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Cantonese cuisine Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Cantonese Cuisine: An Introduction

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Cantonese Cuisine: An Introduction Study Guide

Origins and Classification

What is the geographical origin and primary regional association of Cantonese cuisine, also known as Yue cuisine?

Answer: True

Explanation: Cantonese cuisine, or Yue cuisine, originates from Guangdong province in China and is intrinsically linked to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macau.

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True or False: Scholars typically categorize Guangdong cuisine into only one major group: Cantonese.

Answer: False

Explanation: Scholars often categorize Guangdong cuisine into multiple groups, including Cantonese, Hakka, and Chaozhou cuisines, reflecting regional diversity.

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True or False: The traditional Chinese name for Cantonese cuisine is 'Lu cuisine', reflecting its origin in the Lu state during the Zhou dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: The traditional name for Cantonese cuisine is Yue cuisine (or Guang2 dong1 coi3 in Jyutping), not Lu cuisine, which refers to a different regional style.

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True or False: Hakka and Teochew cuisines are considered identical to Cantonese cuisine within Guangdong province.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Hakka and Teochew cuisines are regional styles within Guangdong, they are distinct from Cantonese cuisine, though sometimes grouped under a broader regional umbrella.

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True or False: The Jyutping pronunciation for Cantonese cuisine is 'Gwong2 dung1 coi3'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Jyutping pronunciation for Cantonese cuisine (廣東菜) is indeed 'Gwong2 dung1 coi3'.

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Which region is the primary origin and association for Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: Guangdong province, including Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macau

Explanation: Cantonese cuisine, also referred to as Yue cuisine, originates from Guangdong province in China and is intrinsically linked to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macau.

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According to the source, Cantonese cuisine is recognized as part of which larger classification of Chinese regional cuisines?

Answer: The Eight Great Traditions

Explanation: Cantonese cuisine is recognized as one of the Eight Great Traditions of Chinese cuisine.

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Besides Cantonese, what other two major regional cuisines are sometimes categorized under the broader umbrella of Guangdong cuisine by scholars?

Answer: Hakka and Chaozhou cuisines

Explanation: Scholars sometimes categorize Hakka and Chaozhou cuisines alongside Cantonese cuisine under the broader umbrella of Guangdong cuisine, reflecting regional diversity within the province.

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What is the Jyutping pronunciation for Cantonese cuisine (廣東菜)?

Answer: Gwong2 dung1 coi3

Explanation: The Jyutping pronunciation for Cantonese cuisine (廣東菜) is 'Gwong2 dung1 coi3'.

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Culinary Philosophy and Flavor

True or False: Traditional Cantonese dishes are known for their heavy use of spices to mask the taste of ingredients.

Answer: False

Explanation: The foundational principles of Cantonese cuisine emphasize the use of spices sparingly to highlight the natural flavors of fresh ingredients, rather than masking them.

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True or False: Fresh seafood with a strong odor in Cantonese cuisine is typically prepared using minimal seasoning to highlight its natural sweetness.

Answer: False

Explanation: Seafood with a strong odor is typically prepared with stronger spices to mask any off-flavors, whereas the freshest seafood is seasoned lightly to enhance its natural sweetness.

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True or False: Traditional Cantonese dishes are characterized by greasy flavors and a heavy reliance on garlic.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditional Cantonese dishes are known for their well-balanced, non-greasy flavors, with spices used sparingly to emphasize the natural taste of ingredients. Garlic is used, but not typically as a heavy reliance.

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True or False: Steamed fish in Cantonese cuisine is often prepared with strong spices to mask any potential lack of freshness.

Answer: False

Explanation: The emphasis in preparing fresh steamed fish in Cantonese cuisine is on minimal seasoning to highlight its natural sweetness, not masking freshness with strong spices.

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True or False: Cantonese cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh herbs like cilantro and garlic chives as primary flavorings.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cantonese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and uses spices sparingly. While cilantro and garlic chives are used, they are often as vegetables or garnishes rather than primary flavorings in the way some other cuisines utilize herbs.

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True or False: Cantonese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients, using spices sparingly to highlight their natural taste.

Answer: True

Explanation: A core tenet of Cantonese cuisine is the emphasis on fresh ingredients, with spices used judiciously to enhance, rather than overpower, their inherent flavors.

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True or False: Cantonese cuisine uses garlic chives and coriander leaves extensively as primary flavor components.

