Art equal to any other, traditional Chinese cuisine developed along with other Chinese cultural traditions. It has philosophical principles in its basis; the theory of Yin and Yang, basic elements whose interaction moves the world, influenced all aspects of Chinese life.

All the food products could be labeled as yin or yang, and the dish should be based on the harmonious relation between the yin and the yang products - the famous example being the sweet and sour taste.

As a harmonious mixture of different yin and yang food products, the dish itself becomes 'yin' or 'yang'; the meal is carefully planned and the principle of harmony between the dishes is strictly followed. Thus, cold dish would follow the hot one, neutral taste would follow the hot one, colors being carefully planned as to obey the harmonious relationship between the two principles.

Chopsticks

More than 3 thousand years Chinese people have been using chopsticks. Bearing in mind that the food was prepared and planned with the consideration to the principles of yin and yang, it is presumed that only chefs considered philosophers and artists were familiar with them and were the only ones that could chop the food. Knife in the hands of the ignorant to these principles would 'kill' and destroy the food - even today Chinese food is chopped and served in small pieces, influenced by the philosophical as well as the practical reasons.

Simplicity

A very old Chinese legend says: a good man from Hangzhou that spent his entire life doing beneficial things to others died and went to Heavens, greeted there by Judge of Rewards. "You are a good man", said the Judge. " I shall make you rich and powerful and grant you another life. What would you like?"

" There is nothing I need apart from the Hangzhou West lake fish, bamboo shoots and my simple life I had" - said the man. " I don't need the power and money."

" Unfortunately", said the Judge, "what you are asking from me, the simple and peaceful life is more than we can provide. I can only give you power and money".

This story is often told by Chinese to explain that what kept Chinese cuisine through history maintained its value due to its simplicity - simple food that goes hand in hand with simple and modest life.