I'm proposing to my Chinese girlfriend and I need your help....

[sucralose]

Hi ladies,

I've been with my girlfriend for 3.5 years and I finally decided to take the plunge. I've got the ring, I've got the plan.... now I just need the right food for the occasion.

Essentially, I'm setting up a surprise romantic evening and I'm changing around our place, so it should be a nice surprise for her when she gets home from work. She'll never see it coming : )

I want to start with a really fantastic authentic Chinese meal (not at a restaurant, it has to be in our home for my plans and preparations to work), and then I've got a whole bunch of tricks up my sleeve, but I'll keep those to myself.....

So here's the problem: I'm a white guy. I need some advice on where to get this food, and what it should be. My research has given me a list that I fear looks like a menu put together by a white guy who did research. My girlfriend is born/raised in Canada but she is Chinese (speaks Cantonese, her family from Hong Kong).

Money is no object.

Ladies? I'm in downtown Toronto. What's the best option for me? What should I serve, where should I get it? What's the best way to get it to my place? Catered, or delivered, or what? Although I've had some great authentic Chinese meals in the past 3.5 years, I'm still pretty clueless... I eat what is put in front of me : )

Your advice is much appreciated!

[MrBurns]

Your best bet is get help from her mom, if she likes you she will love you.
Barring that, practice a few times, it's not that hard but that ultra hot wok in the restaurant works best.
Don't get fortune cookies, not Chinese!

Good luck.

[sucralose]

that's sound advice, Mr. Burns.... I thought about asking her Mom, unfortunately she's on vacation until just before Christmas..... I can't get in touch with her....

she does like me, thank goodness.... : )

[henryh]

I want to start with a really fantastic authentic Chinese meal (not at a restaurant, it has to be in our home for my plans and preparations to work)

http://eatingchinese.org/pics/container.jpg

Er...jokes aside, if you've been with her for 3.5 years you should know what she likes to eat. That would probably impress her more than if you put together a menu of obscure Chinese cuisine. Failing that, get food that you like to eat.

[george benjamin]

Im really not sure whats the problem.

Why not restaurant take out?

[Natsuiro]

I don't think you should worry so much about it and just try your best.
I think it's more the thought that counts.
If she chooses not to marry you because the food wasn't 100% authentic, it probably wouldn't have worked out anyways. =P
You don't want someone who won't marry you because the food was bad but you also don't want someone who will marry you because the food was good.
Good luck!

[a_y3n]

No matter what food is there. As long as you put effort into it and she can see that. It should be fine.

(Woohoo! 1000th post =) )

[maniackjr]

Congrats man. Don't know of any ritzy Chinese places, try looking for an upscale restaurant so the situation is not awkward. Just wanna know how old you and gf is.

Try a place with a clean hardwood floor. Carpets and rugs look pretty dirty even if they look clean.

[red120]

Probably better if you just put together dishes that she and her parents like to eat. Don't know what your plans are, but if you do end up reconsidering restaurants, any good upscale restaurant will accommodate for any plans or preparation you want to do... to a pretty big degree, too. There are a few good ones in Toronto.

[sucralose]

thanks for your thoughts everyone : )

a few responses:

henryh : i know how to make her happy, which I place more value on than knowing what she likes to eat! But besides that, it wasn't really the problem... since we've never had an engagement or wedding type of meal, my question is more about whether there are certain foods that are culturally relevant to the occasion that I should consider. I probably didn't make that clear in my original post, my apologies.

Natsuiro: she'll marry me either way : ) I just wanted to put a bit more thought into the meal, that's all.

Maniackjr: she's 31, I'm 28.....

I'm getting the sense that maybe we should just go out for dinner.... I really needed this to happen at our place, but I might have to modify the plan if I can't guarantee a really really good meal at home (without having to cook it, of course).

thanks everyone!

[Talamasca]

Once she sees the bling, she'll forget about the food. But congratulations and good luck!

[shadomoon]

Congratulations!

Have you thought about Lai Wah Heen? You could consult with the manager about an appropriate menu. I had a very small wedding dinner there many years ago and the manager was extremely helpful with menu selection.

Good luck. I'd love to hear how it goes.

[M@rk]

Have you thought about just getting all her favorite foods together? I obviously can't speak for your girlfriend, but most Canadian-born Chinese would appreciate a Western meal more than a Chinese one, and their favorite foods are usually not Chinese. Most have these meals everyday, and it's the fact that it isn't Chinese that makes it sort of a special occasion-type of meal.