Answer: False

Explanation: While garlic chives and coriander leaves are used in Cantonese cuisine, they are often employed as vegetables or garnishes rather than being the primary flavor components in the way some other herbs are used in different culinary traditions.

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How does the flavor profile of traditional Cantonese cuisine typically differ from many other Chinese regional cuisines?

Answer: It features well-balanced, non-greasy flavors, emphasizing the natural taste of ingredients.

Explanation: Cantonese cuisine is distinguished by its well-balanced, non-greasy flavors, with a focus on preserving and highlighting the natural taste of fresh ingredients, often using spices sparingly.

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Which of the following is a key characteristic of traditional Cantonese dishes mentioned in the source?

Answer: Emphasis on fresh ingredients and non-greasy, balanced flavors.

Explanation: A key characteristic of traditional Cantonese dishes is the emphasis on fresh ingredients and the achievement of non-greasy, balanced flavors that highlight the natural taste of components.

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Cooking Techniques and Ingredients

Which two cooking methods are most favored in Cantonese cuisine, and why are they preferred?

Answer: True

Explanation: Steaming and stir-frying are the most favored methods. They are preferred for their efficiency and their ability to preserve the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients.

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True or False: Cantonese cuisine rarely uses offal, lamb, or goat meat, preferring more common cuts like pork and chicken.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cantonese cuisine extensively utilizes various meats, including offal, chicken feet, and duck tongues. Lamb and goat are less commonly used compared to other regional Chinese cuisines.

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True or False: Garlic is used sparingly in Cantonese cooking, primarily for garnish.

Answer: False

Explanation: Garlic is frequently utilized in Cantonese cooking, particularly in dishes featuring internal organs, to mask odors and enhance overall flavor.

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Key sauces and condiments in Cantonese cuisine include sugar, salt, soy sauce, rice wine, corn starch, and sesame oil.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source lists sugar, salt, soy sauce, rice wine, corn starch, and sesame oil as essential sauces and condiments in Cantonese cuisine.

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True or False: Dried and preserved ingredients are seldom used in Cantonese cooking, which strictly adheres to using only fresh components.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite an emphasis on freshness, Cantonese cuisine incorporates a wide variety of dried and preserved ingredients to enhance flavor complexity.

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True or False: Dace fish balls and Chinese donuts (youtiao) are examples of deep-fried dishes found in Cantonese cuisine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dace fish balls and Chinese donuts (youtiao) are indeed examples of deep-fried dishes commonly found within Cantonese cuisine, often as street food or dim sum items.

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True or False: In many Cantonese restaurants, seafood is kept alive in tanks to ensure maximum freshness before preparation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The practice of keeping seafood alive in tanks is common in Cantonese restaurants to guarantee the highest level of freshness prior to cooking.

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True or False: Preserved meats like salted duck are typically only used in family meals and not in restaurant dishes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Preserved meats such as salted duck and pork are utilized in both family meals and restaurant dishes, often incorporated into congee or stir-fries.

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True or False: Lamb and goat are very commonly used in Cantonese cuisine, similar to their prevalence in northern Chinese cooking.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lamb and goat are less commonly featured in Cantonese cuisine compared to their prevalence in northern Chinese culinary traditions.

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Which cooking methods are most favored in Cantonese cuisine for their speed and ability to preserve natural flavors?

Answer: Steaming and stir-frying

Explanation: Steaming and stir-frying are the most favored cooking methods in Cantonese cuisine due to their efficiency and capacity to preserve the natural flavors and textures of ingredients.

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Compared to northern or western Chinese cuisines, Cantonese cuisine makes less common use of which types of meat?

Answer: Lamb and goat

Explanation: Cantonese cuisine utilizes a wide range of meats, but lamb and goat are used less frequently compared to their prevalence in northern or western Chinese regional cuisines.

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What is the primary role of garlic in certain Cantonese dishes, particularly those using internal organs?

Answer: To mask potentially unpleasant odors and enhance overall flavor.

Explanation: Garlic is frequently employed in Cantonese dishes, especially those featuring internal organs, to mask any potential odors and contribute to the overall flavor profile.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as an essential sauce or condiment in Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: Hoisin sauce

Explanation: The essential sauces and condiments listed for Cantonese cuisine include sugar, salt, soy sauce, rice wine, corn starch, vinegar, scallion, and sesame oil. Hoisin sauce is not explicitly listed among the essential items.

