👉 Chowtime is a phrase that originates from Chinese cuisine. It refers to the time during which food preparation and cooking takes place in a traditional Chinese restaurant, typically after the dishes have been prepared and are ready for consumption. In this context, "chowtime" may refer to any period during which food preparation or preparation of ingredients occurs before the main course is served, such as when vegetables are chopped, garlic is minced, or spices are added. For example, in a restaurant where you order