广东人为什么要烫碗？ - Why Do Cantonese People Scald Their Bowls? [HSK 4]

Chinese Short Dialogue | 听中文会话 | 中国語会話を聴く

The two brothers discuss the wisdom behind the Cantonese custom of scalding bowls.

Download the app here:

• Chinese Short Dialogue | Website
• Chinese Short Dialogue | App Store
• Chinese Short Dialogue | Google Play

Available in 8 languages on the app:

Learn Chinese | 중국어 배우기 | 中国語を学ぶ | Изучать китайский язык | Học tiếng Trung | Belajar bahasa Mandarin | Aprender chino | تعلم اللغة الصينية

《English Translation》

小宝: Brother, why does Grandma always use hot water to scald the bowls before eating? Aren't the bowls already clean?
小刚: This is a habit of Cantonese people. Because the weather in Guangdong is very hot, sometimes little bugs get into the cupboard, so using hot water to scald the bowls makes everyone feel more at ease.
小宝: Oh, is it because of bacteria? But don't restaurants already disinfect their dishes?
小刚: Some restaurant bowls look clean, but they may not actually be properly disinfected. Grandma likes to scald them herself, so she feels safer eating.
小宝: Then would using disposable bowls and chopsticks be safer?
小刚: Sometimes disposable bowls and chopsticks have a smell, or there might be spots that aren't clean. Using hot water not only washes away dirt, but also makes the chopsticks smooth.
小宝: I didn't know there were so many reasons behind scalding bowls! Don't you find it troublesome?
小刚: It's actually not troublesome; it's a way to show care for the family. In Cantonese dim sum culture, younger people help elders scald bowls to show respect.
小宝: Then I'll help Grandma scald the bowls from now on, okay?