Jiangxi Restaurant: Ordering Without a guide

Jiangxi is the province where our first adopted child from China is from.  On our trip there, we were green travellers.  We had never been out of the US except on a cruise.  Now we were in a country where very few speak English.  Our adventurous side had not developed.  The only trip that we made away from the hotel was to the local Wal-Mart. 

When hunger hit one day at the hotel, we had to figure out what to eat.  We were not with our group and there were no western eateries around the hotel.  The hotel was out of the question.  The prices were too high, even with the Dollar to Yuan value.  We decided to walk across the street to a Chinese restaurant. 

As we walked in, we were greeted warmly by the staff.  They showed us to a table and handed us menus.  The menu was in Mandarin and it had pictures.  The only problem was that we did not know if it was spicy or what kind of meat, etc.  Our server came over, but she did not know English.  We kept looking. 

Finally, Angie and I decide on rice.  We had seen a picture up front.  We told our server that we would like the rice.  She just smiled at us.  She did not comprehend what we were saying.  Our menu did not show the rice.  We tried in vain to get her to understand.  Then I got up and motioned her to the front.  I pointed to the picture and held up two fingers. 

Too bad we could not ask how big the dish was.  We had just ordered enough rice for about 4 to 6 people to eat.  The rice was really good.  We did not want to waste it.  We were able to get a take out container.  When it came time to pay, the price was really reasonable.  At this point, we came up on another issue, leave a tip or not.  In the end we did, but I don't know if it is required and hopefully it did not offend the server.  She had done a great job. 

We ate that rice for the rest of the time we were in Jaingxi.  It was good, but our refrigerator was not the best at keeping things cold.  At least we did not get sick, but it was okay.  I would not advise reheating rice in a microwave.  It does not taste good.

We did get to experience their meat dishes.  Our group went over one night for a group meal.  When you go over to China on an adoption or even a group sightseeing tour, this is the best way to eat.  Everyone shares in the cost, but you get to try many dishes compared to one dish.  When ordered, they will bring the dishes and set them on a lazy susan.  Each person at the table can turn the susan and try a little of each item.  I would say that the food was great.

(Above)Wal-Mart, (Below) Restaurant lit up.