often include a mix of sweet and savoury items. In contrast, Chinese breakfast are predominantly savoury, emphasizing umami flavours. When it comes to ingredients and preparation, breakfasts in the West frequently involve dairy products like milk and cheese, while Chinese breakfasts lean towards soy products, rice, and wheat-based items. Steamed buns (包子 bāo zi) are on of the most often consumed items, as well as fried dough sticks (油条 yóu tiáo) and pancakes (煎饼 jiān bing). Additionally, most popular items include tofu pudding, wheat or rice noodles. Let’s look at some more examples down below!
Congee (粥 – Zhōu)
Congee is a rice porridge that is a staple in many Chinese households. It is typically made by boiling rice with a lot of water until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. Congee can be served plain or flavoured with various ingredients such as meat (chicken, pork), preserved eggs, vegetables, and condiments like soy sauce, pickles, and spring onions. It is a warm, comforting dish that is easy to digest and provides sustained energy.
- Click here to learn how to make Chinese Congee at home
Steamed Buns (包子 – Bāozi)
Bāozi 包子 are soft, fluffy steamed buns with various fillings, making them a beloved staple of Chinese breakfast cuisine. Unlike the plain steamed buns called 馒头 (Mántou), which are usually solid and have no filling, Bāozi 包子 are stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings. Common options include minced pork, vegetables, or sweet red bean paste. The dough is made from wheat flour, which is kneaded and then steamed to perfection, giving Bāozi their characteristic pillowy texture. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, there’s a Bāozi filling to satisfy every palate. These buns are often enjoyed warm, straight from the steamer, making them a comforting and convenient breakfast option.
Fried Dough Sticks (油条 – Yóutiáo)
Youtiao, also known as Chinese crullers or fried dough sticks, are long, golden-brown, deep-fried strips of dough. They are often enjoyed with soy milk or congee. The outside is crispy while the inside remains airy and slightly chewy. Youtiao is usually not sweet, making it a versatile companion to savoury dishes. Dipping youtiao in hot soy milk (豆浆 – Dòujiāng) is a popular way to enjoy it!
煎饼 (Jiānbǐng) – Pancake
Jianbing is a type of savoury Chinese crepe, made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour spread thinly over a griddle. It is typically filled with a beaten egg, chopped scallions, coriander, and sometimes lettuce. Additional fillings can include fried dough sticks, pickles, and hoisin sauce or chili paste for extra flavour. Jianbing is often folded into a compact, portable form, making it a popular street food breakfast.
锅贴 (Guōtiē) – Pan-fried dumplings
Guōtiē 锅贴, also known as potstickers, are pan-fried dumplings that are crispy on the bottom and tender on the top, offering a delightful contrast in texture with every bite. The dumpling wrappers are typically filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and fragrant seasonings like ginger and garlic. After being folded into a half-moon shape, Guōtiē are first fried to create a golden, crispy base and then steamed to cook the filling thoroughly. This dual-cooking method gives the dumplings their signature texture—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Guōtiē are often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil, making them a deliciously satisfying breakfast or snack.
豆腐脑 (Dòufu Nǎo) – Tofu Pudding
Dòufu Nǎo 豆腐脑, also known as tofu pudding, is a silky, savory dish made from soft, delicate tofu that has a custard-like texture. It is a versatile breakfast item that can be served either sweet or savory, depending on regional preferences. In its savory form, Dòufu Nǎo is often topped with soy sauce, chopped scallions, pickled vegetables, and sometimes a drizzle of chili oil for a bit of heat. The tofu is so tender that it melts in your mouth, making for a soothing start to the day. This dish is commonly enjoyed with a spoon, allowing you to scoop up the rich flavors along with the smooth tofu.
Beverage
A common beverage to accompany these dishes is Soy Milk (豆浆 – Dòujiāng). Fresh soy milk can be served either hot or cold, and it pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like youtiao. Another popular option is Chinese Tea (茶 – Chá), which varies from green to oolong to black.
Chinese Breakfast – Dining Culture
The cultural backdrop of Chinese breakfast revolves around harmony, family togetherness, and the importance of starting the day with nutritious food. In the West, breakfast can be a quick meal eaten on the go. In China, breakfast is traditionally seen as an opportunity for family bonding and is often enjoyed together at the table.
So, in Chinese culture, breakfast is a time for family members to sit together, converse, and share their plans for the day. It is believed that a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Hey, there definitely is truth in this!
It’s important to show respect and gratitude, especially to elders. Some key points of etiquette include:
- Seating Arrangement: Elders are usually seated first and served first as a sign of respect.
- Manners: Chewing quietly and not speaking with a full mouth are considered polite. It’s also customary to wait for the eldest to start eating before everyone else begins.
- Phrases: Common phrases include “慢慢吃” (màn man chī), meaning “eat slowly (~enjoy the meal)” or “谢谢” (xièxiè) – “thank you,” which is often said at the end of the meal. While eating, parents or the elderly may fill ones plate with food to try, whereby a common phrase is “你吃” (nǐ chī), meaning “(you) eat!” (~have a try/eat up).
There are more manners and “etiquette” to follow when it comes to Chinese dining culture. For breakfast, however, and for the purpose of this article, it is not necessary to go too deep into etiquette. But Chinese eating etiquette has much more points to be discussed, and is a very important topic which we will look at in the future!
All in all, Chinese breakfast is an important part of the day, with a diversity of dishes and treats, and it reinforces family bonds and cultural values. You can tell how essential it is when you realise what a vast diversity of dishes there are to Chinese cuisine. Of course, then, breakfast – “smaller” meals – too feature special items!
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