Visiting any Eastern country presents a certain difficulty for Europeans, as the rules of etiquette in Eastern countries are based on centuries-old traditions that differ significantly from European ones in their strictness and rigidity.
This is especially true of China, which has given the world unique wisdom, health techniques, and feng shui.
Observing customs and etiquette in China is a way of life and, in fact, the norm.
Therefore, before traveling to China, carefully study the peculiarities of local etiquette.
So, when going out to dinner, be prepared for the fact that table etiquette in China is significantly different from Western norms.
Table etiquette is often associated with chopsticks. The Chinese themselves are relaxed about foreigners’ inability to use chopsticks.
Therefore, if you are completely unable to eat with this utensil, it is better to ask for a fork or spoon. As a rule, in many restaurants.
It is perfectly acceptable to talk with your mouth full while eating. Smacking your lips while eating is also acceptable and will not be taken as disrespectful, and burping is a sign of gratitude and satisfaction.
To be considered well-mannered, try to taste all the dishes on the table.
At first, you should refuse, as this is a sign of the most respected virtue—modesty.
Do not let the host suspect you of greed! And after you have been offered food again, you must accept.
Don’t let your host suspect you of greed! And once you have been offered food again, you must accept it.
Don’t take the last piece from a shared plate. It’s not very polite.
During dinner, do not wave your chopsticks around, do not use them as a pointer, and never leave them stuck in your food.
However, try to leave a little food on your plate at the end — this will signal that you are full — otherwise, you will be brought seconds.
You should praise the host for the food, despite his (expected) expression of disagreement!
Tea is usually served with the meal. When the host pours tea into your cup, tap the table lightly with the index and middle fingers of your right hand. This is a sign of respect and gratitude for the host’s gesture.
Do not add sugar or milk to tea; regular Chinese tea is drunk without additives. China has many varieties of delicious tea, from black and green to oolong tea. Be sure to try different varieties. They are all very tasty.
Do not pour the drink into your glass first.
First, make a toast to business or friendship and pour it for everyone present.
Even if some glasses are already full, add at least a few drops to them. Accompany the toast with the word “ganbei” (“empty glass”).
Traditionally, the entire contents of the glass are drunk in one gulp. Drink up!
It is expected that at the end of the meal, you will quickly leave with all the other guests.
- You need to learn how to use Chinese chopsticks, as forks are not used in China. If you are a guest, try everything that is offered to you and show everyone around you that you are enjoying the meal.
- Wait until everyone is seated at the table. By the way, the seat closest to the door is considered the most honorable.
- The hosts should be the first to start eating.
- Under no circumstances should you eat the last piece of food left on the table.
- The host always makes the first toast.
- Do not put bones from meat or fish dishes on your plate — there is special tableware for this.
- Keep your plate close to your mouth while eating.
