Share and share alike

The popularity of foods from around the world means meals are far less likely to be brought ready-plated to the table, as in many countries the act of sharing with your fellow diners is integral to a meal. Instead large platters and bowls allow everyone to help themselves, a trend that translates well into contemporary social settings. 'Sharing is key in Chinese and oriental cooking, so I usually make an array of small dishes that allow guests to sample a little of everything,' says Ching-He Huang, author of China Modern (Kyle Cathie, £14.99). 'It's a lot less formal, especially when you have groups of friends that are new to each other.'

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