Chinese drinking culture treats
酒菜 as essential — drinking on an empty stomach is socially frowned upon. The closely related
下酒菜 (xiàjiǔcài) refers specifically to small dishes (peanuts, smoked tofu, edamame) eaten WITH alcohol. Calling someone
不会喝酒 ("can't drink") rarely refers to tolerance — it's about not being good company at the table.
