China Chat

The Harbin Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Exposition is fully underway and engaging for all ages and tastes. Jiajia and Chris give their first hand account of this year's exposition, which highlights the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. Welcome to Harbin! Welcome to China! Contact us at: yangjiajia@live.cn

Happy New Year! We look at how the Gregorian New Year is celebrated in China and talk about screaming roosters and sparkling cruises on the Huangpu (Yellow River) in Shanghai. 

Apples on Christmas Eve, Santa with a saxophone, the history of "Jingle Bells" and Christmas as Valentine's Day are some of the subjects we cover. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone, wherever you may be! 

Egg tarts are a handy, delicious snack you can find almost anywhere in China. We'll trace its history, talk about the difference between tarts and pies as well as Jiajia's love of the delectable treat. 

What's breakfast without coffee? We'll discuss the "Cup of Joe" question and explore everything from steamed buns to dim sum. 

Breakfast: No matter where you live, it's the most important meal of the day. We delve into the delights of congee and the difference between western and eastern ideas on how to start the day.

Let's talk about green tea. How is it different from red and black tea? We'll discuss the history, traditions and experience of drinking this time honored beverage. 

Jiajia really wanted to talk about western holidays, so in this bonus episode, we explore the history of Halloween, we take a walk down memory lane with Chris about her Halloween memories and we talk squirrels. Be sure to check out Jiajia's new podcast in Chinese called, "什么是爱情". Contact us at yangjiajia@live.cn

Everything tastes better when you eat with chopsticks! On today's show, we talk about how to use them, the different varieties, personal experiences, gift ideas and the history of the world famous chopstick. 

Nothing says happy autumn and winter like roasted chestnuts, both in China and in America. We'll talk about roasted chestnuts, chestnut history as well as briefly revisiting chicken feet and duck heads. Charlie and Tommy both make unscheduled guest appearances. Contact us at:  yangjiajia@live.cn

Tofu is a delicious and versatile mainstay in Chinese cooking and culture. We'll explore the history, varieties and culture behind the very first "meatless meat". 

Noodles are another delicious staple of Chinese food. We'll talk about our memories of eating noodles, the history, origin stories and different types of noodles found throughout China. Charlie the cat will throw in his two cents about our conversation while begging for fish. 

We explore the wonderful world of rice in China - the history, varieties, uses and traditions surrounding this historic grain. Jiajia also recites one of the most widely-known poems about rice with his mellifluous baritone voice. 

Sweet potatoes are easy to grow, yummy and full of nutrition. They're also a popular snack in China. Jiajia talks about sweet potato childhood memories and shares how to make sweet potato jerky.

Sweet and sour potato silk is a delicious treat you can find almost everywhere in China. We'll talk about the history of the potato and give you recipes for this delightful dish as well as American classic scalloped potatoes with, what else: butter. Contact us at: yangjiajia@live.cn

Steamed eggs are a delicious treat, although the strain or not to strain debate has people on both sides of the aisle. This savory and easy to make dish is popular throughout China, although not usually for breakfast. 

The Century Egg is a delicacy in the west and a common treat in the east. We'll talk about how old a Century Egg is actually as well as how to prepare it. Jiajia also asserts his love for all things yolk. 

Learn about crawfish-stealing ducks, why ducks eat gravel, how to prepare a duck head, and how to eat it. Chris does an interesting imitation of Marilyn Monroe singing "Happy Birthday" and Charlie the Cat make a drop-in appearance. Contact us with any thoughts or ideas or just say hi at: yangjiajia@live.cn - and from all of us at "China Chat" - Happy Birthday Yangjiajia!

Whether you call them crawfish or crayfish, they're delicious. In Chinese they're "little lobster" but whatever you call them they're the perfect summer treat. 

Chicken feet are one of the most popular snacks in China. Jiajia will share a mouth-watering recipe and Chris will give some etiquette tips on how to properly eat what are commonly called 凤爪 "phoenix talons" in China.

Let's talk about birthdays in China! Cakes, noodles, age, red eggs and present do's and dont's are all part of today's episode.

Mya Day is a fun-filled holiday to go to the park, people-watch, dance and picnic. Learn about the history of the international holiday and how it made its way to China.

We're talking about the Hungry Ghost Festival; the legends, traditions, and do's and don't's about how to make sure your Hungry Ghost Festival is safe and happy! You can email us at: yangjiajjia@live.cn

Time for mountain climbing, chrysanthemum wine, poems and demon slaying. Welcome to the Double Ninth Festival. Any thoughts or ideas? Contact us at yangjiajia@live.cn

Happy Chinese Valentines Day! Qixi is one of three, actually. We'll tell you about needle-threading competitions, moonlit swims, and the seven magical fairies on today's show.