Advertisement
Robust Bowls & Palate Cleansers
There is one fundamental difference between the Chinese meal structure and that of other cuisines: soups are rarely, if ever, served as stand-alone appetizers at the start of a meal. They are, however, nonetheless very important in Cantonese food philosophy and according to a traditional saying they are thought to ‘smoothen the soul’.
There are various types of soup on offer in the region. Light ones, such as clear Egg Drop & Ginger Soup, with a hint of Chinese wine, are often served as an accompaniment and are designed to refresh the palate between helpings of other, perhaps richer, dishes. Other, more robust brews, such as Beef Ball Soup, and Liver & Matrimony Vine Soup, contain substantial ingredients such as fish and meat. These make good meal-in-one options when circumstances or lack of time demand less kitchen work and, therefore, uncomplicated, quick meals that deliver on flavour, substance and nutritional completeness.