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.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chinese chopsticks
• Chinese soup spoon
• Small sauce bowl (optional)
• Rice bowl
• Larger bowl for main course
• Lazy Susan (optional)

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.

2. Put the soup spoon horizontally above the chopsticks, with the larger end pointing to the right.

3. Set the sauce bowl above the soup spoon, if dipping sauces will be used.

4. Place the rice bowl above the handle to the left of the soup spoon. This can be filled ahead of the dinner.

5. Position the main course bowl to the right and above the soup spoon. Leave this empty.

6. 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.

References

• Everyday Eating Customs in China
• Chinese Table Etiquette: Important Tips, What to Say, Paying the Bill

Resources

• Traditional Chinese Table Setting