As
a foreigner, I’m always amazed at how many delicious foods China has to offer. However, I must admit that some of the names can be quite confusing, or even hilarious, to me. Here are a few examples: 1. “Thousand-layered Tofu Skin” - This dish is made from tofu skin that has been carefully stacked and steamed until it’s soft and chewy. Despite the name, I can never seem to find a thousand layers in my serving. 2. “Ants Climbing a Tree” - Don’t worry, no actual ants are harmed or used in this dish! It’s a spicy Sichuan noodle dish that looks like ants crawling up a tree. The “ants” are actually minced meat, and the “tree” is made of noodles. 3. “Beggar’s Chicken” - Legend has it that a beggar once stole a chicken, but didn’t have a pot to cook it in. So, he covered it in mud and roasted it in a fire. The result was surprisingly delicious, and the name stuck. 4. “Stir-fried Three Shredded” - This dish is made of shredded potatoes, green peppers, and pork. However, the name sounds like a fun tongue-twister for non-native speakers like me. 5. “Dragon and Phoenix” - This is a popular dish for weddings and special occasions, as it symbolizes the union of two powerful beings. However, for me, it just sounds like I’m about to eat a mythical creature. Despite the quirky names, one thing remains constant: the deliciousness of Chinese cuisine. If you’re ever in China, don’t be afraid to try some of these dishes, regardless of the name. You might just end up discovering a new favorite!