Chinese Fast Food

The image to the left is a paper bag that once contained Chinese fast food ~ a salty, deep fried treat on a stick. In the big city, it is easy to find food vendors who will sell fast food (for cheap).

While many Americans think that McDonalds, Pizza Hut and KFC are the only game in town, China has plenty of fast food joints of its own. Ready to serve up the requisite fat and salt!

The unique nature of Chinese life in the big city ~ fast paced, rapidly Westernized, changing roles of women and more disposable income among the affluent middle class, suggests that dining in a restaurant may be a reasonable option.

For poorer middle class families, for college students and for middle schoolers or kids in high school, fast food is cheap, readily available, and tasty.

While we Americans think of making a meal with the help of running tap water, our fancy western appliances, and grocery stores that are an easy drive from our homes; in China, the government has banned the use of bags (paper or plastic), and hauling water, groceries, and other food stuffs is cumbersome on a bike or while walking in hot, humid weather.

Although some affluent families drive cars, the vast majority of Chinese families do NOT drive a car. And, if you have ever seen traffic during rush hour in Guangzhou, you can make a case for the wise decision NOT to drive! Mass transit is cheap, and it is an easy way to get to one's destination.

Furthermore, some products such as cooking oils, are allowed to remain on the grocery shelf beyond their expiration date. Thus, as a person hopes to prepare a hot meal, some inconveniences are apparent.

Additionally, because all water must be boiled in the city, vegetables are cooked before eating. Taking into consideration the important nutrient value of FRESH fruits and veggies must always be balanced against the important food safety factor.

Broadly speaking, wealthy Chinese families choose to dine in restaurants rather than prepare meals at home. And middle-lower middle class families also dine out, but often at fast food establishments.