But I get that you want to symbolize embracing the culture and all, so that's good too :)

[henryh]

my question is more about whether there are certain foods that are culturally relevant to the occasion that I should consider.

Not really. Not that I've been married before but proposals are more of a "western" custom. One thing you will have to do later on though is buy pastries for whoever you plan to invite to the wedding though.

[DrunkDog]

Chicken Balls and fake wonton soup are sure to win her over. I suggest Mandarin.

Oh, and don't forget the fortune cookies!

[sportmiester]

OP was asking for opinions from the ladies - wonder how many 'ladies' have responded so far :lol:

[kleptodathief]

well just make sure theres alot of peeps around when u do it cuz she'll say YES fo sho! never seen a girl say NO when theres EVERYONE around:confused:

[Ogata]

well just make sure theres alot of peeps around when u do it cuz she'll say YES fo sho! never seen a girl say NO when theres EVERYONE around:confused:

harhar pm me in another 10 years because my girlfriend said before we started dating that she would never say yes in front of a crowd if popped the question. As for the OP, go with your instinct and why not just bring her to some authentic restaurant? Please her with Shark fins and Abalone unless she is allergic to seafood. No Cantonese person can refuse an offer on Shark Fins or Abalone since its a delicacy. If your really into it, get it delivered somehow and then go to a Cantonese health store for some bird's nest and ask how to prepare and cook it. That'll lock her up for sure even though its just all food.

[Initial_C]

why don't you just make whatever her favourite food is? whether chinese or not?

once you know what it is, make it. though try a practice version at home first. if you know what it is, i'm sure you'll be able to get a recipe online or ask someone here for the recipe.

i don't think there's any particular dishes that needs to be served for such a festive occaision. but the fancier one with nicer ingredients are always nice.... but this kinda really depends if your gf likes that kinda food too... like she might really like cantonese fried rice as opposed to fancy lobster.

[TheDarkRage]

The only ladies you should be asking are her friends, not a website like RFD, which has a majority of Chinese males.

Her friends will probably know what kinds of food she'll like, or her favourite places. You probably won't want to tip off her friends, but best to just ask in a casual/complaining tone, saying that she's been disappointed by the last few dates and where you ate, that you want to make up for the last string of bad restaurants in your next date.

I suppose you shouldn't include any crappy chinese food that appeals to everyone but Chinese people (such as chop suey, sweet 'n sour, etc.), unless she likes some of them. I myself admit that I like General Tao's/Tso's chicken.

Reminds me of that Kraft salad dressing commercial of a caucasian couple, when the guy proposes by putting the ring in her fortune cookie. I don't think you want to do that, especially since the idea isn't unique.

It's hard to say if it's a good idea to propose in public or in person, surely you should know by now how she'd react since you've been dating so long. Clearly CBC women will always differ in how conservative they are and how they would react, it all depends on how they were brought up. And if in doubt, you'll probably have to end up asking a friend or family member and pretty much tip them off.

Goodluck.

[Arcticsilverfox]

Fortune cookie + ring inside = win. Not sure how you'll pull that off, but that'd be a pretty sweet idea.

[sucralose]

definitely not doing the ring in the fortune cookie : )

[Muncher]

My friend had her boyfriend now husband book a cruise around Toronto harbour and proposed on the ship (too cold for that now). Something special for me would be having Susur Lee cook me a unique dish at his restaurant, or even a good sushi chef like Hiro do a fancy platter. You may also be able to find a caterer who's not busy on a weeknight to come to your home and serve just the two of you. I think good music, roses, candles, etc may be more important than the food ... women like ambience ...

[UrbanPoet]

Wow...
I think your bigging up the whole chinese thing too much.

Why dont you cook her her favourite meal regardless of it being chinese or not? Is her favourite food chinese ? Or are you just making it b/c shes chinese? O_o


GONGGG

[tinlunlau]

go to a nice fancy restaurant with dimmed lights. perfect spot to propose.

[Phr3sh]

Why don't you hire a personal chef to come over to your place. Now THAT would be baller ;)

[atb1o1]

If you want to cook her some chinese food, why don't you visit some chinese groceries store and check out what they offer? The most friendly chinese grocery store is T&T, it is huge and you can probably find lots of food ideas. Its not hard to do a decent home cooked chinese cuisine. Although this might be a double edge sword cuz once you guys are married, she will expect you to do all the cooking since you are clearly capable of doing so :cheesygri

[smartcdn]

The only ladies you should be asking are her friends, not a website like RFD, which has a majority of Chinese males.

