Overall, I think that trying new foods is an important part of traveling and integrating within a culture. Most things I try are good and even adventurous foods like frog and squid have surprised me by being quite tasty. In other words, try something once and you might be surprised at what you like!
In Chinese kitchens, there are usually a couple of chefs and then the rest of the kitchen staff are helping to prepare and serve dishes. Dumplings are steamed and sometimes fried to be a little crispy on the outside. The baozi pork buns are also steamed but inside the meat is slow-cooked and covered in a sauce before being steamed in the soft buns. Baozi can be just a plain white bun, but one popular way they are made is with the design of a cute pig and this is favorable in China as they really love cute things. Lastly, stir fry is prepared the way it sounds, as it is fried in a deep pan with oil and spices. Frying food is common in China and it is a very flavorful and easy method to cook, especially if you have access to only one pan.
Easy and quick methods of eating and preparing food are important for cost-conscious spenders. Many people in China often do not have the money or time to spend on long expensive meals, because they work a lot and typically have lower wages. If they do on occasion, eating in groups at nice restaurants is a great family and friend outing. If you have a lot of money, this can be a great way to show your wealth and a way to treat your loved ones well in China. It is common to pay for others if you have a lot of money, especially if you are a man.
