Catering To The Chinese Market

In the first quarter of 2006, the Chinese economy grew 10.2%. With the increase in growth in the Chinese market and the constant continued growth being forecast for the future, it’s wise for western businesses to research what the Chinese market wants and needs before dipping their toe into the Chinese market. Here are the current trends in the Chinese marketplace:

Food

With such masses of people in China and a steadily growing population, it’s no wonder that food and food service is one of the biggest markets in China. From fine dining to fast food to supermarkets and specialty food shops, pretty much every kind of food is available in China. The biggest western names in food have all delved into the Chinese market already, including Walmart, Pizza Hut, KFC and, of course, McDonald’s. There is also a huge market for all types of food and even catering services.

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Chinese Black Fungus

You might have heard some people call black fungus ‘yun er’ as ‘cloud’s ears’, where I normally call it ‘mu’er’, as ‘wood’s ear’. Another difference between Southern and Northern China.

But I really think that it is so romantic to compare the shape of black fungus, especially the edges, to the irregular and forever changing shape of clouds, where Northern people imagine that they are the ears of the trees.

I often cook Mu’er at home, especially when we have friends over, and almost all of the friends love it after having it. But it is a bit difficult to explain what it is when friends ask.

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Coronavirus: Low Patronage Hits Chinese Restaurants, Hotels in Lagos

The recent outbreak of coronavirus, which has resulted in the untimely death of a number of Chinese and citizens of other countries, in the last couple of weeks, has hit hospitality businesses in Lagos, Nigeria below the belt, investigation reveals..

Media reports across the globe disclosed that the death in China raised to 1,113 deaths and 44,653 infections the first week the outbreak.

Hubei, where the virus originated, was the worst hit, forcing other countries to immediately evacuate their citizens from China.

Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesusnof the World Health Organization, told the world that the virus poses a “grave threat”and it could have “more powerful consequences than any terrorist action”.

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Important Tips To Keep In Mind Before You Go On A Silk Road Tour

If you want to go on a Silk Road trip, we suggest that you plan your trip for any time between May and October. In summer, the temperature is quite high and winters are quite freezing. However, the scenery is extremely beautiful in May. So, you can enjoy the scenery and don’t face extreme temperatures.

Things to keep in mind when getting ready for the trip

Although May is not too hot for your tour, know that the climate along the route varies significantly. Some areas are quite cold while others are dry. The city of Turpan, for instance, may hit 40 degrees in August. In January, it may face minus 20 degrees. So, given below are the things you need to pack before you leave: Continue reading “Important Tips To Keep In Mind Before You Go On A Silk Road Tour”

Tahiti Food and the Tahitian Culture

Tahitian culture has distinct characteristics, thanks to the seclusion from the influences of outside world until as late as the 1767, when Samuel Wallis became the first European who visited the island. Tahitians developed a village-based society with farming and fishing as main sources of income. Also, probably the surrounding beauty of nature, made them skillful craftsmen and artists, who decorated every objects from their fishing hooks to their canoes.

Tahitians also loved to decorate themselves. The image of lovely Tahitian women with flowers in their hair is intimately associated with the image of Tahiti as a whole. Wearing a flower also has social significance. If a woman wears a flower on the left ear, this means she is available. An interesting trivia about Tahiti is that the word tattoo was probably originated from the Tahitian word ‘tatau’ with the same meaning. Continue reading “Tahiti Food and the Tahitian Culture”

Wonton – Fun Facts About the Chinese Dumpling

Wonton, or Chinese dumpling, is a staple food popular throughout China. As a Cantonese I am proud to say that the word Wonton comes from Cantonese rather than Mandarin, as the dumplings were likely introduced to the West by early settlers in Chinatown, who came primarily from the Cantonese-speaking coastal cities in Southern China.

In Chinese, wonton means “swallowing clouds”. If you are familiar with Chinese art you may also find that the wonton, floating in the broth, resembles the traditional “spiral cloud” motif in Chinese handicrafts. One famous example: The Torch for the Beijing Olympics is known as the “Lucky Cloud Torch” in Chinese.

