Qu Ziqi

East Asian Study, New York University College of Arts&Science, NewYork, US

Renaissance 2024, 3(01); https://doi.org/10.70548/ra142138
Submission received: 8 June 2024 / Revised: 11 August 2024 / Accepted: 23 September 2024 / Published: 17 October 2024

Abstract

This article delves into the symbolic significance of Chinese dining in Hong Kong cinema, analyzing how it serves as a cultural symbol reflecting social strata, identity, and cultural integration. The paper points out the shortcomings of existing research and emphasizes the multi-dimensional perspectives of Chinese dining studies, including sociology, cultural studies, and semiotics. Through an analysis of various dining scenes in Hong Kong films, the article reveals the rich connotations and social functions of Chinese dining culture. It also discusses the inheritance and innovation of Chinese dining culture against the backdrop of globalization and modernization, proposing strategies to enhance the influence of Chinese dining culture’s dissemination.

1 Introduction

Chinese dining is not only a part of the daily life of Chinese people but also a symbol of Chinese culture, carrying profound historical traditions and regional flavors. Chinese people are generally proud of their rich and complex dining culture, whether it’s the exquisite skills of the eight major cuisines or the unique flavors of local snacks, all of which reflect the diversity of this culture (Wu, 2015). However, despite the undeniable importance of Chinese dining in Chinese society, academic research on Chinese dining as a cultural symbol is relatively scarce. Many studies are limited to the analysis of dishes, ingredients, or cooking techniques, neglecting the symbolic meaning and impact of Chinese dining in the broader social, cultural, and historical contexts (Zhang, 2017).

Chinese dining culture research is currently facing three main issues. Firstly, Chinese dining is not just a synonym for cooking and eating; it is also deeply connected with issues such as region, history, and identity. However, existing research mostly focuses on the material aspect of food itself, neglecting the multiple identities and cultural connotations carried by Chinese dining in different social contexts (Wang, 2016). For instance, in a globalized city like Hong Kong, how Chinese dining represents the intersection of local and global cultures in films, as well as Hong Kong’s unique history and identity, remains insufficiently explored in research (Ma, 2019).

Secondly, Chinese dining is not only a gustatory experience but also a symbol of social hierarchy and power relations. High-end banquets often represent wealth, status, and power, while street snacks symbolize grassroots culture and the everyday life of ordinary people (Ong & Zhang, 2018). However, the academic community seldom explores how Chinese dining demonstrates the stratification of social classes and the interaction of power through different dining scenarios. In particular, how various forms of dining activities, such as high-end banquets, family gatherings, or street snacks, reveal the interactions between social classes and power structures remains a field that is yet to be deeply explored (Liu & Lin, 2020).

Finally, with the intensification of globalization and urbanization, the integration and conflict between traditional Chinese dining culture and modern fast-food culture, as well as foreign food cultures, are becoming increasingly evident. In metropolises, the modern pace of life demands quick and convenient eating patterns, which contradicts the traditional Chinese dining culture that emphasizes exquisiteness and meticulous cooking methods (Cheung, 2021). However, there is a lack of systematic research on how to adapt to the modern pace of life while preserving traditional culture, and how to achieve the coexistence of traditional and modern food cultures in this context. Especially in multicultural metropolises like Hong Kong, the conflict and integration between traditional Chinese food and Western food culture, as well as fast-food culture, is a topic of practical significance that has not been fully explored (Chang, 2018).

Therefore, to gain a deeper understanding of the richness and complexity of Chinese dining as a cultural symbol, there is an urgent need for the academic community to build upon existing research and adopt a multidisciplinary perspective that includes sociology, cultural studies, and semiotics to explore the symbolic meanings and cultural connotations of Chinese dining in different social contexts and cultural scenarios. This will not only help to reveal the deep values of Chinese culinary culture but also deepen the understanding of China’s social structure, cultural identity, and the integration of cultures in the context of globalization.

This article begins with Hong Kong cinema to study Chinese dining culture. Studying Chinese dining culture through Hong Kong cinema holds significant meaning, as it not only deepens the understanding of Chinese dining itself but also provides new perspectives on the dissemination, recognition, and inheritance of Chinese dining culture in a global context. The following outlines the significance brought to Chinese dining culture by this research and several key issues addressed:

Hong Kong movies reflect the intersection of globalization and local culture, especially as a unique location where Eastern and Western cultures blend. Hong Kong movie culture integrates tradition with modernity, and East with West. In these films, Chinese dining not only represents local culture but also showcases the collision and integration of Chinese dining with foreign cultures against the backdrop of globalization. Therefore, studying the symbols of Chinese dining in Hong Kong movies helps to deeply understand how Chinese dining carries and expresses identity recognition, especially how the intersection of local and global cultures is reflected through Chinese dining in the context of globalization. This process reveals Hong Kong’s unique cultural hybrid and provides an ideal perspective for understanding multiple identity recognitions.

