How to Set Tables the Chinese Way
We often associate setting a traditional Chinese table with the rather grand way tables can be laid out in Chinese restaurants. In these settings, sometimes plates are laid out with chopsticks atop; this is more the way a feast is presented, rather than a family meal. Setting the table for an everyday meal the traditional Chinese way is simple. It requires just a few supplies and a few minutes to get it right.
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Things You'll Need
- Chinese chopsticks
- Chinese soup spoon
- Small sauce bowl (optional)
- Rice bowl
- Larger bowl for main course
- Lazy Susan (optional)
Instructions
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1
Place the chopsticks horizontally in front of the diner. Point the tapered ends to the left. Note that Chinese chopsticks have blunt tapered ends, while Japanese chopsticks end in points.
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2
Put the soup spoon horizontally above the chopsticks, with the larger end pointing to the right.
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3
Set the sauce bowl above the soup spoon, if dipping sauces will be used.
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4
Place the rice bowl above the handle to the left of the soup spoon. This can be filled ahead of the dinner.
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5
Position the main course bowl to the right and above the soup spoon. Leave this empty.
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Group all the main dishes in the center. Diners help themselves, pass the bowls around, or offer guests the bowls. Many like to use a Lazy Susan for this.
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