When it comes to Chinese restaurant names in the UK, things can get lost in translation. Chinese characters that seem straightforward can actually have hidden meanings or clever wordplay. From London to Glasgow to Stornoway, these restaurant names are more than meets the eye.
Let’s start with Dim Sum Duck in London’s King’s Cross. While the English name seems obvious, its Chinese name, 点都得, actually means “anything is possible” or “nothing goes wrong” in Cantonese. It’s a clever play on words that adds an extra layer of meaning.
Then there’s Shu La La, a barbecued skewer and hotpot joint in Holloway. Its Chinese name, 蜀一蜀二, sounds similar to 数一数二, which means “one of the very best” in Mandarin. By swapping out a character, they cleverly reference the ancient Shu kingdom, now known as Sichuan province.
In Glasgow’s trendy West End, the restaurant Chow has a Chinese name, 不見不散, that means “be there or be square” or “see you there”. It’s a playful homophone that requires linguistic stretching across three cultures.
Even in remote places like Stornoway, Fusion Takeaway adds to the mystery. Its Chinese name, 富山, means “rich with mountains” and happens to be the Japanese name for the city of Toyama. It’s an evocative name for a restaurant situated in the Outer Hebrides.
Paddington’s Pearl Liang takes a half English, half Chinese approach with its name. The English interpretation reflects its elegant setting, while the Chinese name, 漂亮, means “pretty” in a bright sense.
Some Chinese restaurants in the UK have names that have no correlation between their English and Chinese versions. For example, Gerrard’s Corner in London’s Chinatown has a Chinese name, 好年華大酒樓, which translates to “the good years grand restaurant”. It’s a poetic aspiration hidden behind a simple English name.
The Good Earth, a chain of British-Chinese restaurants, takes its Chinese name, 大三元, from a hand in the game of Mahjong. But its English name comes from a famous novel, showing the disconnect between the two cultures.
And let’s not forget Gold Mine in Bayswater, whose Chinese name, 金山楼, is a nod to San Francisco’s nickname during the Gold Rush. It’s a historical reference that most people ordering from the restaurant might never realize.
Chinese restaurant names in the UK are a playful blend of hidden meanings, clever wordplay, and cultural references. So next time you visit a Chinese restaurant, take a closer look at its name – you might discover a secret message or an unexpected connection.
FAQ Section:
1. What are some examples of Chinese restaurant names with hidden meanings in the UK?
– Dim Sum Duck in London’s King’s Cross: Its Chinese name, 点都得, means “anything is possible” or “nothing goes wrong” in Cantonese.
– Shu La La in Holloway: Its Chinese name, 蜀一蜀二, means “one of the very best” and cleverly references the ancient Shu kingdom.
– Chow in Glasgow’s West End: Its Chinese name, 不見不散, means “be there or be square” or “see you there”.
2. What is the Chinese name for Fusion Takeaway in Stornoway and what does it mean?
– The Chinese name for Fusion Takeaway is 富山, which means “rich with mountains” and happens to be the Japanese name for the city of Toyama.
3. How does Paddington’s Pearl Liang incorporate both English and Chinese into its name?
– Pearl Liang takes a half English, half Chinese approach. The English interpretation reflects its elegant setting, while the Chinese name, 漂亮, means “pretty”.
4. Are there any Chinese restaurant names with no correlation between their English and Chinese versions?
– Gerrard’s Corner in London’s Chinatown has a Chinese name, 好年華大酒樓, which translates to “the good years grand restaurant” and does not directly correlate with its English name.
5. What is the origin of the Chinese name for The Good Earth chain of restaurants?
– The Chinese name, 大三元, is derived from a hand in the game of Mahjong. The English name of the chain comes from a famous novel, showing a cultural disconnect.
6. What does the Chinese name for Gold Mine in Bayswater refer to?
– The Chinese name, 金山楼, is a nod to San Francisco’s nickname during the Gold Rush.
Definitions:
– Dim Sum: A style of Chinese cuisine, usually served in small bite-sized portions.
– Skewer: A thin metal or wooden stick used to hold pieces of food together.
– Hotpot: A Chinese cooking method where various ingredients are cooked in a simmering pot of soup at the dining table.
– Mandarin: The official standard Chinese language spoken in China.
– Homophone: Words that sound alike but have different meanings.
– Liguistic stretching: Encompassing multiple languages or cultures in one phrase or concept.
– Outer Hebrides: A group of islands located off the west coast of mainland Scotland.
– Mahjong: A Chinese tile-based game played by four players.
– Gold Rush: A period of mass migration to California in 1848-1855, following the discovery of gold there.
Related links:
– The Duck and Rice – A Chinese restaurant in London’s Soho area.
– Shu Restaurant – A Sichuan cuisine restaurant in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
– Chow Hot Pot – A hotpot restaurant in Edinburgh, Scotland.
– Fusion Takeaway – The official website of Fusion Takeaway in Stornoway.
– Pearl Liang – The official website of Pearl Liang restaurant in Paddington, London.
– The Good Earth – The official website of The Good Earth chain of restaurants in the UK.
– Gold Mine – The official website of Gold Mine restaurant in Bayswater, London.