How to Navigate Chinese Cuisine

Kai Ryssdal: There are a couple things you ought to know before you go to China.

First of all, forget everything you ever knew about Chinese food. What you get in the states bears little, or no resemblance to the actual article.

Ryssdal: Fresh actually.

Rob Schmitz: Straight from the tree.yeah.

Second, don’t be afraid. Either about the food or how to order it. It’s completely acceptable to point at what the people next to you are having and letting the waitress, because they are almost waitresses — letting her know that’s what you want.

Ryssdal: (Ordering food in Chinese)

Schmitz: (Ordering food in Chinese) In Chong chin you’re going to get that.

Ryssdal: That is so good.

And live a little. Have chicken feet, or fish cheek, or cow stomach. And finally, don’t shy away from street food. It can be a great snack after long day of touristing. Just make sure it’s hot and you see them cook it in front of you.