Key table manners to follow at Chinese meals
Key Chinese table manners to follow at meals include these important points:
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Seating: Wait for the host or guest of honor to be seated first. Seating is arranged by seniority or status, with the guest of honor sitting facing the entrance or center of the room. Others sit in order of importance close to them. Wait for the host or elders to be seated and to start eating before you begin. 1, 2, 7
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Eating: Do not start eating until elders or the host signal the start. Let older people eat first. Pick up your bowl with your thumb on the rim and fingers supporting the bottom. It is considered bad manners to bend over the table to eat. 7, 1
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Sharing food: Meals are communal. Use serving chopsticks or spoons to take food from shared dishes rather than using your personal chopsticks. Avoid “digging” through food or snatching dishes. Take small portions at first and finish them before taking more. 4, 5, 7
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Chopsticks etiquette: Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice (resembles funeral rites), do not point with, stab, stir constantly, or lick chopsticks. Do not play with or drag plates with chopsticks. 5, 7
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Toasting and drinking: The host or senior initiates toasts. When toasting, hold your glass lower than the host’s as a sign of respect. Wait for toasts before drinking and do not drink alone. Drinking is often for toasting and building relationships. 5, 7
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General manners: Avoid talking with a mouth full of food, chew quietly, and be mindful not to spill food. If cleaning teeth at the table, cover your mouth. Compliment the food and avoid sensitive topics like politics or finances during the meal. 7, 5
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Table setting: A typical place setting includes a small teacup, rice bowl, plate, chopsticks, and spoon. Large round tables may have a Lazy Susan for sharing dishes. 2, 4
Following these manners shows respect, ensures harmony, and reflects good upbringing in Chinese dining culture.