02 · 俗
Culture & Customs
Discover the warmth of Chinese life through food, festivals and human connection.
Who Pays at a Chinese Dinner—and Should You Fight for the Bill?The noisy contest over a restaurant bill rarely decides who pays. Most of the time, everyone already knows.
吃瓜 (): Why Does “Eat Melon” Mean Follow the Drama?To follow the gossip, drama or online spectacle from the sidelines.
吃豆腐 (): A Phrase About Boundaries, Not LunchTo take unwanted liberties with someone. This is about boundaries, not romance.
吃土 (): Why “Eat Dirt” Means “I’m Broke”A playful way to say you are broke — often after a very tempting purchase.
吃独食 (): Why “Eat All by Yourself” Isn’t About Eating AloneTo keep food, information, opportunities or credit to yourself instead of sharing.
吃软饭 (): What Does “Eat Soft Rice” Mean?To live off a partner financially — usually a judgment, not a compliment.
吃醋 (): Why Does “Eat Vinegar” Mean “To Be Jealous”?In Chinese, “eat vinegar” is the very ordinary way to say someone is jealous.
The Secret Life of “Eat” in ChineseAnd we don't mean food.
Don’t Just Go to Starbucks: 10 Coffee Drinks to Try in ChinaFrom coconut lattes and jasmine coffee to fruit Americanos and an edible cookie cup, discover how Chinese chains reinvent the coffee menu.
If You Love Boba, Try These 10 Tea Drinks You Can Only Get in ChinaFrom Changsha’s signature tea latte to tart Chinese gooseberry tea, discover modern China through ten memorable drinks.