I know there is a craft beer culture, as there is a wine culture. I knew a chinese bloke who would invite me to a wine shop he had opened, upstairs he had spanish ham and imported wines. He would hold the occasional wine evening with cheese and ham and would invite me along for gratis, I would gracefully accept now and again, but I was not too stupid to realize he just wanted the token foreigner. But it was his treat, so once or twice a month it was quite nice, as opposed to being stuck in a poky FT's flat, or some noisy chinese bar. I did not mean to offend about the bars, been to them, just don't like them so much,also they like to rip you off on the bill in someway a lot of the times.

I found it sensible to eat noodles (even if you aren't over keen on Chinese grub) best to save your money, That way when the two big holidays arrive you can swan off to Thailand or somewhere- or even some nice places in the south of China. Anyway it all seems a bit sad to me, to spend a year or two in China and spend your time chasing around for Western food

When you arrive in China one of the priorities is to buy yourself a little oven/grill. I have cooked myself many a British roast complete with Yorkshire pudding on one of those little workspace stoves. Your time in China will only too soon come to a close and then you can eat as much western food as you please. Don't go through your life either led by your penis or your stomach. You don't have to particularly like all the food you eat..unless you're too precious. Not if you want to keep hold of your cash that is.