Hong Kong films richly portray the contrast and conflict of social classes, especially in the lifestyles, power structures, and social interactions of different classes, where Chinese dining is often not just a background element but a key symbol of class differences. By analyzing various dining scenes in films such as luxurious banquets, street snacks, and tea restaurants, one can clearly see the function of Chinese dining as a symbol of social class. These scenes, through details such as food types, dining environments, and consumption habits, visually display the division and interaction of social classes, reflecting the distribution of power and wealth. Therefore, Hong Kong films provide a rich and intuitive material library for studying how Chinese dining reflects social class and power dynamics.

Hong Kong movies showcase the integration and conflict between traditional and modern food cultures, especially in terms of food culture, where scenes like tea restaurants, street snacks, and high-end restaurants represent the coexistence and collision of traditional Chinese dining with modern fast-food culture and Western food culture. As a globalized city, Hong Kong movies provide a systematic research window into how traditional and modern Chinese food cultures can achieve integration and coexistence in the context of globalization, especially how Chinese dining can maintain its cultural roots and adapt to new consumption trends under the pressures of modern life rhythms and globalization. Through the rich cultural materials of these films, a better understanding of the impact of globalization on traditional food cultures can be gained.

2 Research Methods

When conducting an in-depth analysis of Chinese dining culture in Hong Kong movies, selecting appropriate research methods is crucial. These methods can analyze the symbolic meanings and cultural connotations of Chinese cuisine in films from multiple perspectives, including semiotics, narrative, and sociology (Chow, 2017). Through semiotic analysis, we can interpret how Chinese cuisine, as a cultural symbol in films, reflects identity recognition and social class (Barthes, 1972); narrative analysis reveals the role of Chinese cuisine symbols in advancing the plot, shaping characters, and expressing themes (Bal, 2009); sociological analysis helps us understand the social classes, gender roles, and social interactions reflected by Chinese cuisine in films (Bourdieu, 1984). Symbolic interactionism provides multiple interpretations of Chinese cuisine as a symbol of social interaction, revealing its flexibility and symbolic significance in different cultural contexts (Goffman, 1959). The following sections will specifically introduce these methods and their applications.

2.1 Semiotic Analysis

Semiotic analysis is an effective method for studying how Chinese cuisine, as a cultural symbol, conveys specific social and cultural information in films. Chinese cuisine is not just food; it carries multiple symbolic meanings such as identity, class, and power. In semiotic analysis, the first step is to identify the symbols of Chinese cuisine in films, such as scenes in tea restaurants, hot pot, and banquets. Then, by decoding these symbols, we analyze the social phenomena they represent, such as the lifestyle of the grassroots class and the differences in social strata (Eco, 1976). Finally, by combining these symbols with the film’s plot, character roles, and social context, we reveal the specific functions of Chinese cuisine symbols in film narrative (Hall, 1997).

2.2 Narrative Analysis

Narrative analysis mainly explores how Chinese dining symbols promote the plot development of a film, depict characters, and convey the core themes of the film. By analyzing the function of Chinese cuisine scenes in narration, the cultural and social significance behind Chinese cuisine can be revealed. First, analyze the role of Chinese cuisine scenes in the plot, such as whether it promotes the development of the story or serves as a critical turning point (Propp, 1968). Then, examine the role of Chinese cuisine symbols in character shaping, and how diet reflects the characters’ personalities, social status, and identity recognition (Genette, 1983). Finally, explore the contribution of Chinese cuisine symbols to the expression of film themes, such as how they convey deep themes such as family bonds and cultural identity (Bal, 2009).

2.3 Sociological Analysis

Sociological analysis helps us understand the social structural function of Chinese cuisine in films by studying how Chinese cuisine symbols reflect issues such as social class, family relationships, and gender roles (Bourdieu, 1984). First, by analyzing the relationship between Chinese cuisine scenes and social class, the dietary habits of different classes and their social status can be revealed (Douglas, 1975). Then, the dietary symbols in family and gender roles are analyzed to discuss the status of female characters at the dining table and the gender division of labor they symbolize (DeVault, 1991). Finally, the social interactions in Chinese cuisine scenes, such as power relations and daily communications in banquets or tea restaurants, are examined to reveal the social relationships between people (Goffman, 1959).

