The culinary arts are no exception in the appreciation of the arts. The craftsmanship seen throughout Chinese culture shines in everything they do, with rows of neatly organized snacks lining food storefronts in an aesthetically pleasing manner and intentional presentation. Whether it was a walk-in food market or a walk-up storefront, the merchandise was consistently uniform in display. Most meals were presented on a large turntable that added a communal aspect one would not normally find in American cuisine. These customs give insight into the meticulous planning and hospitality that Chinese culture strives to provide.
Collectivism is a rich part of Chinese culture. People are more than willing to sacrifice their possessions for the betterment of everyone, and more than willing to extend their helping hand. One beautiful component of Chinese culture is the hospitality and sincere care that is given. For example, it is the norm to ask, "Have you eaten breakfast yet?" as opposed to "Good morning!", a question that creates a deeper connection. If the answer to that question is "No.", then food is given to nourish their body.
In the United States, it is typically a good sign if your guests have empty plates, as that means they are full and enjoyed their meal. In China, however, I learned that an empty plate is a sign of not having given enough food to your guests and satisfying them. Therefore, meals shared alongside other trip members were filled with a diverse offering of authentic Chinese cuisine. Upon arrival, the dishes are placed atop a large rotating plate that sits in the center of the table. The rotating plate acts in the same way a traditional "Lazy Susan" would, with a slight push to guide the dishes to the next person.