What is "gaifan"

Gaifan or gaijiaofan is a typical Chinese fast food consisting of rice and fish, meat, vegetables or other ingredients, served on plate or in bowl. The dish can be either freshly cooked or previously cooked, such as char siu. According to the Commentary to the Classic of Rites, the history of gaifan can be dated back to Western Zhou. Throughout the Tang Dynasty, gaifan was served during the banquets of newly promoted officials.