2.4 Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism focuses on studying Chinese cuisine as a symbolic symbol in social interactions, and how it conveys characters’ identities, power, and cultural values in movies (Blumer, 1969). First, through the analysis of interactive situations, it examines how characters express emotions or identities through eating behaviors (Mead, 1934). Then, it analyzes the multiple meanings of Chinese cuisine symbols in different contexts, revealing the fluidity and diversity of their symbols (Goffman, 1967). Finally, it studies the transmission of cultural values in Chinese cuisine scenes, examining how characters’ eating behaviors reflect or challenge specific social norms and cultural values (Geertz, 1973).

The four analytical methods mentioned—semiotic analysis, narrative analysis, sociological analysis, and symbolic interactionism—provide a multi-level and multi-angle research framework that helps us to deeply interpret the cultural connotations of Chinese dining symbols in Hong Kong films. These methods can systematically reveal the complex issues of identity recognition, social class, and power relations that Chinese dining represents in Hong Kong films, and they showcase the multiple meanings of Chinese dining culture in modern society through film plots, character development, and social interactions.

3 The Cultural Symbolism of Chinese Dining Scenes in Hong Kong Movies 

In Hong Kong films, tea houses, street stalls, tea restaurants, hotels, and home dining tables are important scenes for showcasing Chinese dining culture. Each scene not only carries specific cultural connotations but also reflects different social classes, identities, and interpersonal relationships. By analyzing these scenes, we can better understand the diversity of Chinese dining culture and its manifestations in Hong Kong society.

3.1 Common Chinese Dining Scenes

As a representative of traditional Cantonese dining culture, tea houses carry a rich history and social significance. They are not only places for dining but also important spaces for socializing and community cohesion. In films, tea houses often symbolize tradition, family reunion, and social interaction, making them an important venue for the inheritance of Chinese culture.

In Hong Kong movies, tea houses are often venues for communication and negotiation between people, symbolizing the continuation of community culture and family bonds. The sharing of dim sum during morning tea, such as steamed buns and siu mai, reflects the harmony and affection among family members. Tea house scenes often appear during family gatherings or community meetings, showcasing the social and cultural interactions between people. In “In the Mood for Love,” the tea house scene is not only where the male and female protagonists meet but also a place that carries the warmth of traditional culture. It is a key scene in the story’s development, representing the elegance and composure of old Hong Kong life.

Street stalls symbolize civilian culture and urban life, representing the daily dietary habits of the grassroots class. They are quick and convenient food choices, filled with the vitality and bustling atmosphere of Hong Kong city. The culture of street stalls forms a stark contrast to traditional luxurious banquets, representing the true side of public life.

In movies, street stalls often serve as a symbol of the lower social strata’s life, showcasing the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. Hong Kong street snacks such as fish balls and rice noodle rolls are not only affordable but also reflect the fast-paced lifestyle of Hong Kong. The depiction of street stalls in films often reflects the diversity of society and the vitality of the city, and they are an important venue for showcasing grassroots interpersonal interactions. In Stephen Chow’s movie “The God of Cookery,” street stalls not only showcase the dietary culture of Hong Kong’s common people but also convey the warmth of human relationships and the coexistence of different social classes through simple street foods.

Tea restaurants are unique culinary cultural symbols of Hong Kong, blending Chinese and Western dining elements. As popular dining venues, they represent the fast pace and multiculturalism of modern urban life. They retain some of the essence of traditional Chinese dining while incorporating the influence of Western fast food, making them a symbol of cultural integration in Hong Kong.

Tea restaurants frequently appear in Hong Kong movies, reflecting the daily life and urban culture of Hong Kong citizens. They are not only a manifestation of fast-food culture but also a venue where multiculturalism intersects, offering a variety of culinary options ranging from fried rice and noodles to coffee and toast. Scenes set in tea restaurants often symbolize the fast-paced consumer culture of modern cities and are a microcosm of class differences, showcasing the lifestyle of Hong Kong’s middle and lower classes. In “Infernal Affairs,” tea restaurants symbolize the life of the grassroots, and the dialogues and food choices in these scenes not only depict the social status of the characters but also reveal their daily life and existential conditions.

The restaurants in high-end hotels often symbolize wealth, status, and power. In Hong Kong movies, hotel banquets are frequently portrayed as significant social occasions, showcasing the lifestyle of business elites and high society. The luxurious dining environment and exquisite dishes not only reflect economic strength but also demonstrate the power structure and class division in Hong Kong society.

Hotel scenes in movies are often used for business negotiations, celebratory events, or displays of power. The Chinese dishes at hotel banquets are typically traditional, exquisite Cantonese dining, such as abalone and shark fin, symbolizing luxury and identity. The dining scenes in hotels not only reflect the tastes of the upper class but also reveal the distance between social classes and power relationships. In “Infernal Affairs,” the banquet scenes in luxurious hotels become symbols of power and intrigue, showcasing the complex social relationships and underlying power struggles among the characters.

