I'm sure you've all heard the unbelievable stories about food in China; the dog meat and the scorpion on a stick, etc, and you think, 'poor athletes'.
However, every Jamaican knows and enjoys Chinese food, so things shouldn't be that foreign; ordering will be a chore and some sign language will have to be used here.
Four different cuisines
According to the official Olympic website, the athletes' cafeteria in the Green Village will feature four different cuisines; international, Mediterranean, Asian and Chinese. The organisers note that only 30 per cent of the food in the cafeteria will be Chinese and this will ensure that the athletes will eat well and be well nourished for competition.
Taking in mind how important an athlete's diet is, all western food served in the cafeteria will be accompanied by nutrition labels so that athletes can make informed decisions about their meals.
For visitors who will not be allowed in the athletes' cafeteria, the city is littered with McDonalds and KFC, so when all else fails, stick to the evil that you know.
Eating in Beijing ranges from the simple street stand, to the small family owned and operated restaurant, to the big imported chains.
All Chinese restaurants provide diners with chopsticks and a spoon. Very few restaurants furnish forks and of course knives are not needed for Chinese food. Chopsticks can be awkward at first but perseverance will help you get the technique right. Think of the bottom stick as an 'anvil'. Hold it firmly between the first joint of the ring finger and the lower thumb, while resting it in the crook of the forefinger and thumb.
The top stick is held like a pen between the tip of the thumb and forefinger and pivots against the lower sticks.
Chopstick Etiquette
Never point chopstick while eating.
Never stick it in your food, you will offend the locals and we wouldn't want that now would we?
Beijing is known for its roast duck so while there, why not try it? Bon appetit!
