The Recede of "Yum Cha"

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It seems that the culture of “yum cha” has lost its popularity
with young people in Hong Kong and the art of making dim sum is
fast disappearing. Write an article for a gourmet magazine promoting
this culture. Give your article a title. (1819 S6 Mock Exam Paper 2B
Q7 Learning English through Popular Culture)

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Shrimp dumplings, barbecued pork bun, spring rolls... Hearing these soft, warm and delicious dim sum, do you want to go to a Chinese restaurant to "yum cha" with your family members or friends? Unfortunately, in the past few years, our traditional culture may have lost its desirability to the young generation, as we can see that most of the customers in a Chinese restaurant are elderly. Why does our "yum cha" culture come to a downfall? How can we promote it to the young generation? You will learn more in this article.

## Change of citizen's lifestyle

In the 20th century, there are no mobile games and social media for citizens to spend time, so they had found Chinese restaurant a relaxing place for them to have their meals and gather with their family, friends or colleagues. Recently, technology is developing rapidly so citizens can achieve most of their wants through Internet including chatting with others, ordering food and working. In addition, in spite of the economic development in Hong Kong, workers have been rushed off their feet even during their lunch time and students concentrate on their study. They are too busy to drink tea, enjoy various steamed food and interact with others. Alternatively, they only need to eat fast food, which is from Western culture. As the name suggests, because it is fast to complete, cheap to order and delicious to eat. To conclude, the busy lifestyle has made Chinese restaurant unpopular.

## Nature of Chinese restaurants

In most Chinese restaurants, only traditional Chinese dishes such as buns and porridge is available. Customers cannot taste other dishes such as fried fish, fried rice and curry. The choice of food is limited. Besides, the rent in Hong Kong is expensive. Despite the recede of "Yum Cha", the price of dishes in Chinese restaurants are usually more expensive than Western restaurants, so customers do not prefer Chinese restaurants.

## Continuation of "Yum Cha"

"Yum Cha" plays an important role in Chinese culture. The healthiness and enjoyment bought by "Yum Cha" make it urgent to be continued by promotion, which can be done in different aspects.

For the government, it can provide subsidies to Chinese restaurants so that they will no longer have a heavy burden on their rent. This way most Chinese restaurant will not be forced to closure. They can do more decoration and advertisements so that Chinese restaurant, and therefore "Yum Cha" culture can be continued.

For Chinese restaurants, they can attract customers from local or other locations by adding more main dishes, desserts, and provide special offers in the morning and tea time. Customers will try eating Chinese dishes instead of fast food. They can emulate western buffets by organizing dim sum buffets. Customers will try and beloved with this new idea. Besides, more chef will be interested to learn how to make dim sum so the art of it can be continued.

For us, we can hold special events in Chinese restaurants. For example, we can hold birthday parties and wedding ceremonies. You may consider whether your friends will accept your invitation to a Chinese restaurant, but you need not worry because they will appreciate the aesthetic and they will be satisfied with the temptation of the variety of food.

Next time, if your grandparents go to "Yum Cha", join them with your family members or friends. You will experience our Chinese food culture.