The family dining table symbolizes the warmth and unity of the home and is at the core of family values in Chinese culture. Whether during festive celebrations or everyday meals, the family dining table is an important place for the exchange of affection and the transmission of culture among family members. Dining at home reflects the care and unity among family members and represents the core family values in Chinese dining culture.

In Hong Kong movies, dining scenes at home often depict familial affection, intergenerational relationships, and the maintenance of family bonds. By sharing traditional dishes among family members, these scenes can showcase cultural heritage and family cohesion. Dining scenes at home are particularly apt at portraying how characters find comfort and support through family relationships when facing life’s pressures or difficulties. In the movie “Echoes of the Rainbow,” the hot pot scene at home symbolizes family unity and resilience. Despite the challenges the family faces, the shared meal expresses the support and love among family members.

In Hong Kong movies, the five scenes of tea houses, street stalls, tea restaurants, hotels, and family dining tables showcase the rich connotations and social functions of Chinese dining culture. Tea houses represent traditional culture and social cohesion, street stalls reflect the daily life of the grassroots and the urban vitality of Hong Kong, tea restaurants blend Chinese and Western cultures, symbolizing modernization and diversity, hotels display the power and class of high society, and family dining tables embody familial affection and cultural heritage. These scenes provide us with a multi-dimensional perspective, helping to deepen our understanding of the portrayal and social significance of Chinese dining culture in Hong Kong cinema.

3.2 Comparative Analysis of Chinese Dining Scenes

Analyzing the relationship between these different Chinese dining scenes, social classes, and cultural symbols helps us understand that Chinese dining is not only food but also a social and cultural phenomenon. In Hong Kong movies, scenes such as teahouses, street stalls, cha chaan tengs, hotels, and family dining tables not only reflect the economic status of different classes but also show their respective lifestyles, social functions, and interpersonal interactions. Through this analysis, we can reveal social class differences and understand the life differences between the wealthy class and the grassroots class. At the same time, we can also explore the cultural changes in the inheritance and innovation of Chinese dining and show the evolution and integration of traditional culture in modern society. In addition, analyzing eating scenes can also help us understand interpersonal relationships in different occasions, from family affection to business negotiations. Food scenes reflect the diversity of social interactions. This analysis provides us with a more comprehensive perspective to understand the important role and far-reaching influence of Chinese dining culture in society, economy, and culture.

Table 1: Comparative Chart of Cultural Symbolism in Chinese Dining Scenes

3.2.1 Social Class and Economic Status

In terms of social class and economic status, tea houses are typically associated with the middle class and above, offering a formal and ceremonial dining experience, symbolizing leisurely social activities and cultural heritage. Street stalls represent the grassroots class and urban mobility, reflecting the lifestyle of the low-income class, characterized by low prices, speed, and convenience, emphasizing practicality in daily life and street culture. Tea restaurants blend Chinese and Western food cultures, catering to the lower and middle classes, emphasizing convenience and affordability, representing the fast-paced lifestyle of modern cities, and reflecting the everyday life of ordinary Hong Kong citizens. Hotel restaurants are associated with high-end consumption, wealth, and power; the luxurious environment and exquisite dishes are venues for the upper class to show off wealth and conduct business negotiations, symbolizing the lifestyle of social elites. In contrast, the family dining table does not emphasize social class, but rather reflects familial affection and cohesion, symbolizing the maintenance of cultural heritage and family values, unrelated to wealth and class.

In movies like “C’est la vie, mon chéri,” tea houses serve as venues for the protagonists to gather and discuss, symbolizing the leisure and composure of traditional culture and social activities. Street stalls represent the lifestyle of the grassroots class, as seen in “Shaolin Soccer,” where the street stall scenes depict the daily life of low-income groups, with food that is affordable and convenient, reflecting the living conditions of the grassroots class. Tea restaurants cater to the lower and middle classes, as in “Comrades: Almost a Love Story,” offering populist dining options in modern cities, reflecting the pace of life and multiculturalism of ordinary Hong Kong citizens. Hotel restaurants are associated with the wealth and power of the upper class, as in the luxurious hotel banquets in “Overheard,” becoming venues for business negotiations and power deals, symbolizing the luxurious life of social elites. Family dining tables focus on expressing familial affection and cohesion, as in “All About Ah Long,” where family dining scenes showcase the emotional connections between family members, emphasizing the maintenance of cultural heritage and familial bonds. Through these movie scenes, different dining venues reflect the class differences and lifestyles within Hong Kong society.

