Interview

I recorded this video in Manchester Tai pan Chinese restaurant,I interviewed a beautiful girl, her name is Sadie, she comes from China. She said it is one of the most classic restaurant have seafood, furthermore the price of this restaurant was very cheap and good service. Her favourate dish was lobster and crab.

Movie maker

Hey, when you go to supermarket, which products do you pay more attention to? I prefer frozen food and fresh fruit. This video is made by movie marker, and mainly introduces these frozen food and fresh fruit in the M&S supermarket. Have a look, do you feel hungry now?



These photos were taken by myself in Preston M&S supermarket
This video was edited by myself.

Chinese Food Safety

Food safety has long been a hot issue all around the world. After all, food is the source of the nutrients and energy that we are in great need of. Illnesses that are caused by our daily eaten food can be fatal and in large scale. As a result, it can easily and immediately become a hot topic and cause great panic among people who have been consuming and relying on the food.

No one can ever deny that food safety has been the top ten topics discussed by scholars, critics, politicians, and common people. Food safety crisis in China first begins when the “Sudan Red I” incident broke out in 2005. Many well-known food products, including KFC, are found to contain Sudan Red I, an industrially used chemical that can lead to cancer. Since then, Chinese people find themselves getting more and more used to alarming food safety scandals. Soon, a significant number of incidents draw the attention of Chinese people and people from all around the world. The incidents below are among the large number of scandals which destroy the faith Chinese food consumers hold on the products.

2008
Several domestic milk manufacturers are involved in a high-profile melamine contamination scandal. Thousands of babies and infants nationwide are affected
• Man-made jujube appears in the Urumqi market, infused with soluble saccharin and sodium cyclamate liquid in order to make them taste better
2007
• Big White Rabbit toffee, a famous Chinese candy brand, is found to contain formaldehyde and other deleterious substances in the Philippines
• Longfeng and Sinian, two famous frozen food companies, are found to have made products that contain pathogenic bacteria
2006
• In Beijing, 70 people who ate snails are confirmed to be affected with thelaziasis
• In Wuhan, Hubei, man-made honey syrup is found to have been injected with many kinds of chemicals such as thickening agents, sweetening agents, antiseptics etc.
• A batch of pork from Zhejiang poisons 336 people in Shanghai due to high amounts of thin carnosine
• In Yangjiang, all Jiudu fish samples from 7 big agricultural markets are found to contain the antiseptic formaldehyde at ten times higher than the permitted level
• Some red yolk salty duck eggs produced by a Hebei plant is found to contain tonyred, which improves the color of the food
The source of the timetable above is from The China Sourcing Blog http://www.chinasourcingblog.org
The skepticism laid upon Chinese food safety reached its peak when the majority of Chinese milk companies were accused of producing tainted dairy products which deprived thousands of children and infants of their lives and health. Though the leader of Sanlu Dairy Product Company has been punished and sentenced to death, people no longer believe in Chinese produced food.
Many people wonder why so many food safety crises have arisen during the past five years in China. As far as I am concerned, these problems are not merely caused by isolated reasons such as negligence. Instead, they are closely related to a series of cultural, political and economic factors.
To begin with, the key to the unsafe food problem is that the manufacturers are not responsible. Responsibility is in great demand in our food production process. It should be treasured as seriously as profit is. When we take a look at the life of our ancestors, we’ll clearly realize how lack of responsibility leads to deaths, problems and social panic. In ancient times, many products are handmade. People make them, including food, clothes, shoes, etc. for individual use. For example, the baskets are used and produced by the same person. That’s why the baskets are of so good quality that it can even hold boiling water. What’s more, the Eskimo skin boats are built to carry the family members and relatives of the producers. That’s why they scarcely are confronted with accidents and could survive storms. In other words, since the producers are responsible and care about the consumers and users of the products, the products are reliable. However, food producers in China are irresponsible. What they think about is their money and profits. Such consideration as the health of their customers is none of their business. Some even try to induce more people to buy their tainted food while making their family away from the food. No one realizes that the life of other people is as precious as ours and it’s the basic quality of a manufacturer to be responsible.
What’s more, China’s lagging legal system regarding food safety also contributes to the problem. China’s economic miracle during the past years has been the pride of Chinese people. At the same time, the development of its legal system cannot keep up with the incredibly rapid development of its economy. The legal framework is still being modified and the limited laws and regulations cannot cover all situations nowadays. As a result, many food companies begin to make use of the gap and unsafe food are produced without being known or noticed. Luckily, China’s top legislature has noticed the problem and is approving new food safety laws. On June 1, 2009, China Food Safety Law which aimed at enhancing monitoring and supervision was approved. This is a start and I hope the government can further effective measures.
Last but not the least, the severe competition among the food producing companies forces them to violate the laws. You can hardly imagine the severe competition among the companies. In China, the number of food production companies is increasing at a rapid speed. At the same time, few famous brands really stand out except the foreign ones such as KFC, McDonalds, Coca Cola, etc. A lot of small or middle sized companies spring out and they imitate the production mode of large companies. Every company has to try their best to make their products more attractive, more delicious. At the same time, costs are reduced to their most. In this case, no one really cares about the safety and quality of the food.
To sum up, Chinese food safety is experiencing a hard time and food companies are paying for what they have done. Responsibility, honesty. They are the elements as important as the flavor of food. I hope Chinese food can not only stand out for its delicious taste, but also famous for its role in promoting people’s health.

