One part of the meal that isn't as much trouble is the dessert: Chinese dessert menus are short compared to their Western counterparts.
"Most Chinese like eating fruit after meals," says Liang. It's a healthy local custom to adopt. For those who can't pass up something sweet, a more traditional Chinese dessert option is nan gua bing, a cupcake-like treat made from corn flour and fruit. It's deep-fried, making it a decadent choice, but the cakes are small so one shouldn't hurt, says Liang. She suggests rubbing off any excess oil on a napkin before taking a bite.
Ordering Made Easy
Steam 蒸
Boil 煮
Stir-fried 炒
Deep-fry 炸
Simmer 熬
Braise 炖
Please use little 请少放
Please use a half 请放一半
Please do not use 请不要放
Oil 油
Salt 盐
MSG 味精
Please steam/boil/stir-fry the vegetables
请把蔬菜煮/蒸/炒一下
Please stir-fry the vegetables in broth/vinegar
请加高汤/醋翻炒
Please steam the fish lightly for 6 minutes
请把鱼稍微蒸6分钟