中华饮食，千占一脉。珍馐佳肴，风味流派。食器华宴，流光溢彩。煮蒸煎扒，爆炒熘炸。烹调技法，千变万化。色香俱全，五味陈杂。彭祖之饮食养生，孔子之食脍精细，李渔之饮食美学……本书主要向你介绍了有关饮食的起源、饮食健康、饮食禁忌等内容，是愉悦心灵的精神盛宴。

When it comes to food, the Chinese have a common saying, "The masses regard food as their heaven," which means that food is people's primal want. It should clearly justify the importance that "eating" holds in Chinese people's lives. Eating is not just meant to fill the stomach; having food at one's disposal, being able to consume a good amount of food, and knowing what and how to eat are all viewed as a good "fortune." Those who promote food culture often use the words of Chinese philosopher Confucius, "diet and love-making, all primal needs of every human being," finding an aspiring and positive thought basis for such an epicurean lifestyle. Today, in this world where even the farthest corners can seem as close as one's back yard, Chinese food can be enjoyed in each and every metropolitan throughout the world.

Preface

The Origins of Food and Drink Culture

　Tracing the Origins of Foods

　Foods from Outside China

　Fine Ware for Eating

Food and Drink Traditions

　The Good Cheer of Eating Together

　The Taste of Home Cooking

　Seasonal Delicacies

　Interesting Food Customs

　The Rituals of the Table

　Balancing the Five Flavours

　Secrets of Delicacies

　Food and Health

　Food Taboos

A Gastronomic Tour of China lO3

The True Pleasure of Drinking One's Fill

　The Art of Tea

　Wine, the Beverage of Romance

New Dining Trends

Appendix: Chronological Table of the Chinese Dynasties