Chinese cuisine, with its rich history, diverse regional flavors, and deep cultural significance, has long been celebrated in both the nation’s cinema and literature. From delicate dim sum to savory hot pots, traditional Chinese dishes have been intricately woven into the fabric of Chinese storytelling, offering not only a glimpse into the nation’s culinary traditions but also a reflection of its values, philosophies, and identity. Whether it’s a lavish banquet scene in a historical drama or a quiet family meal in a literary classic, food serves as a powerful symbol and a narrative device in Chinese film and literature.

In this article, we explore the role of traditional Chinese food in films and literature, examining how specific dishes have been used to enhance stories, convey deep meanings, and connect characters to their heritage.

1. Food as a Cultural Symbol in Chinese Cinema

In Chinese cinema, food is not merely a matter of sustenance. It often carries profound symbolic meanings that resonate with the themes of the film. From the imperial courts of historical epics to the modest homes of everyday people, traditional dishes are portrayed in ways that reveal the complexities of Chinese society.

Food in Historical Dramas

Traditional Chinese dishes often feature prominently in historical dramas, where they evoke the splendor and customs of bygone dynasties. For example, in films like “The Last Emperor” (1987) and “Curse of the Golden Flower” (2006), lavish banquets are depicted, showcasing imperial cuisine. These scenes are not just about displaying sumptuous feasts but also serve to underscore themes of power, hierarchy, and tradition.

In “The Last Emperor”, food plays a significant role in depicting the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty’s court. Traditional dishes such as Shark Fin Soup, Bird’s Nest Soup, and Peking Duck are presented as symbols of wealth and luxury, reserved for the emperor and his court. These dishes, while representing the opulence of the emperor’s life, also highlight the social and political divisions of the era, where food and its consumption were indicators of power and status.

Similarly, in “Curse of the Golden Flower”, the visual imagery of food, particularly during the scenes of elaborate feasts, serves to reflect the decadent yet corrupt nature of the imperial court. The display of rich, ornamental dishes juxtaposed with the internal strife within the royal family illustrates how the physical consumption of food contrasts with the emotional and political hunger for power and control.

Food as a Tool for Character Development

Food also serves as a tool for character development in many Chinese films. In “Eat Drink Man Woman” (1994), a film directed by Ang Lee, food plays an integral role in telling the story of a widowed chef and his three daughters. The film opens with a stunning sequence of the father preparing a traditional Chinese banquet, where the preparation and presentation of dishes are as important as the emotional connections between characters.

The protagonist, a master chef, is depicted preparing elaborate dishes such as Peking Duck and Shark Fin Soup, which symbolize his deep connection to Chinese culinary traditions and his own emotions. The act of cooking becomes an expression of love, tradition, and the passing down of cultural values. The father’s food represents his attempt to maintain control over his family and his heritage, yet as the daughters begin to pursue their own lives and break free from traditional roles, the meaning of the food also shifts, reflecting the changing dynamics within the family.

2. Food in Chinese Literature: A Symbol of Identity and Tradition

Food plays a central role in Chinese literature, often acting as a metaphor for cultural identity, family bonds, and social class. Traditional dishes are frequently mentioned in novels, poems, and essays, often representing the past, nostalgia, and a connection to one’s roots.

Traditional Dishes in Chinese Classical Literature

In ancient Chinese literature, food was often used as a metaphor for beauty, luxury, and virtue. In the Tang Dynasty poem “Drinking Wine” by Li Bai, the poet describes a feast of wine and dishes that symbolize both the joys of life and the fleeting nature of time. The simple, humble food of the common people is contrasted with the sumptuous feasts of the wealthy, conveying the transient nature of life and the futility of material wealth.

One of the most well-known mentions of traditional food in classical Chinese literature can be found in the works of Lu Xun, a leading figure in modern Chinese literature. In his short story “A Madman’s Diary”, food is used as a metaphor for the cannibalistic tendencies he perceives in society. Here, food serves as a symbol of the moral decay of traditional Chinese culture, representing the individual’s struggle against the oppressive forces of society.

