"Hidden Rules" in a Chinese Dinner
By admin on 2015-01-29

Seating arrangement 座次

Seating arrangement abides by the rule of “left and eastern seats honored” and “seats facing the gate honored” in general. Seen from the distance between seats taken by the host and guests, the seat closer to the host is more respected. If you are the host, you should arrive at the dining room ahead of time, wait for guests at the door, and lead them to take a seat. If you are the guest, you should follow the host to take the seat.

Serving 上菜

A standard Chinese-style dinner is usually served in the following order: cold meats, fried fishes, entrees, snacks, soup, after-meal desserts (if requested) and fruits. Style of dishes in every process should be put into consideration at the time of dish ordering.

Dining 吃菜
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The Chinese are particular about the food as well as table manner. At the beginning of a Chinese meal, the waiter will bring a wet towel to each guest, which is used to wipe hands, rather than face. When lobster, chicken or fruit is served, a little cup containing water, lemon slices or rose leaves will be brought up by the waiter, which is used to wash hand, rather than drinking. When washing hands, one should gently rinse his fingers of both hands in turn in the cup and then mop them up with a small towel.

After the meal, one may wipe his mouth with dinner cloth, napkin paper or small towel. It is inappropriate to wipe your forehead, neck or chest, or burp and belch without self-control after the meal. Guests should not leave the dinner table before the host suggests that the meal is ended.

“Help yourself”劝菜

At Chinese dinner table, the host usually asks the guests to “Help yourself” or even fetch food for the guests, which is regarded as a hospitable manner.