The emergence of folded menu booklets did not originate in the Ming and Qing dynasties; rather, their history is long and far predates existing historical records. Due to the difficulty of preserving artifacts, many early cultural heritage items related to food culture have been lost, making the records we see today only a fraction of what once existed. However, from a historical perspective, the concept of folded booklets has been present across different stages of human civilization.

Before paper became widespread or was even invented, ancient people used locally available materials to create various forms of folding tools. For instance, bamboo slips, wooden tablets, stone slabs, tortoise shells, animal bones, and leaves were used as writing mediums, bound together with ropes, leather, or other materials to form booklets with an “N”-shaped folding structure. This folding method not only facilitated portability and preservation but also enhanced readability, leading to its broad application in various fields.

At the official level, this type of folding document evolved into the “memorials to the throne” (奏摺), which were widely used within and outside the imperial court. As an essential tool for officials during the Ming and Qing dynasties to report political affairs directly to the emperor, these memorials carried a high level of confidentiality and immediacy, marking the formal application and development of the folding writing system in government affairs. Meanwhile, similar folded booklets also emerged among the general public for recording business transactions, literary compositions, and even menu creation, serving as an important testament to early culinary culture.

In the culinary field, the birth of folded menu booklets was closely linked to the flourishing of ancient food culture. Large banquets or restaurant operators in early times adopted the folded format for menus to facilitate recording and presenting dishes to guests. This method made the ordering process more organized and enhanced the overall dining experience. These menus were often crafted with exquisite workmanship, with some featuring carved inscriptions on bamboo or wooden slips, while others were written with brushes on silk, reflecting the aesthetic styles of different eras and regions.

With the advancement of paper-making techniques and the popularization of printing, paper-based menus gradually replaced the earlier bamboo and wooden folding booklets, becoming an essential element of the modern restaurant industry. However, the form and essence of folded menus continue to influence modern menu design. Even today, in high-end restaurants or vintage-style establishments, one can still find menus that imitate ancient folding formats, blending traditional and contemporary cultural elements.

The history of folded menu booklets is not only a microcosm of the evolution of food culture but also a reflection of ancient wisdom. These menus carry more than just the names of dishes—they encapsulate rich historical memories and cultural heritage.