Dining etiquette in China
Let’s set the scene - it’s your first time in China and you’re looking for a great dining area. You’re excited to try new delicacies and traditional meals, but you don’t know the intricacies of Chinese dining etiquette and, on top of that, you’re not sure how to eat without your trustworthy silverware!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered if you’re unfamiliar with Chinese dining etiquette. Here are a few tips to help you out when dining in China.
Introductions
Believe it or not, this is probably the most important part of Chinese dining etiquette! Upon arrival, it is customary to introduce yourself, or the host of the party will introduce you, if you are unknown to other guests.
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Guest of honour
There is a guest of honour! The guest of honour is usually the most senior member of the group and if they have not been seated, you aren’t allowed to sit. The guest of honour is considered special and the first toast usually comes from him/ her, continuing down the order of prominence.
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Eating
As most of us have been taught, table manners are a must have at the dinner table! This is also the case in China. Chinese table manners might be a bit different then what you’re used to. In Chinese culture, elders are respected and cherished members of the family. This is applied practically in Chinese dining etiquette. You can only start eating when given permission by the elder at the dining table.
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Always pick up your bowl
Bending over the table while eating is considered as bad table manners. This is easy to avoid once you get used to it. A tip is to pick up your bowl while eating.
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Consider others
When helping yourself to a delicious meal, start with the dishes that are closest to you first before helping yourself to a serving of those in front of other diners or the elders.
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Eating your food
No doubt about it, Chinese food is mouth-watering! But be sure not to gobble up your food too quickly. Still hungry? If you want to fill up your plate be sure to consult with others if they want the food left over. If they say no, you can proceed to take some for yourself and finally fill up that tummy.
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Concentrate on your companions and food
This is a great custom and, in our opinion, it should be applied around all dining tables! Never use your phone or any electronic device while seated at the table, as it’s considered as being rude. Guess you can leave the screen time for another time!
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Elegancy
This one goes without saying. When taking or eating food, it should be done in an elegant manner. Be sure to not nudge or push the person seated next to you and don’t let food splash or drip on the table, as it might create a mess.
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Chopsticks
You’re not alone. Some of us struggle to use chopsticks! Several restaurants in China have forks available and all will have spoons. If you are not used to chopsticks, you can ask the restaurant staff to provide you with a fork or spoon. Knives are not available, as they are traditionally seen as violent in China, so are not provided at the table.
Do not stick chopsticks vertically into your food
If you do know how to use chopsticks, be careful of how you place them, especially when eating rice. Do not stick your chopsticks vertically into your food when not using them, as this will remind your fellow Chinese diners of funerals. At funerals sticks of incense, known as joss sticks, are stuck into a pot by the rice that is put onto the ancestor altar.
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The bill
When it comes to the bill, Chinese people usually follow a tradition called “qῐng kѐ”, which means inviting guests out to a restaurant or to a dinner party at home. The tradition to “qῐng” or fighting to pay the bill, stems from having the honour to host and invite others. This is nothing strange in the Chinese culture since it symbolises kindness, respect, and a great deal of gratitude towards guests. Just remember to, in turn, express your gratitude towards your host too.
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Chinese customs are certainly unique and learning them while in China will make for an enjoyable dining experience. Knowing these customs will certainly help you to impress the host, whether it is your business partner, colleague or friend.