Food culture in UK

The Britain not only ushered in a long tradition of hospitality of people around the world, also introduced their traditional cooking methods, food, spices and recipes. Before you think the only fish and chips place, now you can choose pasta, pie, Mexico, Spain, paella, curries, test Scoresby (vegetarian food). UK supermarkets supply all kinds of vegetables from around the world, fruits, spices, condiments, and numerous small shops selling specialty foods country food. People interested in food and cooking growing. Many chefs has become celebrity, through his TV cooking shows, popular new dishes. Many different cultures and different activities have promoted ethnic festivals such as the Caribbean, West Africa, and the prevalence of various cooking styles.

British food categories reflect the various seasonal features of the year. For example, in winter, stew type, barbecue and more popular steamer eating and drinking, to the summer, salads and light food more popular. British supermarket chain imports of many food products throughout the year, also stored in the United Kingdom passed a variety of seasonal vegetables, salad and fruit.

Reasonable arrangements for meals

First arrived in the United Kingdom, as China and Britain in the diet and habits were very different, you may feel not meet, but remember that science diet is healthy way in a foreign country. I suggest you rationalize daily diet:

Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Eat staple foods such as bread, potatoes, rice, noodles or pasta.

Eat some high protein food such as soy, eggs, fish or meat.

Eat milk products, cheese or yogurt.

We often say that "food culture", see diet is also an important part of culture. To understand the UK, people should go about British food, a long time, you will find delicious food in the UK in fact quite a few buses: Fish and Chips, Cream Tea, Jacket Potato, Cheese Cake ... ...

British multiculturalism is reflected in the eat, Chinese, Indian dishes are highly popular, and from France, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea will lead you coveted delicious. But easily 10 pounds meals, you have to make calculations about. Of course, if conditions permit, you can yourself, eat too much food. Rice, vegetables can go to supermarkets or open market purchases, the price will be fair some of the latter, spices can be purchased at the local Chinese food store.

Where to find Chinese food?



In addition to Chinese restaurants in London, Manchester, Leeds and other big cities of China Town (China Town) have a Chinese supermarket. In these markets, there are the majority of Chinese goods.
Besides, large Western-style supermarkets also sell Oriental foods and ingredients. Students can found traditional Chinese food, such as Sainsbury and Tesco dried noodles, tofu, soy sauce, spring rolls, spices and seasonings in these supermarkets.

These picture are took and edited by myself.