3.2.2 Cultural Symbols and Social Functions

In terms of cultural symbolism and social function, tea houses, as symbols of traditional Cantonese culture, carry the social functions and ceremonial sense in Chinese culture. They are important places for family and community gatherings, representing traditional family bonds and social communication. Street stalls emphasize flexibility and grassroots culture, symbolizing the vitality and diversity of modern cities, and often serve as a microcosm of the lives of the socially disadvantaged, showing the daily lives of ordinary citizens. Tea restaurants blend Chinese and Western cultural elements, reflecting the global characteristics of Hong Kong, retaining traditional Chinese dining elements while adapting to the fast pace of modern life, and are representative of modern Hong Kong culture. Hotel dining venues symbolize elite culture and business socializing, serving as a concentrated display of wealth, power, and status. In movies, hotel banquets are often used to showcase the luxurious lives of the upper class and complex power relationships. In contrast, the family dining table focuses more on cultural heritage and emotional expression, especially during festivals and special occasions, symbolizing the cohesion of the family and reflecting the care and support among family members.

In Hong Kong movies, tea houses, street stalls, tea restaurants, hotels, and family dining tables exhibit different cultural symbols and social functions. For instance, in “Rouge,” the tea house, as a symbol of traditional Cantonese culture, carries the reunion of families and communities, filled with a sense of ceremony and social function. In “Crazy Stone,” the street stall showcases the daily life of ordinary citizens, emphasizing the flexibility of the grassroots class and the diversity of modern cities. In “Young and Dangerous,” the tea restaurant symbolizes the daily life and cultural integration of Hong Kong citizens; it provides not only fast food but also a microcosm of the pace of modern urban life. In “Cold War,” hotel banquets, as symbols of power and wealth, become venues for negotiations and power dealings in high society, highlighting the luxury and complex power relationships of the elite class. In “The Way We Are,” the family dining table represents familial affection and cultural heritage; the dining scenes among family members display emotional support and cohesion among family members in the face of difficulties and challenges. These films, through various dining scenes, vividly reflect the diversity of social classes, culture, and interpersonal relationships in Hong Kong society.

3.2.3 A symbol of social interaction and family interaction.

Tea houses, as symbols of social interaction and family bonding, often serve as venues for communication among neighbors, friends, or family members in Hong Kong movies, strengthening the ties between people and symbolizing social harmony and cultural heritage. Street stalls are casual social venues for individuals and their friends or colleagues, focusing on relaxed interactions in daily life and emphasizing the natural and unrestrained relationships between people. Tea restaurants can be places for individuals to dine alone or for informal gatherings among friends, reflecting the communication in Hong Kong’s daily life and the fast-paced social interactions of modern cities. Hotel banquets are closely related to business negotiations and power deals, where interpersonal relationships are complex and multi-layered, accompanied by displays of social status and struggles for power. In contrast, the family dining table symbolizes intimate family relationships and is an important place for emotional communication among family members. Through sharing meals together, family members demonstrate care, support, and cultural heritage, embodying the symbol of family cohesion.

In Hong Kong movies, different dining scenes showcase the rich social and cultural connotations through the interactions of interpersonal relationships. For instance, in “Days of Being Wild,” tea houses serve as places for characters to communicate and meet, symbolizing social harmony and cultural heritage, and strengthening family and social ties. In “Made in Hong Kong,” street stalls display casual socializing among friends from the grassroots class, with characters eating and chatting at the stalls, emphasizing relaxed and natural daily interactions. In “Gorgeous,” tea restaurants reflect the fast-paced modern life in Hong Kong, suitable for both solitary dining and providing a relaxed environment for friends to gather. In “Project Gutenberg,” hotels symbolize the social venues for business negotiations and the elite class, where complex interpersonal relationships are accompanied by power struggles and displays of status. In “A Simple Life,” the family dining table symbolizes familial emotions and intimate relationships; the interactions between the aunt and the male protagonist reflect care, support, and emotional heritage, representing the cohesion of the family. These films, through various dining scenes, present the diverse interpersonal interactions and complex emotional connections in Hong Kong society.

3.2.4 Dining environment and atmosphere

The environment of a tea house emphasizes tradition and social interaction, with a leisurely yet formal atmosphere, making it suitable for extended family gatherings or social events, often accompanied by a sense of ceremony, reflecting the delicacy and heritage of culture. Street stalls, on the other hand, are open and rudimentary venues with a casual and lively atmosphere, emphasizing convenience and speed, suitable for brief stops, reflecting the fast pace of urban life and grassroots culture. The ambiance of a tea restaurant is more relaxed, suitable for daily gatherings or solitary dining, with an environment that blends Chinese and Western elements, being both approachable and modern, offering quick service while also creating a certain level of comfort. Hotel restaurants have a luxurious and refined setting with a serious and formal atmosphere, accompanied by high-standard service and exquisite dishes, typically used to showcase status and position, suitable for business or elite social occasions. In contrast, the family dining table offers an intimate and warm environment, with a cozy atmosphere, ideal for close interactions among family members, focusing on emotional expression and the maintenance of family bonds, making it a dining space full of emotional depth.

