PC: Hodder & Stoughton
From dimsums to mooncakes, the book explores China's 3000 year history
Chinese food is arguably a global phenomenon. It has travelled across the world and blended into many different cultures – from American Chinese to Indian Chinese, we lovingly relish it all! In fact, there are 26 verbs for preparing food in Mandarin! But, do you know we can trace a lot of China’s history by looking at its food as well? Enter: The Emperor’s Feast by Jonathan Clements. The book tells the story of Chinese food, starting 3,000 years ago.
From dim sum to mooncakes the book delves into known and lesser-known foods and uncovers their history, one layer at a time. It then goes on to look deeper into how “different ingredients, dishes, and eating habits across both time and geography, were shaped by China’s political, cultural, and technological evolution and remarkable entrance onto the world stage.”
The Emperor’s Feast asks and answers intriguing questions including how Chinese food reached Europe or how Mongols influenced the cuisine. As the people travel, so does their food and culture. And to track it seems like a good way to spend an evening.
There is an ancient Chinese saying that says, “To win someone’s heart, you must first win their stomach.” And the history of food is a history of people, and sometimes, a history of winning someone’s heart. Perhaps that’s the best kind.