Observing Proper Dining Etiquette in China

Like many Eastern cultures, the Chinese have a particular set of dinner table guidelines. For those unfamiliar, it is important to learn these etiquette expectations to avoid being disrespectful.

Seating

Perhaps one of the most important parts of dining etiquette is following the traditional seating arrangement. Typically, the host sits in the center (unless it is a round table with no center), the guest of honor is to the right of the host, and the second most important guest is to the left of the host. Often, the host will show you to your seat, but if he or she does not, follow these rules.

Chopsticks

Since most Westerners do not use chopsticks when eating, it is easy for them to use them improperly. Playing with your chopsticks, using them to point, skewering them into your meat and staking them into the rice are all considered discourteous. Additionally, don’t dig through the meal to find what you like — this is considered rude and implies to the host you don’t like everything that you were given.

Finer Points

Eating before the elders at the table is considered to be bad manners. If you get yourself a second serving of rice, make sure to refill the elders’ plates as well. Additionally, pick up your bowl when you’re eating, and don’t eat all of the food you’ve been given. If your plate is empty, the host will feel like he or she has not provided you with enough, and will think that you are still hungry.