Famous Quotes
A common saying in Chinese cuisine has been around in Chinese culture for some time. Its exact origin is unknown, though it attempts to summarize the entire cuisine in one sentence. The order of the directions can vary within local culture. For example, East may not necessarily come first.
| Language | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese | 東甜, 南鹹, 西酸, 北辣 |
| Simplified Chinese | 东甜, 南咸, 西酸, 北辣 |
| English | East is sweet, South is salty, West is sour, North is spicy |
| Pinyin | dōng tián, nán xián, xī suān, běi là |
| Jyutping | dung1 tim4, naam4 haam4, sai1 syun1, bak1 laat6*2 |
Chinese cuisine has gone through numerous transformations through the different dynasties all the way up to modern times. Many different versions of the quote exist on the internet today:
| Language | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese | 南甜, 北鹹, 東辣, 西酸 |
| Simplified Chinese | 南甜, 北咸, 东辣, 西酸 |
| English | South is sweet, North is salty, East is spicy, West is sour |
One can compare the original and pseudo version. For example, the original phrase suggests south is salty. This fits Cantonese cuisine and Hakka cuisine since both southern styles are largely dominated by salty tastes. But the more popular internet quote suggests south is sweet instead. This may be true because sweet tong sui is the major export from the southern region as seen from the mainland perspective. Also, in modern times the western styles of Sichuan and Hunan cuisines are widely renowned for their spicy dishes, more so than that of northern China. Both quotes can be debated literally down to the individual dish. Likely neither will ever emerge as the definitive quote.
| Language | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese | 食在廣州，死在柳州，玩在蘇州，住在杭州 |
| Simplified Chinese | 食在广州，死在柳州，玩在苏州，住在杭州 |
| English | Eat in Guangzhou, Die in Liuzhou, Play in Suzhou, Live in Hangzhou |
This popular phrase summarizes Cantonese cuisine from Guangzhou as the standout in Chinese cuisine. The best wood is in Liuzhou, which is suitable for death and coffins. The most beautiful women are in Suzhou, and the most comfortable scenery for living is in Hangzhou. There are different variations of the quote available online. Cantonese cuisine is widely regarded as the one to eat within the ideal life.
Read more about this topic: Historical Chinese Cuisine
Famous quotes containing the words famous and/or quotes:
“In a famous Middletown study of Muncie, Indiana, in 1924, mothers were asked to rank the qualities they most desire in their children. At the top of the list were conformity and strict obedience. More than fifty years later, when the Middletown survey was replicated, mothers placed autonomy and independence first. The healthiest parenting probably promotes a balance of these qualities in children.”
—Richard Louv (20th century)
“Man is timid and apologetic; he is no longer upright; he dares not say “I think,” “I am,” but quotes some saint or sage.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)