In Hong Kong movies, different dining environments and atmospheres showcase the rich social and cultural connotations through various films. For instance, in “The Duel,” the tea house presents a modern social venue with an atmosphere that is both traditional and fashionable, suitable for interactions among friends and family members. In “Touch,” street stalls display the daily life of the grassroots class, with a simple and lively environment reflecting the casual social relationships in the city. In “She’s No Sister of Mine,” tea restaurants reflect the fast-paced life of modern Hong Kong and the combination of Chinese and Western cultures, with a relaxed environment perfect for gatherings among friends. Hotels in “The Heroic Trio” showcase elite socializing and power deals with a luxurious environment, creating an atmosphere that is serious and status-conscious. In “Love in the Buff,” the warmth of the family dining table symbolizes intimate interactions among family members, highlighting the strength of emotional bonds and family ties. These films, through their portrayal of various dining settings, vividly reflect the diversity and complexity of Hong Kong society.

4 The Cultural Symbolism of Chinese Dining Forms in Hong Kong Movies

4.1 Common Types of Chinese Dining

In Hong Kong movies, various forms of Chinese dining are used to showcase rich cultural connotations, where each type of food is not only about eating but also symbolizes specific social values, emotional connections, and cultural heritage.

Hot pot scenes often serve as symbols of family gatherings in Hong Kong films, representing togetherness and warmth. The uniqueness of hot pot lies in the fact that all ingredients are cooked in one pot, emphasizing sharing and the close bonds between family members. In the movie “Election 2” (also known as “Black Society 2: Election”), hot pot scenes become one of the significant narrative elements. In the film, gang leaders sit together to enjoy a hot pot, symbolizing apparent harmony and unity. However, such hot pot scenes are also filled with undercurrents of tension, suggesting the complex power struggles and potential conflicts among gang members. Here, hot pot is not just a symbol of food but also a part of social and power games, reflecting the intricate interpersonal relationships within the gang.

Barbecued meat, as an essential part of Hong Kong’s Cantonese dining, often symbolizes the combination of tradition and modernity. Barbecue shops and char siu rice in movies are not only daily food for ordinary citizens but also carry the unique dining culture and the hustle and bustle of urban life in Hong Kong. They reflect the coexistence of Hong Kong as a modern city with traditional culture. “Golden Chicken,” a classic Hong Kong film starring Sandra Ng, showcases the changes in Hong Kong society through the life journey of the female protagonist, Ah Kam. The film frequently features scenes of barbecue shops, especially with barbecued meat as a part of the daily life of Hong Kong citizens, symbolizing the ordinary yet genuine street life. These barbecue shops not only showcase the rich culinary culture of Hong Kong but also bear people’s emotional attachment to their daily lives, reflecting the resilience and struggle of ordinary people amidst changing times. Through street foods like barbecued meat, the film brings a strong sense of life and Hong Kong characteristics to the audience.

Porridge, rice noodles, and rice, as staple foods in the daily diet of Hong Kong people, often appear in movies as scenes that depict the ordinary life and struggles of ordinary people in Hong Kong. They typically appear in street food stalls or tea restaurants, symbolizing the grassroots culture in Hong Kong society and showcasing a fast and convenient urban lifestyle. The movie “Still Human” won the “Best New Director” award at the 55th Golden Horse Awards. The film tells the emotional story between a middle-aged man who became paralyzed due to an accident and his Filipino caregiver. Scenes featuring porridge, rice noodles, and rice appear frequently in the movie, symbolizing the daily life of ordinary Hong Kong citizens and the emotional bonds between people. These simple foods become a bond for the characters, representing the hardships and warmth of life. Through everyday meals, the film showcases the growing understanding and mutual assistance between them, with food becoming an essential symbol of emotional and cultural connections.

Dumplings, as a traditional Chinese food, are often associated with family festivals or significant moments, representing reunion and traditional culture. The process of making and sharing dumplings is itself a ritual that brings family members’ emotions together. In Hong Kong movies, the appearance of dumplings is often related to family reunions or festival celebrations, reflecting respect for and inheritance of traditional culture. In the movie “Early Maturation,” scenes of family members making and eating dumplings together serve as a bridge for their emotional communication and intergenerational interaction. Here, dumplings are not only food but also a symbol of family emotions.

