Reflections | Chinese diners’ preference for warm water over cold is not as ancient as you’d think

You have probably seen this before. You are ordering at a restaurant when the server asks what sort of water you would like – still or sparkling? – and the Chinese diners at your table, usually women but not always, chime in: “Warm water”.

“Then why aren’t Europeans and Americans dropping like flies?” I would ask.

“Because their bodies are different,” came the stock reply, at which I would roll my eyes and continue sipping my iced fizzy drink or spooning ice cream into my mouth.

I was a difficult child at times.

Not all Chinese children question this parental injunction. Many of my peers, and even people younger than me, still subscribe to the idea that cold drinks damage their constitutions. Hence, the familiar restaurant ritual described above.