We are all pigs now!
By gxnfly
@gxnfly (1147)
China
May 18, 2008 11:04pm CST
Ok,perhaps there is one thing that confuse you a lot,if you are from the western culture.It's the way Chinese people eat noodles, you know, even if it's a formal dinner,most of them would slurp it in a tremendous sound! You probably think that's not polite.
It's said that in the western culture it’s considered impolite to make any sort of noise while eating, it’s very acceptable in China to “slurp” your noodles.Personally,I don't like making any noise while eating,but noodles,as hard as I try not to,it's almost impossible not to make any sound while eating noodles.
There is also a joke about this.You know some westerners are uncomfortable about making noises while eating.So A Chinese professor invited his five western friends to dinner.He intentionally ordered Noodles with Soybean Paste(ZhaJiangMian).The noodles are quite long.It's quite difficult to eat noodles without at least a little slurping, unless the noodles are broken up into smaller lengths. The five western friends tried as hard to "pretend-to-be-a-lady",but failed.They all slurped the noodles with quite a noise.Then after the dinner.One of them was just like,"Wo men dou bian cheng le zhu"(We are all pigs now)
1 person likes this
10 responses
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
19 May 08
I'll bet he was very amused! Let it be a lesson in humility to those guests.
I've heard that it's impolite NOT to burp after a meal in China or Japan, is that true? I've read that it's a compliment to the cook and the host.
We have many restrictive rules here in the West, most having to deal with denying bodily functions. I think most of them are silly and denies our humanity. Although I like being considerate of other people, I don't think that people should have to adopt unnatural methods to eat. If one needs to make noise in order to eat, so be it! 
1 person likes this
@gxnfly (1147)
• China
21 May 08
"I've heard that it's impolite NOT to burp after a meal in China or Japan" I think this is a weird statement.Not really ,actually.Maybe it's an old saying,but not quite fit in nowadays.If you are stasfied with the meal,you may just compliment the cook directly .
@julyteen (13252)
• Davao, Philippines
20 May 08
LOL. mee too, i don't like any noise while eating because i think this will destruct my concentration while eating specially if the foods is good. I never tried yet eating noodles that are long, maybe if i am invited by a chinese friend to eat with them, i imagine how difficult to eat without slurping, maybe i will stop eating and watch my friend eating.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
19 May 08
my family all makes noises eating noodles.i'm sure they wouldn't mind 
they particularily love the long ramen type,as you said it's almost impossible to eat them quietly.
they particularily love the long ramen type,as you said it's almost impossible to eat them quietly.
@kun2349 (23381)
• Singapore
19 May 08
LOL =D There's no way to dun slurp while eating noodles.. Actually, not only chinese, who slurp their noodles.. If i din remember wrongly, japanese also do slurp their noodles.. haha And also, i dunno if it's japan also, burping out loud is a must after every meal to show that the meal is nice.. haha ^_^ Looks like there are alot of funny eating habits in asia.. haha
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
19 May 08
It is hard to eat noodles without making a noise or mess, I break mine up before cooking them!! You are right Westerners are a bit funny about noisy eaters, I am not too bothered but the really noisy eaters in my family do tend to get told off by me!!
My hubby especially gets cross if the kids are "slapping" their food as he calls it, I find him quite a hypocrite, because he slurps his tea when he is drinking it and makes all kinds of funny noises when he is eating. He sounds sometimes like he has false teeth!!
1 person likes this
@jer31558 (3683)
• United States
20 May 08
I am definitely going to have to send my wife to this discussion. I have always thought it made noodles better. Maybe if she thinks my eating habits could offend an entire nation, she wont be so quick to correct me when I eat noodles the "right way".
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
19 May 08
Hi gxnfly! I love eating noodles and you're right, it can't helped but slurped the noodles with quite a noise. haha.. Beside, we have our own weird ways of eating, like for example with us..it is acceptable to eat with our own hands. With others they will find it crude and impolite just like pigs. However, how can you eat certain types of dishes without using your fingers? Anyway, it really does not matter to us..our hands are properly washed before we dig in and we do enjoy our delectable dishes. It is our culture and our tradition and I am proud of mine just like you are proud of yours my friend.
Take Care and God Bless! Happy Mylotting!
@blindmoongoddess (426)
• Philippines
20 May 08
Do as the Romans do. I think we need to study the culture of the people we interact with because we must respect their customs and traditions. But I'd really prefer it if no rule would restrict us from the joy of eating. I slurp while eating noodles, too! ;)
@chivolaski (969)
• Philippines
19 May 08
i wouldn't mind if i were at home and slurp as loud as it can sound... i think in also in japan slurping is a good thing i don't know if they said it's so the noodles your eating will taste good or it's to show appreciation of the food. but as for me when i eat noodles in some fancy restaurant i cut them shorter to make it easier for me to eat them...
