A lot of times, we want to spend for food more than anything else. As food is one of the basic needs of every human being, it consumes a large portion of our budget. And now after celebrating Chinese New Year, let us take a look at Chinese food menu designs you can use for your own restaurant or food shop. Let’s also take a quick detour at understanding Chinese culture, particularly the importance and use of Chinese symbols.

• Food menu
• Breakfast menu

Here are several classical and elegant Chinese food menu designs you can choose from:

Chinese Menu Template Example

Chinese Takeaway Menu Example

Retro Chinese Menu Template Example

Chinese Restaurant Menu Example

Asian Restaurant Menu Template Example

Simple Asian Restaurant Menu Example

Elegant Menu Board Template Example

Chalkboard Mexican Menu Example

Chalkboard Asian Restaurant Menu Example

Classic Chinese Food Menu Example

Chinese Menu Template Example

Chinese Food Menu and Flyer Example

Chinese Restaurant Menu Print Bundle Example

Chinese Food Menu Template Example

Big Set of Chinese Cuisine Example

Professional Chinese Food Menu Example

Personalized Chinese Asian Menu Example

The Most Recognizable Chinese Cultural Symbols

There are symbols that you can immediately associate with Chinese culture, here are a few examples of them.

1. National Flag

The flag of the People’s Republic of China which consists of a red background color and five gold stars says a lot of things about their culture. The red color symbolizes the communist revolution and is also at the same time, the traditional color of the people. The five stars represents the unity of the Chinese people under one leadership. the large star represents communism while the smaller ones represent the social classes. You may also see cafe menus.

2. Great Wall of China

China is also known for its magnificent Great Wall, also called “Long Walls” or “Ten-Thousand Mile Long Wall”. The wall’s original purpose was to defend the mainland from northern invaders, and was mostly made of stone, brick, wood and rammed earth. To heighten the wall’s defense, more structures were constructed like watch towers, troop barracks, armories, and garrison stations. You may also see salad menus.

Today, as one of the greatest wonders of t

he world, the Great Wall of China has now become a top tourist destination. As an old saying goes, “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” When you finally get the chance to visit China, do not forget to take a trip to this historical structure.

3. Chinese Calligraphy

The oldest accounted calligraphy can be traced back to China in 1600 BC. It is said to be an art form that is prized above all others because of the art’s high value. Calligraphy is also said to serve as a medium of self expression and revelation in Ancient China. You may also see lunch menus.

Aside from calligraphy, Ancient Chinese also developed seal carving and created ornate paperweight and ink stones.

There are several categories of Chinese traditional calligraphy:

• 1. Xing (hsin) – a semi-cursive style of Chinese calligraphy
• 2. Cao (tsao) – a cursive style of calligraphy which began in the Han Dynasty
• 3. Zhuan (Zuan, seal) – imposed via an official table with standard shapes, began in 221 BC
• 4. Li (clerical) – transforming style of Zuan
• 5. Kai (regular) – the most commonly used style of Chinese calligraphy

Nowadays, there are a lot of calligraphy styles that are widespread throughout the world. Gothic and script calligraphy are among those commonly used due to their classic and neat designs. However, modern calligraphy have paved its way to the market because of its fun and light designs which can be used as a complement for decorations. Whatever your preferences may be, never forget the roots of calligraphy which began in China centuries ago. You may also see seafood menus.

4. Porcelain

As art is widespread in China, different artworks and art forms have been developed, and one of them is the porcelain. It was first created in China around 2,000 years ago and quickly spread throughout the rest of the world soon after. Since then, porcelain has been referred to china or fine china. You may also see sumptuous seafood menus.

Porcelain is made by heating kaolin in temperatures to 1,200 to 1,400 °C to produce its ceramic properties like firmness, translucence, whiteness, toughness, and considerable strength. Porcelains were highly valued in imperial China and were occassionally given as gifts to the royal family. You may also see breakfast menus.

5. Kung Fu or Wushu

We always see the use of kung fu or wushu in action movies, especially in Chinese ones. These two skills are a symbolism of Chinese culture as they have been practiced and perfected by the first Chinese people, and the knowledge and skills are passed down from one generation to the next. You may also see barbecue menus.

What is the difference of kung fu and wushu?

“Kung fu” literally means to master an art while “wushu” directly refers to an art of war. In Chinese, kung fu refers to placing effort into doing something. Some experts have said that kung fu is the old traditional form while wushu is the modern one. It has been also said that wushu is demonstrative and can be taught in gymnastics while kung fu is only taught for combat and self-defense.

Simple Chinese Food Menu Example

Chinese Food Menu Example

Miniature Vintage Chinese Food Menu Example

Vintage Chinese Food Menu Example

Chinese Restaurant Trifold Menu Example

The Most Recognizable Chinese Cultural Symbols (continuation)

6. Confucius

Confucius is known around the world as a Chinese teacher, politician, and philosopher. His philosophy stresses morality, righteousness, etiquette, wisdom, and sincerity, and his principles have been adapted in Chinese tradition and belief. One example of a Confucius quote is, “do not do unto others what you don’t want to do unto you”. He is not only influential to the Chinese but for everyone who wants to walk in a righteous path regardless of nationality. You may also see typography menus.

7. Dragon

A dragon is traditionally used by the Chinese as a symbol of power and good luck. In Chinese culture, a dragon is a legendary reptile-like creature which can spew fire and unlike the European version, the Chinese one has no wings and has a more elongated body. Chinese emperors occasionally used an image of a dragon in most of their items such as costumes, table cloths, tables, chairs, etc. Until now, it is used as a decoration for sacred places such as temples and shrines.

As you have noticed in a traditional Chinese New Year celebration, a dragon dance is usually performed to bring prosperity and good luck. These dances are performed in parks, streets, and other public areas. You may also see pizza menus.

8. Panda

One of China’s national treasures is the giant panda, also known as panda bear. Unfortunately at the brink of extinction, only 2,000 giant pandas are left in the entire planet. A panda has its own unique set of characteristics although it shares characteristics with that of a bear and raccoon. Despite its taxonomic classification as being a carnivore, bamboo remains as the pandas’ favorite food.You may also see bar menu designs.

Sum Up

There are a lot of interesting things you can discover when studying Chinese culture. Whether you may be a full or half Chinese, or not even Chinese at all, Chinese culture is definitely something you should look into. The Chinese national flag, the Great Wall, calligraphy, porcelain, kung fu/wushu, Confucius, dragons, and pandas only constitutes a fraction of Chinese culture. There is so much more to discover and learn. You may also see dinner menus.

If you are starting your own Chinese food restaurant or food shop, the designs found above are the best of the best and will certainly bring in costumers the whole year round. Gong Xi Fa Cai!