Stir-fried dishes, as a symbol of daily family dining in Hong Kong movies, usually represent the daily lives of ordinary families. As a flexible and diverse cooking method, stir-fried dishes symbolize the vitality and warmth in family life. The stir-frying scenes in movies usually show the simplicity and authenticity of daily family life, and at the same time reflect the emotional connection and mutual care among family members. The recommended movie “The Wedding Banquet” is a classic work directed by Ang Lee. It tells the story of a Taiwanese man living in the United States who enters into a fake marriage to deal with his parents. There are many scenes in the movie where family members cook stir-fried dishes and prepare banquets together. In particular, the stir-fried dishes prepared for the wedding banquet become an important element of the film, symbolizing family, culture, and identity. Stir-fried dishes not only show the collision and integration of Eastern and Western cultures, but also through the preparation and sharing of food, display the emotional connection and interaction among family members. The film shows the delicate emotions in family inheritance, cultural conflicts, and interpersonal relationships through carefully prepared dishes.

Through Chinese dinings such as hot pot, barbecued meat, congee, noodles, rice, dumplings and stir-fried dishes, Hong Kong movies vividly show the diversity and depth of different social classes, family relationships and urban culture. In movies, food is not just for filling the stomach. More often, it symbolizes emotional, cultural and social connections.

4.2 Cultural Symbolism Analysis of Chinese Dining Types

Chinese dining types have rich symbolic meanings in culture. Each dish is not just food, but also carries different social values, historical backgrounds, family relationships and cultural heritages.

4.2.1 Family and emotion

Chinese dining plays an indispensable role in maintaining families and emotions, especially at times when family affection and family bonds are emphasized. Foods like hot pot and dumplings are often given symbolic meanings of reunion. Hot pot is characterized by everyone sitting around, cooking ingredients together and sharing. This “cooking and sharing together” way symbolizes the close connection and emotional interaction among family members. Hot pot is not just a dish, but also a family ritual. Especially when family members or friends gather, it becomes an important carrier for strengthening emotional exchanges. Similarly, dumplings, as traditional festival foods, especially at reunion moments like the Spring Festival, symbolize family unity and happiness. The process of making dumplings usually involves the participation of the whole family, which means that family members work together and are united. And the shape of dumplings symbolizes the wrapping of good luck and wealth. Whether it’s hot pot or dumplings, through the form of having meals together, these foods deepen the emotional connection and interaction among family members and become an important part of Chinese family life.

4.2.2 Social Class and Identity

Chinese dining also reflects the symbolic meaning of social class and identity. Especially in banquet occasions, the choice and presentation of food are often manifestations of identity and status. High-end ingredients like abalone, shark fin, and bird’s nest often appear in important social occasions such as wedding banquets and business banquets. They not only represent delicacy and luxury but also convey wealth and social status. These foods are endowed with the symbolic meaning of wealth and success and become a way for social elites to show personal achievements and identities. In contrast, daily foods like barbecued meat, congee, noodles, and rice are closer to the lives of ordinary citizens and symbolize city life and grassroots culture. Barbecued meat shops and street-side congee, noodle, and rice shops not only reflect the resilience and fighting spirit of the grassroots society but also show the diversity and inclusiveness of society. These daily foods show the lifestyles of ordinary people in a simple but real way and symbolize the diversity of different classes and identities in the city.

4.2.3 Regional and cultural integration

The diversity of Chinese dining is not only reflected in dishes but also in the integration of different cultures and regions. Cantonese dim sum such as shrimp dumplings and siu mai represent the delicacy and diversity of Lingnan culture. They are not only food but also symbols of regional culture, reflecting the uniqueness of diet in Guangdong region. In cities with intertwined multiculturalism like Hong Kong, cha chaan tengs become typical representatives of the integration of Chinese and Western cultures. Dishes in cha chaan tengs such as pineapple buns, curry beef brisket, and instant noodles have both Chinese elements and absorb the characteristics of Western diet, reflecting the collision and integration of Chinese and Western cultures in diet. These foods symbolize the inclusiveness and diversity of regional cultures and also show the openness and integration of urban culture. This fused food culture reflects the historical and cultural characteristics of Hong Kong as a meeting place of the East and the West and becomes a symbol of social diversity.

4.2.4 Tradition and Cultural Inheritance

Chinese dining is not only the satisfaction of dietary needs but also an important carrier of cultural inheritance. Traditional dishes like barbecued meat and roast duck not only inherit China’s ancient food culture but also show exquisite cooking skills. These classic dishes represent the crystallization of wisdom in thousands of years of history and symbolize respect and inheritance for traditional culture. In artistic forms such as movies and literature, traditional Chinese dining is often used to evoke the audience’s memories of the past and their identification with cultural roots. Through a series of inherited delicious foods, the continuation of culture is not only reflected in taste experiences but also in the passing down from generation to generation in families and society. The inheritance of Chinese dining is an intangible cultural bond. Through the making and sharing of food, it passes on the wisdom and cultural essence of ancestors, allowing people to still feel the weight of history in modern life.

