How to turn your Yangtze River Cruise into a delicious excursion to remember…
There are tourists, and then there are travelers.
Tourists never stray far from the well marked path. They see all of the famous landmarks, and take the prerequisite posed photo ops—ticking them off a neatly typed up list of “must do’s” while on vacation. And tourists eat their meals at the hotel restaurant… sipping around the paper umbrella in their plastic souvenir cup and dousing their fries in ketchup, regardless of what exotic corner of the world they’re visiting.
There’s nothing wrong with being a tourist. But have you ever longed to be a traveler, instead?
Travelers get to experience the world in a way that few others do. They bypass the lines and amusement parks and four star establishments in favor of new, out of the box experiences. And when it comes to meals, the well fed traveler shuns franchises and English speaking restaurants. Instead, they embrace local traditional fare.
Regardless of how or when you’re planning to embark on your Yangtze River cruise, you can still eat your way across the cultural epicenter of China with all the gusto of Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern combined. Ready to dine like an explorer? Here’s a primer on traditional Chinese cuisine for the novice vacationer and seasoned traveler alike:
It’s All About Balance
While it varies from region to region, all traditional Chinese cuisine is based on a concept of complimentary opposites. Sweet and sour, salty and bitter, hot and cold, fresh and pickled, spicy and mild— as you eat your way through Yangtze River cruises you’ll notice that there will always be a balance of flavors, textures and temperatures in the local food.
Forget the Fork
Don’t expect to find traditional western silverware when you sit down to a meal in a local spot. Take the time to learn how to use chopsticks before you book your Yangtze River excursion. (It will be well worth the initial frustration, especially when you can enjoy a meal in a tiny eatery without feeling out of place) You’ll find that most Chinese food is prepared in bite sized chunks that can and should be eaten with either chopsticks or your fingers.
Step Outside Your Comfort Level
Say “Asian food” and the average westerner will think of one of two things—high end sushi bars or drive-through, franchised, pseudo-Chinese restaurants. But that’s just your inner tourist talking! Real, traditional Chinese cuisine is a mixture of exotic ingredients and new flavors.
This is one time when the old adage of “don’t knock it ‘till you’ve tried it” holds especially true. Don’t disregard a dish just because you don’t recognize a vegetable or protein source.
More than a Meal
Finally, as you embark on your Yangtze River cruise, remember that when it comes to traditional Chinese cuisine, it’s about more than just filling your stomach. Within the Asian culture, food has always been a direct line to health, happiness and prosperity.
So don’t be afraid to try something that’s both good and good for you. Who knows, that mystery meal might just end up being the best thing to ever pass by your lips.