The Top Ten Dishes That Bring Luck

No other people value and put more emphasis on lucky food than Chinese people. They tend to eat certain food on special holidays merely because they believe that the dishes can bring luck and happiness to them. It has become a tradition to Chinese people to enjoy lucky food on such holidays as the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Day, etc. In this passage I would like to give an introduction of “The Top Ten Dishes That Are Supposed to Bring Luck”. The list is the result of a public opinion poll. Hoping this kind of information can send a blessing to you everyday.



Sixi Ball
Health Index: ★★★☆
Popularity index: ★★★☆
Festive degree: ★★★★☆

The so called Sixi means happiness adds happiness. The ball is also called "Mariko", a symbol of unity and happiness. When the New Year is approaching, the family members far away are coming back together, Sixi, which represents unity and happiness, is the best food for them to express their wishes..



Rich chicken Health Index: ★★★★
Popularity index: ★★★★
Festive degree: ★★★★☆

In China, chicken also means “home”. When the husband and wife, together with all other family members, sit around the table and eat the chicken, it means that happiness, harvest and richness can be expected in the next year. And eating the rich chicken means becoming richer, earning more money in the future.

Squirrel mandarin fish
Health Index: ★★★★☆
Popularity index: ★★★★★
Festive degree: ★★★★

As we all know, the fish is the essential food in the New Year Evening’s table, since fish is pronounced “Yu” in Chinese, which means the family has something left for the next year. This appetizing and tasty dish, not only has good meaning, but also has crisp and delicious taste. But remember that never finish the whole fish because it is so delicious, and be sure to leave some remaining. After all, the remaining means good luck and no one wants to lose it.

Winter bamboo shoots meat
Health Index: ★★★★★
Popularity index: ★★★☆
Festive degree: ★★★☆

It is so appropriate to use bamboo to symbolize “climb”. No matter students in school, youth in the company, or the family members, they all want to rise to a higher level in the coming year. And winter bamboo shoots is a delicious dish with rich nutritional value and Chinese feature. It is rich in protein and amino acids, vitamins, and calcium, phosphorus, iron and fiber. The bamboo also will helpful for digestion.

Rice pudding
Health Index: ★★★
Popularity index: ★★★★
Festive degree: ★★★★★

This food is particularly attractive to children. Eight kinds of food gathered, means rich reunion. Early dates Takako's festivity, gold osmanthus of wealth, beauty Longan reunion, barley's health and longevity ... ... The series of blessings, all together, make people believe in a better and brighter future.

Caramelized apple
Health Index: ★★★☆
Popularity index: ★★★★
Festive degree: ★★★☆

“Candied apple” is a dish that is suitable for both the youth and the elderly. “Apple” in Chinese means peaceful, and perhaps this is the most basic and simplest pray. With unique golden caramelized apple flavor, this dish tastes sweet and delicious.



Spinach soup
Health Index: ★★★★★
Popularity index: ★★★★☆
Festive degree: ★★★☆

Spinach soup is also called "long life soup" in China. If Chinese people eat the sop, they will be blessed and have a long and healthy life.



Fa Cai soup
Health Index: ★★★★★
Popularity index: ★★★
Festive degree: ★★★

Fa cai soup has the same sound with the "rich soup" in Chinese. As long as one has eaten the rich soup, his/her financial resources will continue.

Tremella Lily Lian Zaigeng
Health Index: ★★★★☆
Popularity index: ★★★★☆
Festive degree: ★★★★

Sweet soup is a necessary part of each banquet. Tremella lily lotus itself is the "Love for All Seasons, and even be blessed with children." The sweet soup with white fungus and papaya not only has whitening effect, but also implies gold and silver.



Dumpling
Health Index: ★★★★
Popularity index: ★★★★☆
Festive degree: ★★★

Because the dumplings shape like ingots, those who eat dumplings can make money in the next year. That’s exactly why dumplings have become a popular dish on Spring Festival Eve.

These pictures are took photo and edited by myself.

