In Chinese culture, food is often a communal experience, and the concept of 一笼 is deeply tied to the social tradition of 饮茶 (yǐn chá), or “yum cha” as it's known in Cantonese. This is a leisurely meal where small, varied dishes—collectively known as 点心 (diǎnxīn) or dim sum—are shared among friends and family. Unlike a Western meal where each person might order their own large “plate,” a dim sum meal involves ordering many different small dishes to share. This is where 一笼 becomes essential. You don't order one dumpling; you order 一笼 (a basket of) dumplings. You might order 一笼 of shrimp dumplings, 一笼 of pork buns, and 一笼 of steamed ribs. This act of ordering and sharing multiple 笼 reinforces cultural values of community, variety, and enjoying a prolonged, social dining experience. The sight of a cart laden with steaming bamboo baskets being wheeled through a bustling restaurant is an iconic image of Chinese culinary life.
The primary use of 一笼 is when ordering food in a restaurant, particularly one that serves dim sum or steamed buns. It is a standard, neutral term used in both casual and formal dining settings.
The connotation is purely descriptive and functional. There is no positive or negative feeling associated with the term itself.