Her friends will probably know what kinds of food she'll like, or her favourite places. You probably won't want to tip off her friends, but best to just ask in a casual/complaining tone, saying that she's been disappointed by the last few dates and where you ate, that you want to make up for the last string of bad restaurants in your next date.

I suppose you shouldn't include any crappy chinese food that appeals to everyone but Chinese people (such as chop suey, sweet 'n sour, etc.), unless she likes some of them. I myself admit that I like General Tao's/Tso's chicken.

Reminds me of that Kraft salad dressing commercial of a caucasian couple, when the guy proposes by putting the ring in her fortune cookie. I don't think you want to do that, especially since the idea isn't unique.

It's hard to say if it's a good idea to propose in public or in person, surely you should know by now how she'd react since you've been dating so long. Clearly CBC women will always differ in how conservative they are and how they would react, it all depends on how they were brought up. And if in doubt, you'll probably have to end up asking a friend or family member and pretty much tip them off.

Goodluck.

not to mention any potential bitterness felt by those chinese males who might not even have a chinese girlfriend...

and also not mention that RFD is about bargain deals - not exactly the place for the best advice regarding fine wining/dining for proposing...

just my 2 thoughts...

[almostfreeman]

Can't go wrong with chicken balls, fried rice ... maybe some tripe, offals, some exotic bush meat.

[george benjamin]

how about you make your hair all spikey and stuff and bring her i to your house with a civic.

[clueless999]

If you dont know what she likes to eat and you have been with her for 3.5 years. I donno what to say, maybe you should reconsider should you even marry her because you dont know her as much as you thought you know?

[Eyies]

Why are so many people bashing the OP because he's asking for suggestions on possibly culturally relevant, or thoughtful ideas to make his girlfriend happy?

Do you really think he doesn't know what she likes to eat? And do you really think he needs to reconsider? C'mon, the guy's about the propose, give him some thoughtful insight.

And on that note, I don't have much insight on these matters, but I suppose going out to eat would be the simplest option. Just throw in some romantic whatnots here and there, and it'll be great.

[atb1o1]

how about you make your hair all spikey and stuff and bring her i to your house with a civic.

Don't forget popping up the collar of your polo shirt. :rolleyes:

[almostfreeman]

I think learning Cantonese would impress her more than dinner.

[TheDarkRage]

Why are so many people bashing the OP because he's asking for suggestions on possibly culturally relevant, or thoughtful ideas to make his girlfriend happy?

Do you really think he doesn't know what she likes to eat? And do you really think he needs to reconsider? C'mon, the guy's about the propose, give him some thoughtful insight.

And on that note, I don't have much insight on these matters, but I suppose going out to eat would be the simplest option. Just throw in some romantic whatnots here and there, and it'll be great.

I don't think people are bashing or cyber bullying him (Although I'm sure it's well known that RFD is just grown up men cyber bashing/bullyling), but they're just making a point on why he doesn't know enough about his gf's favourite foods in the last few years.

We can't really give any more information, since he didn't provide that much, even though she's from HK (or her family is), there's no way of telling what kind of Chinese food she'll like, and you can't assume she'll only like HK style food.

He also says "Chinese food", most Chinese members here will know for a fact that you have to be specific on what kind of Chinese food (Canto, Macau, szechuan, Asian Fusion possibly, etc.) So unless we know what kind of Chinese food she likes, we can't really help.

[ferkel]

steer clear of HK girls.. you'll be divorced in a few years

[warlockdilemma]

steer clear of HK girls.. you'll be divorced in a few years

speaking from your own experience???? :cheesygri

[Takada]

Why are so many people bashing the OP because he's asking for suggestions on possibly culturally relevant, or thoughtful ideas to make his girlfriend happy?

Do you really think he doesn't know what she likes to eat? And do you really think he needs to reconsider? C'mon, the guy's about the propose, give him some thoughtful insight.

Personally, I wouldn't ask on a bargain website forum on the type of food to use to propose to my girlfriend. That question could only be answered well by only me if I have been with my girlfriend for 3.5 years...

[profguy]

Wow...
I think your bigging up the whole chinese thing too much.

Why dont you cook her her favourite meal regardless of it being chinese or not? Is her favourite food chinese ? Or are you just making it b/c shes chinese? O_o


GONGGG

Agreed. It's just my observation that often with mixed couples - one of the first things that the man says without asking is that my gf is "chinese". I wonder why? Is she some sort of prize? Why not my gf is very nice, like chinese food, etc.

