I see it much more in the context of imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. Do you want to know how good authentic European bread is made? You ask Eur

I see it much more in the context of imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. Do you want to know how good authentic European bread is made? You ask European bakers to show it to you and then replicate. Accusing a whole people of a "lack of imagination" is way too reductive a statement. Case in point: I'm sure Chinese noodle-makers could show European cooks a trick or two, just like Europeans stole a trick or two about porcelain making from the Chinese.