“中国菜”only means Chinese dishes，but“中国食物”not only means chinese dishes,but also means Chinese snack，and other things people can eat，it has a wide range of meaning.

they mean the same most of time,but 中国菜(＾－＾)V does not include staple foods,i think actually，i just wanna say，ur soooo funny， i saw 我是“歪果仁”，我要好好学习、天天向上在中国！...I laugh my head off. lol wanna make friend with u (＾－＾)V

”菜“means DISH，while”中国菜“means CHINESE DISH。蔬菜which means vegetable，is just a part of 菜。 But actually 中国菜(Chinese Dish) and 中国食物(Chinese food) are not always the same, as DISH is not the only FOOD. Such as seasonings/beverage/Chinese special deserts/包子/饺子....these are not usually directly called as 中国菜，but are 中国食物。

according to your english name"Tom” can be called "汤姆” ( 音译） . I think "汤帅” is easy to call and racy to remember. also "唐慕” is a good Chinese name，and the pronunciation is similar your english name. the three names are all related with your name “Tom”

When we say "食物",it usually means something edible.Apple is "食物". When we say "菜",it usually means something cooked.Kung pao chicken is “菜” And “菜”can also be “蔬菜”：白菜 芹菜......