[warlockdilemma]

Personally, I wouldn't ask on a bargain website forum on the type of food to use to propose to my girlfriend. That question could only be answered well by only me if I have been with my girlfriend for 3.5 years...

I totally agree...Chowhound would be a better bet for you

[sumrandomguy]

I think learning Cantonese would impress her more than dinner.

+1

if u decide to cook a meal, being able to introduce the items on the menu to her in cantonese would really impress her.

if u really wanna go ALL OUT (alot of effort required), learn to pop the "will you marry me" question in canto ;)

[UrbanPoet]

Agreed. It's just my observation that often with mixed couples - one of the first things that the man says without asking is that my gf is "chinese". I wonder why? Is she some sort of prize? Why not my gf is very nice, like chinese food, etc.

He mind as well give her a kimono, chop sticks, and then take out that big thing and hit the GONNNGGG.

[TheDarkRage]

Oh man, everyone is insinuating that the OP has yellow fever...

Sounds like everyone here is an Angry Asian Man (http://www.cbc.ca/arts/media/angryasianmen.html), I can't blame them though, being one myself...sort of.

[keanefan]

does your girlfriend prefer going to restaurants or to stay home and eat take-out food?

some people have a preference- right?

:arrow:

[smartcdn]

the problem began with the thread title - the op is emphasizing the fact that his girlfriend is Chinese and somehow special (like a prize).

the very wording does trigger the yellow fever type of response since as was pointed out - there is a lot of Chinese males on this forum...

on top of the conflict of interest and stirring of feelings, is there even a reason for anyone here to help the op? i wonder...

[Muncher]

Give the OP a break! Just like Asian guys show off when dating a white girl, he's got the right to be proud of her! Asian guys jealous 'cos a white guy (assumption) is going to propose to a hot Chinese girl?

Take her out to a nice restaurant with roses, music, fine food ... I still say ambience is the most important. Most girls have already made up their minds whether they will say yes when you propose, and noooooooo, it's not based on the food. It's based on many many hours of analysis and reflection on whether you'll be a faithful husband who will be there when she's fat, ugly and old, and what she thinks your financial/professional potential will be ....and if the chemistry is there even when she is tired ... and what the inlaws are like, and if you're compatible about having children, and managing money, and if she can stand to pick up your socks every night, or having your goofy friends around once a week to mess up her home ... etc.

[doraemi]

if you want to "win" your "chinese" girlfriend's hand through a "authentic chinese dinner", here is what I will do

Take a trip to Chinatown/T&T on Cherry St.
Find an English-speaking granny/middle-age housewife -->preferably while you grocery shop
explain your situation, like you want to make a certain dish

i'm sure they're more than happy to assist you.
it might not look the best compare to fancy resturant, but a man who can cook up a meal that reminds me of home= sure win

[antonnio1]

IMO girls like clumsy guys who make an effort; I'm really clumsy and girls really like me :D sooo.. why not buy a bunch of authentic Chinese ingredients for what you think is an ideal meal and have her help you cook...together - then implement all your tricks that you mentioned and get 'er done. Not that I've ever read Cosmo, but I hear girls like to cook with guys.

OR hire a dragon dancing troop to come in and serenade the two of you; you may want to tell the neighbors in advance about all the gongs and drums though.

Regardless, good luck.

[Takada]

Okay, besides being jealous or whatever other reason for not helping the OP; perhaps the fact that the question can ONLY be answered by the OP is another sensible reason?!

[smartcdn]

I didn't get that impression.

He just wanted replies from Chinese readers because he figured that they could help him best with food suggestions.

Some people suggested T&T Supermarket- probably a bad idea.


:arrow:

as was pointed out, there is an element of conflict of interest

[SwiZz]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dc/Manchu.gif
http://pics.livejournal.com/chubbypanda/pic/0003hkya









Sorry, just procrastinating a lot.....congratulations to you both though :)

[monty613]

Give this guy a break. There's no difference if he said his girlfriend was from, let's say Germany, and wanted to make something authentic for her. I can't believe people think he's trying to "show off" his Chinese girlfriend?! lol

OP - like a few others have said I would approach her mom for help.

[mikep]

If there's a smaller restaurant that you guys like, go in, explain the situation and ask the, if they can prepare a meal for you where all you need to do is heat it up and plate it.

