Abstract：

There is an old saying, “People take food as their first need”. The names of Chinese dishes not only reflect raw materials and cooking methods, but also contain Chinese long-standing and colorful dish culture. Based on the theory of cultural translation, this thesis aims to discuss the translation of the names of Chinese dishes from a cultural aspect. It points out some problems in the process of translation through the differences between Chinese dish culture and Western dish culture, and proposes main methods of the translation of the names of Chinese dishes by concrete examples. Finally, it comes to the conclusion that it is important to add cultural connotation into the translation. This can make the translation accurate and beautiful and as well make the Chinese dishes become widely popular and praised all over the world.

Key words: dish culture; cultural translation theory; Chinese dish names

摘要：

古语说得好，“民以食为天”。中菜名不仅能反映出原料和烹饪方法，其中许多菜名还蕴含着中国源远流长和绚丽多彩的饮食文化。本文旨在通过文化翻译论，从文化这个角度探讨中菜名的翻译。通过中西饮食差异，指出中菜名在翻译过程中产生的问题，通过具体例子指出翻译菜名的主要方法。最后得出结论，需重视在翻译渗入文化内涵，不仅能翻得准确，还能翻得优美，使中菜能广为追捧和赞扬。

关键词：饮食文化；文化翻译论；中菜名

1. Introduction
Since China entered the World Trade Organization in 2001, China has achieved great economic progress. Since then, China has deeply communicated with many foreign countries. And with the improvement of China’s position on the world stage, more and more people want to have a better understanding of China. When they set foot on this land, they can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the colorful Chinese culture. Chinese dishes take up a significant position in Chinese cultural system and have enjoyed a reputation throughout the world. It’s an important task to introduce dish culture to the visitors from all over the world. Chinese dish names, are the embodiment of Chinese dish culture, usually effective ways to show China’s unique culture. However, the situation of the translation of Chinese dishes is worrying. Those wrong translations confuse and leave bad impression on the foreigners. Moreover, there are not many works or studies in this field, especially from cultural aspect. So, it is of great significance to make further and more comprehensive studies.