Beijing has published a book offering official guidance on the translation of Chinese restaurant menus, featuring prope English translations for 2,158 Chinese dishes, the Beijing Daily reported.

Confusing and sometimes ridiculous translations on the country's menus provoke the mirth of foreigners and even cause misunderstanding of China's dietary habits.

The delicacy (Hong Shao Shi Zi Tou) which used to be translated as "red burned lion head," is now called "braised pork ball in brown sauce" in the book.

The translation of one poultry dish (Tong Zi Ji), sometimes translated as "chicken without sex," is now labeled "spring chicken."

Restaurants are encouraged to use the provided translations, but it will not be compulsory.

(China.org.cn March 17, 2012)

据《北京日报》报道，近日，北京市出台了餐馆菜单英文翻译参照版本，对2158道菜品的英文名称进行了规范。

有些中国菜单的翻译很滑稽可笑、令人不解，甚至让外国人对中国人的饮食习惯产生误解。

曾被译成“把狮子的头红烧了”的“红烧狮子头”如今被规范译为“用棕色调味料炖猪肉丸”。

菜名“童子鸡”有时被译为“没有性生活的鸡”，如今译为“春鸡”。

据悉，市政府鼓励各个餐馆使用该版翻译，但不强制推行。