Chinese Dining Etiquette
What is the proper way to use chopsticks – Chinese Folklore
The chopsticks is a miracle among the creations of Chinese food culture. It is difficult to describe how to use chopsticks.
First, place one chopstick on the third finger and clip it with the thumb; then clip the other between the index finger and the middle finger. When picking up food, use the upper chopstick and keep it flexible like a clipper.
But, as the saying goes, it is easier said than done, and practice makes perfect. You may wonder if there is any yardstick by which to measure your proficiency of using chopsticks. Well, try peanuts. If you can pick up a peanut, then you are fine; if you can pick up two, then, congratulations!
Toothpicks – Chinese Folklore
The use of toothpick at a table is another standard practice. As in most Asian countries, the polite way to deal with lodged fragments of food is to cover one’s mouth with one hand while the toothpicks are frequently used between courses as it is believed that the tastes of one course should not be allowed to mar one’s enjoyment of the next course.
The Guest Gets the Best – Chinese Folklore
The guest of honor naturally receives the choicest morsels, and is expected to lead the way when necessary. With a fish course, the fish head would be left for the guest of honor-and it is the most nutritious part. The platter holding the fish will always be laid on the table on such a way that the fish head points towards the guest.
If visitors find that they are the guest of honor and are unwilling to accept the duties involved, they should always delegate the honor to the person on their left, or politely turn the platter so that the fish head faces the host.
In a restaurant, the signs that a meal is ending are quite obvious. A bowl of fruit will be presented, fresh towels will be provided or cleaning mouths and hands, and the final pot of tea-a ceremonial farewell not be refilled.
Chinese table manners include: – Chinese Folklore
Don’s “jump the gun”—always eat after your host.
When the host proposes a “gan bei”, or “bottoms up” be careful if you are not a good drinker. Extra care should be taken when liquor is served. One way of getting away from such a situation is to tell your host “sui yi”, which means “cheers…but I will drink only a little.”
Don’t forget to toast your host, wishing him or her good health, friendship, appreciation and the like At the end of the banquet, your host may utter typical Chinese modesties such a “Please forgive us for the inconsiderate entertainment” or “sorry for the mediocre food.” “Don’t take it seriously. Go ahead and express your appreciation.”
Seating & Dinning Customs – Chinese Folklore
If a Chinese dinner has been arranged in a restaurant, the host will usually sit nearest the kitchen or service door. Then he will be in the least-favored position-sitting where the waiter will stand while serving individual portions of food. Some hosts, however, seat their most junior guests or family members at this slightly awkward spot so that the host can talk more easily to guests on either side of honor.
At the beginning of the banquet, the host will make a brief speech to welcome the guest. As the guest of honor, you are expected to make a reciprocal speech expressing appreciation and wishes for friendship, cooperation and prosperity.
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