Perhaps more than any other, Chinese cuisine  symbolizes comfort and tradition. There are few people who haven't celebrated at least one special occasion with Chinese cuisine.

What makes Chinese cuisine truly unique is the balancing of ingredients. A proper Chinese meal always contains an equal division of fan, grains and starches, and t'sai, meat and vegetables. 
The two are never mixed together, allowing each to retain its own unique characteristics. The balance between fan and t'sai fits in with the Chinese belief in the importance of balance and harmony in every aspect of life. Perhaps this is the reason we find Chinese cuisine so comforting.