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How are dried ingredients typically prepared before being used in Cantonese dishes?

Answer: They are usually soaked in water to rehydrate them.

Explanation: Dried ingredients used in Cantonese cuisine are typically rehydrated by soaking them in water prior to cooking.

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How is the freshest, odorless seafood typically prepared in Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: Steamed with minimal seasoning like soy sauce, ginger, and spring onion.

Explanation: The freshest seafood in Cantonese cuisine is typically prepared by steaming with minimal seasonings, such as soy sauce, ginger, and spring onion, to accentuate its natural sweetness.

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What is the relationship between the freshness of seafood and the seasoning used in Cantonese cooking?

Answer: Fresher seafood is typically seasoned lightly to highlight its natural flavor.

Explanation: In Cantonese cuisine, the principle is to season fresher seafood lightly, often with minimal additions like soy sauce, ginger, and spring onion, to accentuate its natural sweetness and delicate flavor.

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What is the typical preparation for steamed fish in Cantonese cuisine, aiming to enhance its natural sweetness?

Answer: Minimal seasoning with soy sauce, ginger, and spring onion.

Explanation: Steamed fish in Cantonese cuisine is typically prepared with minimal seasonings, such as soy sauce, ginger, and spring onion, to highlight its natural sweetness.

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Key Culinary Categories

True or False: Cantonese noodles are commonly served either in a soup broth or stir-fried.

Answer: True

Explanation: Noodles in Cantonese cuisine are indeed commonly served either in a soup broth or prepared as stir-fried dishes.

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True or False: 'Siu mei' in Cantonese cuisine refers specifically to dishes made from internal organs and leftover animal parts.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Siu mei' refers to Chinese rotisserie-style cooked meats, such as roast duck or char siu. Dishes made from internal organs and leftover parts are categorized as 'lou mei'.

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True or False: Char siu (barbecued pork), roast duck, and soy sauce chicken are examples of 'siu mei' dishes.

Answer: True

Explanation: Char siu (barbecued pork), roast duck, roast goose, and soy sauce chicken are indeed prominent examples of 'siu mei', which encompasses Cantonese rotisserie-style meats.

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True or False: 'Lou mei' dishes are typically prepared using prime cuts of meat like pork belly and tenderloin.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Lou mei' specifically refers to dishes prepared from internal organs, entrails, and other leftover animal parts, not prime cuts.

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True or False: A typical Cantonese meat and rice plate might combine two or more types of 'siu mei' or 'lou mei' served over rice.

Answer: True

Explanation: A common presentation in Cantonese cuisine is a meat and rice plate featuring a combination of 'siu mei' and/or 'lou mei' served over steamed rice.

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What is the meaning and significance of 'Tong sui' in Cantonese dining?

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Tong sui', which translates to 'sugar water', is the general term for sweet soups and puddings served as desserts in Guangdong province.

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True or False: Char Siu is a Cantonese dish typically made from barbecued beef.

Answer: False

Explanation: Char Siu is a well-known Cantonese dish that is traditionally made from barbecued pork, not beef.

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True or False: 'Siu laap' is a broad classification that encompasses 'siu mei' (rotisserie meats) and 'lou mei' (offal dishes).

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Siu laap' is indeed a classification that broadly includes 'siu mei' (rotisserie meats), 'lou mei' (offal dishes), and preserved meats.

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True or False: 'Siu yuk' refers to crispy roasted pork belly, while 'lou mei' includes dishes like roast duck.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Siu yuk' refers to crispy roasted pork belly. Roast duck, however, is an example of 'siu mei', not 'lou mei'.

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True or False: Congee, a type of rice porridge, is a staple Cantonese dish often served for breakfast or as a comforting meal.

Answer: True

Explanation: Congee, a versatile rice porridge, is indeed a staple in Cantonese cuisine, commonly consumed for breakfast or as a soothing meal.

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True or False: 'Lou mei' dishes are a type of Cantonese cuisine that exclusively uses vegetables and tofu.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Lou mei' dishes are specifically characterized by the use of internal organs, entrails, and other less common animal parts, not vegetables and tofu.

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What does 'siu mei' refer to in Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: Chinese rotisserie-style cooked meats.

Explanation: 'Siu mei' is a classification for Cantonese-style rotisserie-cooked meats, such as char siu and roast duck.

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Which of the following is an example of a 'siu mei' dish?