Learn to say Chinese food name

This blog has given much introduction of Chinese food, and you may have a basic understanding of food with Chinese feature. However, for most foreigners, they sometimes can not tell the exact name of the Chinese food that they want to order, especially when they are in Chinese restaurants. In other cases they cannot tell what the dish name on the menu truly refers to. For example, do you know what “Shredded Tofu with Sauce”, or “Vegetarian Duck” stands for? And for Chinese people, they may not translate the name of Chinese food into English appropriately, so it is also necessary for them to learn the English name of Chinese food.

Actually there are many websites or videos online that provide such kind of information to learn. Here I will recommend the website in the following, http://news.iciba.com/zt/menu/china.html
In this website, you can learn the exact English name for these Chinese food.
Also I here recommend a video to you, from which you can learn how to tell the appropriate name of Chinese food. Hope they will be helpful to you.

The Most Popular Traditional Drink in China

Chinese Tea Culture
It is known to all that, in traditional Chinese culture, tea plays an important role. With the development of social economy and people’s awareness of the importance of fitness, tea has become a more and more important part in people’s daily life.
The tea culture in China not only brings humankind’s spirit and wisdom to a higher level, but also creates a more close relationship between friends, making people more enjoyable and healthy. In China, tea not only has the embodiment of spiritual civilization, but also riches the cultural accomplishments.

Chinese Tea History
Actually, Chinese tea has a long history. China is the homeland of tea. Tea has a history of about four or five thousand years.
Tea has been a great development in the Song Dynasty, which in return, promoted the development of tea culture. During the Yuan Dynasty, tea culture has come into the rapid development period. And in the Ming and Qing Dynasty, the tea has become very popular among ordinary people. After the founding of New China, China's annual output of tea has risen from 7500 ton in1949 to more than 60 million ton in 1998. In the year of 1998, the China International Tea Cultural Exchange Center was established. With the emergence of tea culture, more and more tea houses have been established.
Chinese tea is one part of Chinese culture. In China, many people, no matter young or elder people, likes drinking tea.

Chinese Tea Classification
The most famous Chinese teas are green tea, black tea, Wulong tea, white tea and yellow tea. In the following, there will be a short introduction of each kind of tea.

Green Tea
China's major tea is green tea, its national annual output is 100,000 tons. Chinese green tea is produced in many provinces. Shandong, Zhejiang, Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Hunan, Hubei, Guangxi, Fujian, Guizhou are China's green tea-producing provinces.
Latest scientific findings show that the retention of natural substances in green tea ingredients on aging, prevent cancer, anticancer, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and other special effects, which are unique from other kind of tea.

Black Tea
Because of the color of dry tea and brewing tea mainly in red tone, hence it has the name of black tea. Black tea ranks China's second largest export tea. It accounts for about 50% of customers located in 60 countries and regions, in which the largest circulation are Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Canada, Chile, Germany, the Netherlands and Eastern Europe.

Wulong tea
The Wulong tea, which blends the production of green tea and black tea together, has a quality between green tea and black tea. It not only has the thick and fresh flavor of black tea, but also has the pleasant fragrance of green tea. It enjoys a good reputation as green leaves with a red edge.
White tea
By definition, this tea is white. White Tea has a history of about 200 years.
Traditional pharmacological show of cool white tea has the effect of cooling pathogenic fire, overseas Chinese tend to look white as rare treasures.

West Lake Dragon Well Tea
The West Lake Dragon Well is called Dragon Well for short. It is produced in the mountainous regions around Longjing Village to the southwest of the West Lake in Hangzhou City in the Zhejiang Province. The Dragon Well tea has four wonders: color wonder, fragrance wonder, flavor wonder and shape wonder, namely, emerald in color, thick in fragrance, sweet and refreshing in taste and in the shape of a sparrow's tongue. The elements contained by the Dragon Well tea such as amino acids, catechu and vitamins have the effects of stimulating the production of bodily fluids, quenching thirst, refreshing, benefiting thinking, digesting food, removing greasiness, diminishing inflammation and detoxification.