Chinese Culture – Table Manners II

Following my previous post on Chinese table manners I thought I’d share with you a few more do’s and don’ts while dining in China. Food is a massive part of Chinese culture; in fact unless you’re busy bustling around the tourist attractions you’ll probably find most of your time spent round the dinner table. So, here are a few more do’s and don’ts while dining in China:

Do

Put your own chopsticks into the communal dishes. In the west this may be considered as unhygienic. I for one cannot stand people double dipping at a buffet and in some sense this is quite similar. However, in China this is one thing that you cannot avoid and will have to get over. Also note that it is considered impolite to separate your food from the rest of the communal dishes.

Treat others and be treated yourself. In China the bill is never split the bill so be ready to be treated and be prepared to treat others.

Drink bai jiu 白酒when someone makes a toast to you, and try to drink the whole cup… or at least pretend! This will show respect and give the person who is toasting you face.


Don’t

Try to order your own dish for yourself. All dishes will be put onto the middle of the table and shared with everyone. Sometimes you may order something and not even get a bite if it goes fast. In fact usually the person paying the bill will tend to do all the ordering anyway so sit back and relax.

Tip. Tipping isn’t something usual in China so put your loose change back in your pocket.　The waiters tend to be paid on a monthly wage and tipping is not apart of Chinese culture. If you do tip some people may be a little confused.

Eat everything on your plate. Finishing all the food on your plate is a sign that you are still hungry, where as in the west it is a sign of politeness to finish all the food on your plate. If you do finish all your food your host will continue to top up your plate, so unless you are still pretty hungry try to leave something on your plate.


Also remember to visit part 1 of Chinese Table Manners