When combined, 套餐 (tàocān) literally means a “set meal”—a complete set of food items that form a single meal. This logic extends easily to non-food items, creating the meaning “package deal.”
In Western cultures, the “combo meal” is largely associated with fast food and the idea of a quick, cheap lunch. The Chinese 套餐 shares this context but is far more pervasive and culturally significant. A 套餐 is a cornerstone of daily commerce in China, reflecting a deep-seated cultural appreciation for 划算 (huásuàn) - “good value” or “cost-effectiveness.” It's not just about being cheap; it's about being smart with your money. Choosing a 套餐 is often seen as a practical and efficient decision. Furthermore, it simplifies the “paradox of choice.” In a culture with an incredibly diverse and sometimes overwhelming culinary landscape, a 套餐 offers a curated, reliable, and balanced meal without the mental effort of building one from scratch. This applies to business lunches (商务套餐 - shāngwù tàocān), where efficiency is paramount, and to services like phone plans, where a package deal prevents the headache of calculating individual rates for data, calls, and texts. It's a system built for convenience in a fast-paced society.
You will see and use 套餐 in a wide variety of everyday situations. Its connotation is almost always neutral or positive, implying convenience and value.
This is the most common context. From global chains like McDonald's to local dumpling shops, most establishments offer 套餐. They are typically numbered or lettered for easy ordering (e.g., A套餐, B套餐 or 1号套餐, 2号套餐).
The concept of a bundled “package deal” is central to many service industries in China.