Answer: Crispy roasted pork belly (Siu Yuk)

Explanation: Siu Yuk, or crispy roasted pork belly, is a prominent example of a 'siu mei' dish, which refers to Cantonese rotisserie-style meats.

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What type of ingredients are characteristic of 'lou mei' dishes?

Answer: Internal organs, entrails, and other leftover animal parts.

Explanation: 'Lou mei' dishes are characterized by the use of internal organs, entrails, and other less common animal parts.

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What is the Cantonese term 'tong sui'?

Answer: A general name for desserts, often sweet soups or puddings.

Explanation: 'Tong sui' is the Cantonese term for desserts, which typically includes sweet soups and puddings.

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Which of these is mentioned as a traditional Cantonese dessert ('tong sui')?

Answer: Mung bean soup

Explanation: Mung bean soup is listed as one of the traditional Cantonese desserts, or 'tong sui'.

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What is 'Char Siu' commonly known as in English?

Answer: Barbecued pork

Explanation: 'Char Siu' is the Cantonese term for barbecued pork, often marinated with plum sauce and honey.

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Congee, a staple in Cantonese cuisine, is best described as:

Answer: A rice porridge, often served for breakfast.

Explanation: Congee is a staple Cantonese dish best described as a rice porridge, frequently consumed for breakfast or as a comforting meal.

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What does the term 'siu laap' encompass within Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: Rotisserie meats ('siu mei'), offal dishes ('lou mei'), and preserved meats.

Explanation: 'Siu laap' is a broad classification in Cantonese cuisine that encompasses 'siu mei' (rotisserie meats), 'lou mei' (offal dishes), and preserved meats.

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Which of these is a Cantonese noodle dish mentioned in the source?

Answer: Wonton noodles

Explanation: Wonton noodles are mentioned as a type of Cantonese noodle dish.

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Specific Dishes and Preparations

What is the defining characteristic of 'Old Fire Soup' (lou fo tong) in Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Old Fire Soup' (lou fo tong) is a type of Cantonese soup characterized by its preparation method: simmering ingredients over low heat for extended periods, often for several hours.

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True or False: The 'dun tong' method for preparing 'old fire soup' involves heating the ingredients and water directly in a pot over a fire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'dun tong' method involves placing ingredients in a smaller pot submerged within a larger pot of water, whereas 'bou tong' involves direct heating over a fire.

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True or False: 'Little pot rice' dishes are cooked in traditional round-bottomed woks.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Little pot rice' dishes are prepared and served in flat-bottomed pots, such as saucepans or braising pans, not round-bottomed woks.

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True or False: Zha Leung (Zhaliang) are a Cantonese street food item made from fried rice noodle rolls.

Answer: True

Explanation: Zha Leung (Zhaliang) are indeed a type of Cantonese street food consisting of fried rice noodle rolls.

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True or False: Jook-sing noodles are made using a modern machine-pressing technique.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jook-sing noodles, also known as bamboo log pressed noodles, are made using a traditional method involving a bamboo log, not a modern machine-pressing technique.

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True or False: Common ingredients in Cantonese soups like 'old fire soup' include spare ribs, watercress, and winter melon.

Answer: True

Explanation: Spare ribs, watercress, and winter melon are indeed common ingredients found in Cantonese soups, particularly in the preparation of 'old fire soup'.

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What is the purpose of 'master stock' (lou5 seoi2) in Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: True

Explanation: Master stock, or 'lou5 seoi2', is a seasoned broth utilized for poaching and braising meats, particularly duck, imparting rich flavor and color.

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True or False: The 'dun tong' method for preparing 'old fire soup' is preferred for preserving the soup's original taste.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'dun tong' method, which involves indirect heating via a water bath, is believed to preserve the soup's original taste more effectively than direct heating methods.

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What does the term 'old fire soup' (lou fo tong) refer to in Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: A soup prepared by simmering ingredients over low heat for many hours.

Explanation: 'Old fire soup' (lou fo tong) is a clear broth prepared by simmering ingredients over low heat for extended periods, often several hours, to develop deep flavor.

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Which method of preparing 'old fire soup' involves placing ingredients in a smaller pot submerged within a larger pot of water?

Answer: Dun tong (dan6 tong1)

Explanation: The 'dun tong' (dan6 tong1) method for preparing 'old fire soup' involves placing the ingredients in a smaller pot that is then submerged within a larger pot of water for slow cooking.