4.2.5 Festivals and Auspicious Meanings

In traditional Chinese culture, many foods are not just ingredients but also have auspicious meanings. Especially during festivals or celebrations, food symbolizes blessings for a beautiful life. Fish symbolizes “having more than enough every year,” meaning abundance and harvest in the coming year; rice cakes represent “rising step by step,” conveying good wishes for continuous progress in career and life; glutinous rice balls symbolize reunion and the happiness and perfection of family. These foods with auspicious meanings become core elements of celebration during important festivals such as the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. They are not only delicious foods but also symbols of people’s expectations and wishes for future life. This kind of food culture with meanings not only reflects Chinese people’s emphasis on life but also shows their yearning and pursuit for a better life in the future. Through festival celebrations and family gatherings, these foods integrate culture, blessings and emotions, becoming a spiritual bond for families and society.

Through these dimensions, it can be seen that Chinese dining is not only a food culture that satisfies the taste buds. It also carries emotional, cultural, historical and social meanings, and becomes an important carrier for family cohesion, social identity, regional characteristics and traditional inheritance.

5 The enlightenment of Hong Kong movies on Chinese dining culture

5.1 Integration of Multiculturalism: Reflecting Inclusivity and Innovation

Hong Kong movies have shown the integration of Chinese and Western food cultures. For example, pineapple buns and curry beef brisket in cha chaan tengs reflect the inclusiveness and flexibility of Chinese food culture, which can absorb foreign elements and innovate by combining local characteristics (Wu & Cheung, 2021). This shows that Chinese food culture not only inherits traditions but also has the ability to integrate with external cultures. When promoting Chinese food culture globally, appropriate localization and innovation can be carried out by combining the eating habits of different countries, emphasizing the inclusiveness and innovation ability of Chinese cuisine, and developing innovative dishes with a combination of Chinese and Western flavors to make Chinese cuisine more internationally attractive (Lee, 2022).

5.2 Tradition and Modernization in Chinese Dining

Hong Kong movies have shown the combination of traditional delicacies and modern catering culture. The collision between traditional and modern catering in many movies reflects that Chinese cuisine can adapt to the development needs of modernization while retaining traditions (Zhang & Tsui, 2020). Chinese cuisine culture not only develops steadily in inheritance but also continuously innovates under the background of modernization. When developing Chinese food culture, traditional cooking techniques can be combined with modern catering management and technology to promote the modernization of Chinese cuisine. Use digital marketing, takeout platforms and modern catering management concepts to promote Chinese cuisine, and at the same time carry out modern improvements on the basis of maintaining traditional techniques (Ng, 2023).

5.3 Enhancing Cultural Dissemination through Narrative

The food scenes in Hong Kong movies are not only backgrounds but also connect food with the emotions and fates of characters through plot narration, forming stories with emotional depth. This narrative method enhances the appeal of cultural dissemination and enables the audience to have a profound understanding of Chinese cuisine culture through stories (Chow & Ho, 2021). This inspires us that narrative techniques can enhance the influence of cultural dissemination. When promoting Chinese cuisine culture, we can learn from this narrative method and tell family stories, historical backgrounds and cultural symbols behind Chinese cuisine through forms such as documentaries, movies and social media stories, making the dissemination of Chinese cuisine culture more attractive and emotionally resonant (Chan, 2022).

5.4 The Balance between Cultural Inheritance and Innovatio

Hong Kong movies have demonstrated the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation. For example, traditional dishes have new interpretations in modern catering. This reminds us that when promoting Chinese catering culture, we must maintain the essence of traditional culture and at the same time carry out innovations to meet the needs of modern society. When promoting Chinese catering culture, we should maintain respect and inheritance for traditional cooking techniques, such as the protection of intangible cultural heritage, and at the same time carry out innovations by combining modern cooking concepts and technologies (Li & Wong, 2021). Develop new dishes or experiential catering models to make Chinese catering culture have both historical depth and modern vitality, and achieve a balance between cultural inheritance and innovation (Huang, 2023).

6 Conclusion

Through an in-depth analysis of Chinese dining culture in Hong Kong movies, this article reveals the multiple meanings of Chinese dining as a cultural symbol. Chinese dining not only reflects social classes and identity recognition but also shows the integration of traditional and modern, local and global cultures. The article emphasizes the importance of innovation while maintaining Chinese dining culture traditions in the process of globalization and modernization. Through narrative techniques and a balance between cultural inheritance and innovation, the dissemination power and influence of Chinese dining culture can be enhanced, making it more attractive on a global scale.

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