I've had done that on many occasion when having people over for dinner and they think I have prepared a gourmet meal for them, but really all I did was pick up the tab at my favourite restaurant. :)



Oh and congratulations!!!

[gherikill]

I would definitely go for a rice based dish.

[burnt_toast]

I’m Asian, and I love the fact that Asian women are looked upon as exotic. That’s something to be proud of. Personally, whatever race my gf/wife is, if she is hot… I would definitely show her off… ON THAT NOTE, I have showed off my wife, but she is the shy type and don’t want her pictures posted on the net… I’ve taken them down…

And the OP is not showing off his GF, but there is nothing wrong with it if he was… what he was looking for is an advice, as posted on the first page post #10...



since we've never had an engagement or wedding type of meal, my question is more about whether there are certain foods that are culturally relevant to the occasion that I should consider. I probably didn't make that clear in my original post, my apologies.



Good Luck and Congrats

[felixdd]

the problem began with the thread title - the op is emphasizing the fact that his girlfriend is Chinese and somehow special (like a prize).
I got the feeling that the OP wants to make the night memorable and perfect. And he's concerned that he's going to make a cultural faux-pas. Being Chinese yourself, I'm sure you can appreciate the intricacies that are involved with what's culturally acceptable/inacceptable in a traditional Chinese marriage. Even pureblood Chinese individuals can get things wrong, so I can understand that the OP may feel a bit insecure about his plan and wants some advice on it.


the very wording does trigger the yellow fever type of response since as was pointed out - there is a lot of Chinese males on this forum...

on top of the conflict of interest and stirring of feelings, is there even a reason for anyone here to help the op? i wonder...
Conflict of interest?! Do you know the girl yourself? And "stirring of feelings" just sounds so wrong....

To the OP
If you are cooking something, I would make stew-based dishes that can simmer in a pot. And a simple stir-fry. Nothing elaborate. You're probably going to be nervous during the time, so it'd probably be best if most of the meal can be made long before you actually eat, and minimize the amount of work you have to do right before the meal.

And don't make anything too saucy. The last thing you want is a spill.

[bhninja]

if you guys noticed he was asking advice from all the asian ladies...

most of the responses on this post are from guys so far

[keanefan]

he doesn't realize that there aren't many Chinese females posting on this board

anyways- I don't think that there is a special engagement meal in Chinese culture

:arrow:

[rfdrfd]

Hey Sucralose, firstly, congrats!!


Are you sure your future fiancee wouldn't like a romantic Italian dinner or something instead of Authentic Chinese food? Being a Chinese that speaks Cantonese, I've been to countless Authentic Chinese restaurants with a table of 12 family members yapping away.

We eat the same type of food. Most expensive ones are like crab claw with fish meat deep fried, XO sauce vegies, lobster (in broth or fried green onions). I mean, I'm sick and tired of it by now. She is 28, so I'm sure she's had her share of authentic Chinese food.

Chinese food IMO, is not romantic if you compare cuisines of the world. How about cook her up some Romantic Italian food ??

That's easier to make than authentic Chinese food (because you don't have a jet engine fire stove with a real wok). Take out food is just full of MSG anyways.

Just a thought.

[UrbanPoet]

Hey Sucralose, firstly, congrats!!


Are you sure your future fiancee wouldn't like a romantic Italian dinner or something instead of Authentic Chinese food? Being a Chinese that speaks Cantonese, I've been to countless Authentic Chinese restaurants with a table of 12 family members yapping away.

We eat the same type of food. Most expensive ones are like crab claw with fish meat deep fried, XO sauce vegies, lobster (in broth or fried green onions). I mean, I'm sick and tired of it by now. She is 28, so I'm sure she's had her share of authentic Chinese food.

Chinese food IMO, is not romantic if you compare cuisines of the world. How about cook her up some Romantic Italian food ??

That's easier to make than authentic Chinese food (because you don't have a jet engine fire stove with a real wok). Take out food is just full of MSG anyways.

Just a thought.


Exactly.. I think the OP just bigging up the chinese thing too much. Thinking "yah... shes chinese. ill get her chinese food and a kimino... GONNGGGG"
*cue pointy mostach guys with straw hats to bring in the ring* :rolleyes:

[gherikill]

Also. Make sure you have some snacks for an hour after the meal. That is the problem with Chinese food - you always get hungry an hour after.