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What distinguishes 'little pot rice' dishes from other rice dishes in Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: They are cooked and served in a flat-bottomed pot.

Explanation: 'Little pot rice' dishes are distinct because they are cooked and served in a flat-bottomed pot, such as a saucepan or braising pan, rather than a traditional wok.

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What are 'Zha Leung' (Zhaliang)?

Answer: Fried rice noodle rolls, often found as street food.

Explanation: 'Zha Leung' (Zhaliang) are a Cantonese street food item consisting of fried rice noodle rolls.

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What is the purpose of 'master stock' (lou5 seoi2) in Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: To poach and braise meats, imparting rich flavor.

Explanation: 'Master stock' (lou5 seoi2) serves as a seasoned broth used for poaching and braising meats, particularly duck, infusing them with rich flavor and color.

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Cultural Context and Global Reach

True or False: Cantonese cuisine is considered one of the lesser-known regional cuisines within China due to its limited international presence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Cantonese cuisine is recognized as one of the Eight Great Traditions of Chinese cuisine and enjoys significant international presence, largely due to emigration.

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What is identified as the primary factor contributing to the widespread international popularity of Cantonese cuisine?

Answer: True

Explanation: The international prominence of Cantonese cuisine is primarily attributed to the significant diaspora of Cantonese emigrants who introduced their culinary traditions globally.

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True or False: Controversial Cantonese delicacies like bird's nest soup and shark fin soup are criticized mainly for their high cost.

Answer: False

Explanation: The controversy surrounding these delicacies primarily stems from ethical concerns regarding endangered species, animal rights, and environmental impact, not solely their cost.

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True or False: The Pearl River Delta's historical role as a trading hub has had little impact on the diversity of ingredients used in Cantonese cuisine.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pearl River Delta's historical significance as a trading hub has profoundly influenced Cantonese cuisine by facilitating the incorporation of diverse imported ingredients.

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True or False: Cantonese cuisine uses preserved ingredients primarily influenced by Northern Chinese culinary traditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: While preserved ingredients are used, the influence cited for this practice in Cantonese cuisine is potentially Hakka cuisine, not Northern Chinese traditions.

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True or False: The 'Lion Rock Spirit' is a culinary concept related to the specific cooking techniques used in Cantonese cuisine.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Lion Rock Spirit' is a cultural concept representing resilience and solidarity in Hong Kong, not a culinary technique.

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True or False: The primary reason for the international success of Cantonese restaurants was the training of chefs in Western cooking techniques.

Answer: False

Explanation: The international success of Cantonese restaurants is primarily attributed to factors such as emigration and the adaptation of traditional culinary practices, not training in Western techniques.

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True or False: The Pearl River Delta region is central to Cantonese culture and cuisine due to its history as a trading hub.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pearl River Delta's historical role as a significant trading hub is central to the development and diversity of Cantonese culture and cuisine.

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True or False: Cantonese delicacies like jellyfish and sea cucumber are controversial due to their association with endangered species and unproven health claims.

Answer: True

Explanation: Certain Cantonese delicacies, including jellyfish and sea cucumber, face controversy due to concerns about their sourcing from endangered species and the lack of scientific evidence for purported health benefits.

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What is a major reason cited for the widespread popularity of Cantonese cuisine outside of China?

Answer: The large number of Cantonese emigrants who brought their culinary traditions abroad.

Explanation: The significant diaspora of Cantonese emigrants is identified as the primary factor contributing to the widespread international popularity of Cantonese cuisine.

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The controversy surrounding Cantonese delicacies like shark fin soup is primarily related to:

Answer: Use of endangered animals, animal rights, and environmental concerns.

Explanation: The controversy surrounding delicacies like shark fin soup is primarily driven by concerns over the use of endangered animals, animal rights, and environmental impact.

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The Pearl River Delta's role as a historical trading hub has influenced Cantonese cuisine by:

Answer: Increasing the availability and use of diverse imported foods and ingredients.

Explanation: The historical position of the Pearl River Delta as a trading hub facilitated the integration of a wide array of diverse imported foods and ingredients into Cantonese cuisine.

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The 'Lion Rock Spirit', mentioned in relation to Hong Kong culture, represents:

Answer: Resilience, hard work, and community solidarity.

Explanation: The 'Lion Rock Spirit' is a cultural concept associated with Hong Kong, symbolizing resilience, hard work, and collective solidarity.

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