How to Know Proper Table Manners in China

Among the many differences between Western and Chinese cultures, table manners rank as one of the most noticeable. While Chinese people frequently do things at the dinner table that many Westerns find strange and even rude, Westerners often commit errors of etiquette when at the table in China or in a Chinese home. To make sure that you know and observe table manners in China follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know that food is shared. One of the biggest differences between Chinese and Western table manners is that in China a few dishes are placed in the center of a table and shared by all. This means that you should feel free to help yourself not just at the beginning of the meal but throughout it as well. Also, take it as a sign of honor and offer thanks when a Chinese host takes food from the center of the table and places it on your plate.

2. Respect the chopstick. The chopstick is the single most important utensil at a Chinese table. As such, it needs to be used correctly. Use the chopstick to grab or pinch food and never to skewer it, as you would with a fork. Also make sure to place your chopsticks horizontally over your bowl or plate and not lay them on the table or, even worse, stick them vertically into the rice bowl.

3. Use communal chopsticks. To take food from the center of the table you should use the communal chopsticks or spoons that are placed there for that purpose. In China, using your personal chopsticks to grab food is somewhat similar to "double dipping" in the West. If there are no communal utensils, use the blunt end of your chopsticks to grab food and put it on your plate, being mindful to not use the blunt end to put food into your mouth.

4. Respect seniority. Table manners in China incorporate respect for the elders, as does much of other Chinese etiquette. At the table, pass food to your elders before taking it for yourself. Also, if someone raises a toast, make sure that when you clink glasses with someone older than you that the rim of your glass is lower than the rim of the person more senior, as this is an important sign of respect.

Tips & Warnings

• In China, it's customary for the host, not the guest, to begin eating first.
• Expect to hear more noise at the table. Chinese custom allows for making slurping sounds when eating hot soup as a sign of gusto. Public belching, also seen as a compliment to the quality and quantity of the food, is not uncommon.
• Never take the last piece of food from a communal platter.
• When opening packets of disposable wooden chopsticks in a Chinese restaurant, many people rub the chopsticks together briskly to remove any splinters. Always do this below the table, not above it where you are visible.

[HuaDe]

on 8/31/2008 It is not customary for the host to eat first. The host proclaims the begining of the meal with a toast and then signals the guest of honor (seated at the host's right hand) to take the first bite.

Never take a pile of food. It looks selfish. Take one bite at a time....or just a little more if you want, but don't store food away like a squirrel.

Rub your wooden chopsticks above the table as you want. There is no "under the table" tradition.

Eat some of every dish. If you dislike it, don't take a second bite.

[Khai2484]

on 2/26/2008 its useful