Tag: Baijiu

According to a Quora post, many Chinese people, especially those from Fujian and Guangdong, believe drinking tea with or after a meal aids digestion. So, do Chinese drink tea with dinner? The answer is a resounding yes, but the reasons are deeply rooted in culture, history, and health.

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, many Chinese beverages are consumed before a meal to aid digestion and warm the body, preparing the stomach for the feast to come. This practice, which extends beyond simply drinking water or tea, is a cornerstone of a healthy and balanced meal. So, what do Chinese drink before food to kickstart their culinary journey?

Baijiu is the world's most consumed spirit by volume, with the vast majority consumed within China. However, pinpointing what is China's alcohol of choice involves understanding a complex interplay of cultural tradition, social occasions, and shifting generational tastes.

China doesn't have a legally declared "national drink," yet tea (chá) is almost universally recognized as its unofficial national beverage. This status comes from a history stretching back over 3,000 years and its pervasive cultural influence, contrasting with the potent national liquor, baijiu, which is reserved for special occasions.