Author

Dylan Freeman

Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Shi, Xia

Area of Concentration

East Asian Studies

Abstract

Western foodways have had significant impacts on Chinese foodways and culinary traditions, but many of these influences are not widely known. This thesis aims to provide a comprehensive survey of Western influence on Chinese foodways from the late Ming dynasty to the contemporary era. To this end, the thesis starts by providing an overview of the entry of new world foodstuffs into China. Then, it chronicles the history of Western impacts on Chinese food culture during the 20th century. Finally, it surveys the impact of Western fast-food chains on China and the development of China’s fast food industry. Overall, this study intends to improve our understanding of the history of Western impacts on Chinese food culture, and the ways in which Chinese people have adapted and indigenized these foreign influences to suit their own tastes and circumstances.

Share

COinS