Explore

Why do people often say: “Eat Chinese food, live in Western-style homes, marry Japanese wives”?

"Eating Chinese food, living in a Western house, marrying a Japanese wife," is a saying that represents the wonderful aspects of life.

Administrator

16 March, 2024

Chinese Food

In every city, there used to be a Chinese community with stores, restaurants, traditional medicine shops, schools, associations… Even in the central provinces, where there are not many Chinese people compared to the South, most of the restaurants are run by them. Vietnamese people usually only work in street vending or selling food at markets.

In Saigon, Chinese people have an advantage in the food market. They invest in businesses in prime locations, create delicious, rich, and unique dishes… Their service style is also different from Vietnamese people: attentive, enthusiastic, always welcoming guests. At that time, Saigon residents were very excited about Chinese cuisine.

The art of Chinese cuisine has existed for a long time. There is a Chinese proverb that says “People live by eating”. Chinese food not only satisfies the taste of diners but also represents beautiful art. Each Chinese dish must have a harmonious combination of color, aroma, and taste. Chinese people eat in a scientific way, even applying the Yin-Yang element, the Five Elements, the philosophy of Confucius, and medical knowledge in cooking.

Western-Style Homes

In Saigon, there are many villas and townhouses designed in the French style, grand and beautiful. During the colonial period, most Vietnamese homes were just thatched houses, earthen-walled houses, or just a piece of land. Meanwhile, Westerners imported building materials to construct European-style houses, using glazed tiles or granite to create houses with a lifespan of hundreds of years and the ability to withstand any disaster.

“Western-style homes” are often built on large, beautiful streets, often with garages, gardens, multiple bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and separate kitchens, with full amenities and always kept clean.

Japanese Wives

“Japanese wives” are still an indispensable part of the culture we admire when mentioning the Land of the Rising Sun. Let’s explore the admirable characteristics of Japanese women according to tradition.

Japanese women consider managing the household as a significant job. They learn financial management skills from high school. Therefore, they are often regarded as trustworthy and wise financial managers.

In Japanese culture, filial piety and politeness are highly valued. Women often show respect to both sides of their parents and are considerate and caring when their husbands come home after a long day of work.

Japanese women can love a poor husband, but they will be unhappy if he lacks courage. However, Japanese culture does not accept women looking down on their husbands and vice versa. They always protect their husband’s honor in public and never speak ill of him.

Japanese mothers never pamper their children in a safe and comfortable life. They encourage children to explore the world and see education as a family’s responsibility rather than just the school’s. They also teach their children to be proud of their nationality and encourage courage and bravery in life.

These are just some remarkable features of Japanese women according to tradition that we can learn from and admire. The combination of traditional values and modernity helps people have a happier and more meaningful life.

Frequently asked questions

Chinese food is not just about satisfying taste buds; it represents a beautiful art. Each dish is a harmonious combination of color, aroma, and taste. The Chinese apply the Yin-Yang element, the Five Elements, Confucian philosophy, and medical knowledge to their cooking, showcasing a scientific and thoughtful approach to their culinary traditions.

“Western-style homes” refer to villas and townhouses designed and constructed in a French or European style, often found in Saigon. These homes are grand and beautiful, built with imported materials like glazed tiles or granite, ensuring a long lifespan and disaster resilience. In contrast, during the colonial period, most Vietnamese homes were simple thatched houses, earthen-walled houses, or even just a piece of land.

“Japanese wives,” as admired in the context of Japanese culture, are known for their financial management skills, having learned these from a young age. They are also respectful towards their parents and considerate towards their husbands. Japanese women value courage in their partners and protect their honor in public. As mothers, they encourage their children to explore the world and take pride in their nationality, fostering a sense of courage and bravery.