Why Chinese Order 8 or More Dishes at Restaurants
As someone who has grown up in a Chinese household, I’ve always been intrigued by the way meals are shared in Chinese culture, particularly the practice of ordering a large number of dishes when dining at a restaurant. It’s not uncommon for a group of Chinese diners to order 8 or more dishes when they gather for a meal, and this tradition is rooted in both cultural and symbolic significance. Over the years, I’ve come to understand the importance of this practice, which I’ll explain in detail throughout this article. By the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of why 8 dishes is not just a quantity, but a reflection of rich cultural values and the joy of communal dining.
1. The Significance of the Number 8 in Chinese Culture
To truly understand why Chinese people often order 8 or more dishes, we must first look at the symbolic meaning behind the number 8. In Chinese culture, numbers carry significant meaning, and the number 8 is particularly auspicious. It is associated with good fortune, prosperity, and completeness. The pronunciation of the number 8 in Mandarin ("ba") sounds similar to the word for wealth ("fa"), which is why the number is considered lucky. This is one of the reasons why 8 dishes are often seen as an ideal number when ordering food at a Chinese restaurant.
In many Chinese traditions, numbers are not just arbitrary; they hold cultural importance. For example, when hosting a celebratory meal, like a birthday or a family gathering, people often go above and beyond to order 8 dishes because it is believed to bring luck and success. Some families even go as far as ensuring that the number of dishes adds up to 8 for a sense of balance and harmony in the meal.
2. A Meal is a Social and Communal Experience
In Chinese dining culture, meals are not just about feeding the body; they are about sharing and bonding with others. The practice of ordering multiple dishes ensures that there is a variety of food to share, which is integral to the communal experience. Typically, when dining in a group, Chinese meals consist of dishes that are placed in the center of the table for everyone to share. By ordering a wide variety of dishes, diners can enjoy different tastes, textures, and ingredients, making the meal more diverse and enjoyable for everyone.
Having a variety of dishes also allows for different preferences and dietary restrictions to be accommodated. Whether it’s a vegetarian option, a meat dish, or something spicy, ordering multiple dishes ensures that there is something for everyone at the table. This is especially important during family gatherings or business dinners, where the goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and included.
3. The Concept of Balance in Chinese Cuisine
Another reason for ordering multiple dishes is the concept of balance in Chinese cuisine. Traditional Chinese meals are carefully designed to provide a balance of flavors, colors, and textures. For example, there should be a combination of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors to create a well-rounded meal. Additionally, Chinese meals often include a variety of textures, from crispy to tender, to enhance the dining experience.
By ordering 8 or more dishes, diners are able to strike this balance, ensuring that the meal is complete and harmonious. The different dishes complement each other, providing a range of flavors and textures that make the meal more satisfying. This balance is important not only for the taste but also for the visual appeal of the meal, as Chinese cuisine places a high emphasis on the aesthetic presentation of food.
4. Celebrating Abundance and Hospitality
In Chinese culture, food plays a central role in expressing hospitality and generosity. When inviting guests or hosting a gathering, it’s common to serve an abundant amount of food to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. The act of ordering multiple dishes symbolizes abundance and the desire to provide for others.
As I’ve learned from personal experience, when I host friends or family at a Chinese restaurant, I always feel that it’s important to order enough food to show my hospitality. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about sharing the experience and making sure that everyone has plenty to enjoy. Ordering a variety of dishes ensures that no one feels left out, and it creates a warm and welcoming environment.
5. The Role of Special Dishes in Chinese Celebrations
Chinese meals, especially those at restaurants, are often part of larger celebrations. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, a Chinese New Year gathering, or a simple family reunion, food is a vital component of the celebration. When it comes to special occasions, certain dishes hold symbolic meanings, such as longevity noodles for birthdays or fish for abundance in the coming year.
By ordering 8 or more dishes, hosts can ensure that they have the right combination of symbolic foods for the occasion. It also allows them to showcase a wide variety of dishes that are meaningful in Chinese culture. For instance, a banquet-style meal may include dumplings (representing wealth), chicken (representing happiness), and rice (representing prosperity), all of which contribute to the cultural richness of the celebration.
6. Modern Adaptations and Trends in Chinese Dining
While traditional practices of ordering 8 or more dishes at Chinese restaurants remain strong, the dining culture has also adapted to modern trends. In recent years, more people have been opting for smaller, more intimate meals or ordering à la carte rather than going for the large, communal spread. However, the practice of ordering multiple dishes for special occasions or family gatherings is still very much alive, especially in restaurants that specialize in banquet-style dining.
Moreover, the global influence of Chinese cuisine has led to the creation of fusion dishes and modern takes on traditional meals. Restaurants now offer innovative versions of classic dishes, and customers can enjoy a more diverse array of options while still adhering to the core idea of ordering a variety of dishes to share. This mix of tradition and innovation keeps the practice of ordering multiple dishes fresh and exciting, attracting new generations of food lovers.
Conclusion: Embracing the Tradition of Ordering 8 Dishes
When you’re dining at a Chinese restaurant, the practice of ordering 8 or more dishes may seem unusual to those who aren’t familiar with Chinese culture. However, once you understand the significance behind this tradition, it becomes clear that it’s about much more than just the quantity of food. It’s about balance, abundance, hospitality, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
If you’re looking to explore the diverse and rich flavors of Chinese cuisine, ordering a variety of dishes can help you fully experience the complexity of the food and the cultural significance behind it. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal with friends, embracing this tradition can make your dining experience more meaningful and enjoyable.
If you’re looking for great Chinese restaurants in your area, check out Chinese Food for recommendations on the best places to enjoy a delicious and culturally rich meal!