Oh and for all of the angry Chinese males on this forum.

check out this link.

http://www.bitterasianmen.com/rants.html

[Kyle_87]

Nice link.. i'm angry too! Anyways.. takeout chinese food isn't very good for this situation haha. It's most likely oily and leaves u feeling sick sometimes. One suggestion would be to go out to a good authentic chinese restaurant. None of those fast food places either that have typical cantonese fried noodles or sweet and sour pork on rice lol. Go for the places that have set dinners with soup and dishes. Your best bet is to take some classes or ask other asians to teach you how to cook up some dishes.

[mikep]

Want to bet the OP is regretting ever having asked this question here! :)

Poor guy was all psyched about popping the big question to his GF and just wanted the name of a decent dish that he could make for her to show that he is making an effort and cares for her. And he ends up getting advice and comments on almost every other part of his life. Including questioning if he should marry his GF or not. :)

I hope it went well or will go well and she says yes!

[UrbanPoet]

btw... fine chinese cuisine isnt very sexy...
I mean... common... our delecacies involve chopping off the fin of a freakin SHARK and eating it in a soup.
Our #2 delecacy Abalone is a weird brown blob that floats around @ the bottom of the sea...

[Kyle_87]

very true UrbanPoet lol

[profguy]

Want to bet the OP is regretting ever having asked this question here! :)

Poor guy was all psyched about popping the big question to his GF and just wanted the name of a decent dish that he could make for her to show that he is making an effort and cares for her. And he ends up getting advice and comments on almost every other part of his life. Including questioning if he should marry his GF or not. :)

I hope it went well or will go well and she says yes!


I think you missed the point here. He is asking strangers on what to cook for his gf of 3.5 years? A normal guy would ask: her favorite dish is xxxx - how do I make it? He doen't even know what she likes to eat let alone have chinese food on this special occassion. Why not italian, french, etc.? Good luck to the OP.

I know lots of people including chinese people who prefer anything but chinese - ie all the chinese eating in japanese restaurants.

[hamant]

drink a lot of liquor....

that will solve everything

[stealth]

Want to bet the OP is regretting ever having asked this question here! :)

Poor guy was all psyched about popping the big question to his GF and just wanted the name of a decent dish that he could make for her to show that he is making an effort and cares for her. And he ends up getting advice and comments on almost every other part of his life. Including questioning if he should marry his GF or not. :)

I hope it went well or will go well and she says yes!

+1 Poor bastard wanted to make it a really special event and get some outside input and got torn to shreds!

He is asking strangers on what to cook for his gf of 3.5 years?
ya was thinking that too...Oh well, I guess he's just over thinking it and it shook his confidence. No biggie, we've all been there in one way or another.
Follow your heart OP. Chances are she wont even remember the food.....Its the diamond that they cherish the most :) lol....j/k (But, for your own good, dont ask anyone here what kind of diamond to get! :)).

[keanefan]

I told the guy that it doesn't have to be Chinese food (like maybe she likes another type of food better).

He said that her favorite meal was at a Chinese restaurant and she goes all the way to Markham to eat Chinese food.

He wants to order Chinese dishes but he's scared that he's going to order the wrong dish since the Chinese have symbolic meanings for some things.

example: noodles represents long life so you serve it at wedding and birthday meals.

probably- he can order any dish on the Chinese menu (preferably the best tasting dishes- like sea bass, sea cucumber, duck, e-fu noodles or other type of noodles, scallops, oyster, etc)

probably- it would be better to go to a restaurant instead of take-out
(he brings home the food, it might get cold or soggy so he has to reheat it or toast it to make it crispy).

at Chinese wedding banquet, you have to serve certain dishes because they represent something or have symbolic meanings

probably, there is no specific menu for engagement meal (I don't see any info for it)

:arrow:

[ariell]

OMG, some of you people need to get a life! :-0 A guy wants to plan a special romantic dinner to propose to his girlfriend and you make all sorts of crazy assumptions.

Sucralose, congratulations to you. I would just ignore all the ignorant, mean-spirited comments here. Personally, I like the idea of having a personal chef come in and do the cooking for you. Or cooking the food yourself would also be much appreciated I'm sure. I love when my BF cooks for me. A guy that can cook is very sexy! Just pick something that she likes -- I agree it doesn't have to be Chinese -- practice first and I'm sure it will be wonderful. She will definitely appreciate the effort you made. Good luck!:)

[jbond]

Well, I don't know about you guys but all my Canadian born female friends like Sushi. They are available everywhere and easy to bring home. Just decorate them with your personal touch.

Some candle lights and soft music........You know the rest.