First time foreign visitors to China are often quick to notice that the Chinese often do not have drinks with their meals. This is because in China soup serves as a thirst quencher rather than an appetizer. Thus, Chinese soups are often more watery than you would expect in the West. Soups come in family size servings, and it is virtually impossible to find a restaurant which serves individual bowls. Here is a list of some common Chinese soups. Click here for a printable copy of this guide.