China’s 2200-year-old Burger

admin 2023年6月14日

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

trace /treys/

[verb] – to find the origin of something
I tried to trace the origin of the strange sound coming from the basement, but I couldn’t figure out what was causing it.

savory /SEY-vuh-ree/

[adjective] – Savory food is salty or spicy and not sweet in taste:
My grandmother’s cooking always smells so savory; her secret ingredient is a blend of herbs and spices that she has perfected over the years.

culinary /KYOO-luh-ner-ee/

[adjective] – connected with cooking or kitchens
I’m interested in learning more about the culinary arts, so I signed up for a cooking class at the local community college.

local /LOH-kuhl /

[noun] – a person who lives in the particular small area that you are talking about
During the summer, many locals like to spend time at the beach and soak up the sun.

delicacy /DEL-i-kuh-see/

[noun] – something especially rare or expensive that is good to eat
My uncle brought back a box of chocolates from his trip to Belgium, and I couldn’t resist trying every delicacy in the assortment.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Imagine a food that has been a staple of Chinese cuisine for over two millennia. This dish is known as “Roujiamo,” which translates to “meat sandwich,” and it’s considered one of China’s most popular street foods. You may have heard about this ancient delicacy, but do you know the fascinating history behind it?

The origins of Roujiamo can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC), where it was primarily consumed by the emperor’s soldiers. The dish consists of a flatbread filled with chopped or shredded meat, along with herbs, spices, and a variety of vegetables. Nowadays, you can find this savory treat all over China, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. One of the most remarkable things about Roujiamo is its versatility. It can be made with different types of meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb, and even vegetarian options are available. The bread used for the sandwich is also an important aspect of the dish, with some variations including sesame or whole wheat bread. The result is a tasty and filling meal that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

In conclusion, Roujiamo is not just a burger; it’s a symbol of China’s rich culinary history. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time, and it continues to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike. So, the next time you find yourself in China, be sure to try this mouth-watering delicacy and experience a piece of history in every bite.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Do you have any traditional dishes in your own country that are similar to Roujiamo? How do they compare to this Chinese delicacy?
How does Roujiamo compare to other street foods that you’ve tried? What makes it unique?
Do you think that Roujiamo can be considered a healthy meal?
If you were to visit China, would you prefer to try Roujiamo from a street vendor or a high-end restaurant? Why?
In what ways can food bring people together and promote cultural exchange? How can trying new foods and cuisines help us better understand different cultures?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

consider
spice
versatility
option
symbol