The English versions of the names of traditional Chinese dishes on menus across the country have sparked public discussion about the precision of the translations.

In the run-up to the Olympic Games, many restaurants around China are providing English translations of their menus to make it easier for foreign visitors to order Chinese dishes when they travel. Some restaurants also hope that the translations will increase foreigners' knowledge of Chinese cuisine.

But an article in the China Youth Daily says the English menu translations have not lived up to public expectations.

It argues most of the English names of Chinese dishes lack the cultural meaning and attraction of the dishes they describe. Instead, the translations only provide a list of each dish's ingredients, the article notes.

For example, one English name of a famous Chinese dish appears as "Steamed Abalone with Shark's Fin and Fish Maw."

Because the English translation focuses solely on the ingredients, the author says it fails to describe the dish's rich cultural meaning and fascination.

The dish's beautiful Chinese name, "Fo Tiao Qiang," has a story behind it. Buddhist monks are required to be vegetarians, but they cannot resist the temptation of the delicious dish. They jump over their monastery walls to get a whiff or a taste of the dish.

The article suggests that translators provide more elaborate English translations of the names of Chinese dishes.

It also notes a more vivid English version is essential to provide international visitors with a better understanding of Chinese cuisine.