Wontons are slightly different in various part of China. May I give you an introduction? Continue reading “Wonton – Fun Facts About the Chinese Dumpling”

Top Holiday Spots

Indonesia

The name Indonesia has its roots in two Greek words: Indos – meaning Indian and “Nesos” which means islands. It is an appropriate description of the archipelago as there are estimated to be a total of 17,508 islands, of which only about 6,000 are inhabited, stretching for 5,150 km between the Australian and Asian continental. The main islands are Sumatra Kalimantan), Sulawesi Irian Jaya), and last but not least Java. The nation’s capital, Jakarta, has a fascinating and significant history

Climate— Indonesia’s climate is definitely tropical. The main seasons are summer, winter and monsoon; it is devoid of autumn and spring.

Culture— Indonesia is rich in art and culture which are intertwined with religion and age-old traditions. The basic principles which guide life include the concepts of mutual assistance or “gotong royong”. Religious influences on the community are varied from island to island. Indonesia is rich with culture with 250 – 300 ethnic groups live here.

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The 12 Chinese Animals: Create Harmony In Your Daily Life Through Ancient Chinese Wisdom

How many times have you gone to a Chinese restaurant and figured out what animal from the Chinese zodiac represented you? You also probably read the description of those of that animal’s characteristics and nodded in agreement or shook your head thinking, “that’s not me.” But have you ever wanted to know more about the Chinese zodiac and the twelve animals? Have you ever wondered how these twelve animals came to represent different years? Well, wonder no longer. “The 12 Chinese Animals: Create Harmony In Your Daily Life Through Ancient Chinese Wisdom” by Master Zhongxian Wu presents what can be a complex Eastern topic in a very easy to understand and accessible manner for the Western reader.

The first part of the book explains the wisdom behind the twelve animals. The numerological meanings are explained, and a short primer on Chinese zodiac or Chinese astrology is presented in a few pages. There are also short explanations of the eight trigrams, twelve tidal hexagrams, and the cycle of nature. This obviously isn’t as in depth as you could go, but for most people, these simple explanations will suffice to gain a better understanding. Continue reading “The 12 Chinese Animals: Create Harmony In Your Daily Life Through Ancient Chinese Wisdom”

The History Of South Asian Food And Why It Is Treated As An Art

In human food history, cooking traces its way back among the oldest activities undertaken by man. It was so simple as ancient men were hunters and gatherers, and they would hunt, skin and toss their catch into the fire and eat when ready. As time went by, methods that are more intricate were invented and foods were sub-divided into cuisines. In this article, we will focus on the development of one of the Asian cuisines, namely the South Asian Cuisine.

South Asian cuisine is a combination of many cuisines popular in the Indian sub continental region. As its name suggests, it has its origin from the South of Asia, and it is influenced greatly by some Hindu practices, as these are the dominant people found in this region. Other cultural influences also come from the Muslims.

Popular Ingredients And Staple Foods

One of the things that is very popular with this cuisine is a flat bread known as Naan and is usually taken in combination with many meals. Beans, barley, rice and chapatti, made using wheat, are also very common cuisine foods. Continue reading “The History Of South Asian Food And Why It Is Treated As An Art”

Why Ordering Food Online Through a Food Website Is Really Catching On

People in Britain are real foodies. They love to eat gourmet food and they don’t mind ordering food online as long as they get great taste at an affordable price. Most people in London and other famous cities in Britain eat out a couple of times per month on an average anyway. Now with the launch of many online food portals it has become decidedly easy to order food online. People are really trying out this interesting and delicious option.

A site like this can provide food for people in London, especially in the South London and East London areas within the postcodes E1 and E8 for East London and SE1, SE8, SE13, SE16 and SE17 for Southeast London, which cover places like Bermondsey, Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe, Deptford, New Cros and Peckham among others. Today, a site like this has become the place to go to for people who want to order food online and save themselves from the difficult process of actually visiting a restaurant and ordering from their half-baked menus which are almost always overpriced. Continue reading “Why Ordering Food Online Through a Food Website Is Really Catching On”