Chinese and Korean people have similar cultures based on Confusion values. They even look alike! Due to these factors, it might be hard for Westerners to discriminate between them. However, in terms of the food culture, there are some features that make these two countries distinguishable from each other.

Chopsticks

The shape and material of chopsticks are different. Most Chinese foods are greasy and thus the Chinese have developed their own cooking implements to prevent sputtering oil, such as long chopsticks. In addition, to pick up fried foods with chopsticks more easily, most of them are made out of bamboo or plastic, not iron. In contrast, Korean chopsticks are made of metal. Because most Korean foods are based on stews or soups, it can be unsanitary to use wooden chopsticks.

The staple food  

 

The staple food and the idea of side dishes are different. Many westerners think that rice is a staple diet for most East Asians. However, this only applies to Japan and Korea. The Chinese eat dumplings more than rice. In addition, Chinese do not use side dishes. While the Korean diet is composed of side dishes and a main dish, the Chinese eat just main dishes. Like Westerners, if they want some side dishes in a restaurant, then they should buy some.

 The attitude towards leftovers

The attitude towards leftovers is different. In Korea, to leave your share of food is to go against etiquette to those who prepared that. On the other hand, leaving a small amount of food after you finish eating indicates that you are satisfied in China. Moreover, taking leftovers home is common to China in restaurants; but, it is not normal acts between Koreans.

Even though Chinese and Koreans seem alike to those who don't know these countries well, there are remarkable differences in the dietary culture: type of chopsticks and staple diet and cognition about the side dish. No matter how much they share eating each other’s culture, each of these two states has different and unique diet styles.