In another famous work, “The Book of Songs”, one of China’s oldest collections of poetry, food often appears as a metaphor for life’s pleasures and hardships. The book contains references to meals, from simple rice porridge to lavish banquets, using food to represent the human experience in its simplest and most luxurious forms.

Food as a Reflection of Family and Social Structure

In modern Chinese literature, food often reflects the dynamics of family and society. In works by Mo Yan, such as “Big Breasts and Wide Hips”, food plays a significant role in depicting family life and the cultural shifts of post-revolutionary China. The protagonist’s mother prepares traditional dishes like braised pork and steamed dumplings, and these meals act as symbols of both family loyalty and the endurance of tradition.

In “The Rice-Sprout Song” by Eileen Chang, food, particularly rice, represents the harsh realities of life in rural China. Rice, as a symbol of sustenance and survival, is central to the story of a family struggling under the weight of poverty and war. The characters’ reliance on rice as their main food source underscores the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of hardship.

Food also reflects social class and power. In “Red Sorghum” by Mo Yan, the sorghum grain, central to the story, symbolizes the resilience of the peasants, while the lavish banquets of the ruling class underscore the stark contrast between the two social classes. Food, in this context, becomes a symbol of both survival and exploitation, demonstrating the deep divisions in society.

3. The Symbolic Meaning of Traditional Chinese Dishes

Traditional Chinese dishes are often rich in symbolic meaning, reflecting a cultural belief system centered around harmony, balance, and respect for ancestors. These dishes are not just about taste but also about conveying respect for traditions and the natural world.

Dumplings (饺子)

Dumplings are one of the most beloved traditional Chinese foods and hold deep cultural significance. In Chinese literature and cinema, dumplings are often associated with family unity, prosperity, and good luck. The round shape of the dumpling symbolizes wealth and the hope for a prosperous year, particularly during the Chinese New Year.

In films like “The Family” (1949) by Chang Chih, dumplings are used to evoke themes of family ties and the passing down of traditions. The act of making dumplings together represents the solidarity and cohesion of family members, and the shared meal symbolizes their connection to their roots.

Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)

Peking Duck, a dish that originated in Beijing, is another traditional Chinese dish with deep symbolic meaning. In Chinese culture, Peking Duck represents imperial grandeur, luxury, and status. In both film and literature, this dish is often associated with important events, celebrations, and the power structures of the time.

In “The Emperor and the Assassin” (1998), a film directed by Chen Kaige, Peking Duck appears in scenes that depict the lavishness of the imperial court. The duck’s delicate, crispy skin and tender meat mirror the wealth and opulence of the ruling class.

Hot Pot (火锅)

Hot Pot, a communal dish that involves cooking various ingredients in a boiling broth at the table, is a metaphor for unity and family bonds. This dish is often featured in films that explore family dynamics, such as “The Farewell” (2019), where hot pot serves as a means for the family to come together before an important event.

Hot Pot represents not only the warmth of the meal but also the warmth of the relationships between individuals. The act of sharing a meal in this way symbolizes the interconnectedness of family and the collective experience of food.

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese dishes are more than just food; they are carriers of culture, history, and meaning. In both Chinese cinema and literature, food plays a significant role in telling stories, conveying emotions, and reflecting the deep-rooted values of Chinese society. From the royal feasts of the imperial courts to the humble family meals shared at home, food in Chinese film and literature serves as a powerful narrative tool that connects characters to their heritage and each other.

As we continue to explore the complex interplay between food, culture, and storytelling, we realize that the traditional dishes of China are not just about taste—they are a gateway to understanding the rich cultural tapestry of this ancient civilization. Whether it’s a bowl of noodles, a plate of dumplings, or a pot of hot pot, food remains a universal language that speaks to the heart of Chinese culture.