This work investigates the intricate social customs and culinary traditions of China as observed through the lens of early 20th-century hospitality. Corrine Lamb, drawing upon two decades of experience dining with a diverse cross-section of Chinese society—from high-ranking officials to rural innkeepers—presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the cultural significance of the Chinese table. The text serves as both a historical record and a practical guide, utilizing personal anecdotes, traditional proverbs, and technical culinary insights to explain the nuances of Chinese dining etiquette.

Experts and readers frequently cite this text as a valuable historical document that captures the social atmosphere of 1930s China. The prose is noted for its accessibility, providing a clear window into cultural practices that remain relevant for those interested in the history of Chinese gastronomy.