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Veganism has recently taken the world by storm, fast becoming a lifestyle that is preferred by many as a way to do their bit for animals, the environment and their health. Whilst many might think veganism is a new trend, its popularity spans centuries and has been at the basis of many ancient civilisations. Chinese cuisine includes every day vegan staples such as tofu, soy, vegetables, seitan, rice and egg-free noodles, making it a go-to for many vegans and being the inspiration for T. Colin Campbell’s book, The China Study. If you have been to Chung Ying before you know we serve excellent Chinese dishes, but did you know we have a brand new ​vegan menu​?

Some of our most popular vegan options include:

Dumplings

Dumplings can be boiled, steamed or fried and when they contain vegetables they are a great vegan appetizer! Our new menu includes two types of vegan dumplings: Steamed Monk’s Dumplings, for the traditionalists, and Steamed Spicy Vegetable Dumplings, for those looking for some heat with their meal.

In Hong Kong, it’s traditional to wake up early (5am!) and go out for breakfast, enjoying delicious dishes such as dim sum, congee and noodles. Local people see this a great opportunity to socialise and talk about the day ahead. 

Now, we’re not suggesting that you come down to Chung Ying Cantonese at 5am (as we’ll definitely still be in bed!), but how about coming in between 10am-12pm to enjoy a touch of Hong Kong in Birmingham… 

In traditional Chinese culture, breakfast is an important meal, not just because of socialising but because it gives you a chance to balance your chi.

In the Chinese Zodiac, there are 12 animals. Each year belongs to one of these animals, with 2018 belonging to man’s best friend, the dog.

So how does the Chinese calendar work?

The Chinese calendar rotates through five elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. After each of the 12 animals have had a year the cycle starts again, with the rat focusing on a new element. Each animal belongs to one of these elements by default, so it comes as no surprise that with their penchant for rolling in the mud, dogs have a strong earth focus. With us already being in the Earth element cycle, 2018 will be the Year of the Earth Dog.

Everyone has their favourite Cantonese dish, whether it’s a type of dim sum, a noodle dish or a classic like sweet & sour.

Sometimes, though, it’s refreshing to try something new from a familiar face. Cue some Chung Ying favourites such as aromatic Chicken Feet in Black Bean sauce and delicious Steamed Turnip Paste.

• Food preferences between the North and South of China differ significantly. 

• There are up to 500 types of noodles in China alone.

• Chopsticks are widely used as the Chinese traditionally considered knives and forks as violent.

Food preferences between the North and South of China differ significantly.  

TRUE: In the North, wheat production is favoured because of the colder climate. As a result, food such as dumplings, steamed buns and noodles made from wheat are popular. However, in the South, rice and noodles rule, with them being consumed with nearly every meal!

At all three Chung Ying restaurants, you can enjoy both of these with a wide range of choices suited to all taste buds.

Aries – Dim Sum
As an Aries, you hate to be restricted, and that means you would rather sample our hundreds of varieties of dim sum, rather than settle on one main course! You’re all about speed – you don’t like waiting for your food, so you love how fast you can choose from our dim sum menu.

Taurus – Crispy belly pork
You’re a Taurus, which means that you have a phenomenal taste in both food and relationships, so bring your bae (or the person who you want to be your bae) down to one of the Chung Ying restaurants… the noodles have fallen in your favour when it comes to love! When you get here, we think the rich crispy belly pork will be right up your street!

Gemini – Sweet and sour chicken
Gemini’s are renowned for having two personalities, and others are never quite sure which one they will be confronted with on a given day. It only makes sense that a doubled up personality would love a dish with double the flavours! The duality of the Gemini pairs perfectly with our flavourful sweet and sour chicken combination. The four of you are perfect for each other!

Do you think China and Chinese culture is weird or wonderful?

1. Over 30 million people still live in caves in China - that’ll save on the electricity bill.
2. You may think the UK is the home of football, but it is said that it was actually invented in Linzi, the capital of the ancient Chinese state of Qi.
3. 80 billion pairs of chopsticks are produced annually.