Once I started working at a Chinese company, I noticed things at lunchtime were a bit different. I have never worked at an office that had its own canteen in the US. So, when I first heard about our on-site lunch location I was excited. In addition, it could save me time and effort, especially since I was not very familiar with the local food or restaurants.

I still remember my first time going to the canteen. I thought I had missed a fire drill or a mass evacuation because when I stepped onto the elevator, each one was full to the brim. However, people were laughing and talking.

I followed the flow of the crowd to the doors of the canteen and realized there was no emergency, it was just lunchtime. I found out very quickly that in China everyone takes lunch at the same time. Even the cafeteria followed this schedule, only being open a few hours per day.

As I stood in the doorway, I realized I had to act fast or I would be left behind. The canteen reminded me of my school lunch room growing up.

Everyone lines up and grabs a tray but instead of silverware, there are chopsticks and soup spoons.

As I was pushed along the line, I saw dishes I didn't recognize and as people cut in line and grabbed up dishes left and right, I felt that I needed to make some quick decisions. I ended up going with a pork and cucumber dish and a tofu salad.

I have been at my company for over a year and a half now and I am glad to say I am more confident in the canteen. I have learned what dishes I like, mostly by trial and error, and a lot of the workers know me and say hello.

While I usually opt to take my food to go and eat back at my desk, I am still very thankful for the ability to have somewhere right downstairs to get delicious Chinese food.

Recently, they have even added a Western food section in the cafeteria offering pizza and pasta. While the workers there always eagerly eye me as I walk by, I still usually go for my signature favorite - malatang.

I am still getting used to eating lunch at "lunch time," but I think the schedule definitely helps keep me on track during the day. I wish there was something like this at offices in my hometown.

This article was published on the Global Times Metropolitan section Two Cents page, a space for reader submissions, including opinion, humor and satire. The ideas expressed are those of the author alone, and do not represent the position of the Global Times.