Formal Chinese Dining Etiquette (During)

Do (Know)
  • Even if you don't like something on table, please do take a sample of it. If you don't, the host will feel very awkward and will not pick it up until you do.
  • Chinese people love Karaoke. You should sing couple of songs.
  • Cover your mouth when using the toothpick.
  • Do know Tsingtao is the most famous beer, and Maotai is the most common liquor.
  • Try to remember to toast your host. Toast is pronounced "gam" and bottoms up is gambei.
  • When toasting, just make a remark about the host's hospitality and making some compliment.
  • Put food on to other people's plate, to show your consideration and sincerity.
Don't
  • Not blow your nose at the table. This gesture is acceptable only for children.
  • Few restaurants have ice. Chinese people enjoy drinks at room temperature. To them, a cold drink is unhealthy.
  • Do not get drunk during a banquet.
  • Don't talk about business during a banquet.
  • Do not make a toast about the business. For example, "A toast for our future company and all the money we can make."
  • Do not joke when giving a toast. The reason is that something may be funny in your country but may not be funny in China.
Chinese Food Plate
Let start eating...

Once the banquet starts, the waiters will bring out the first course. The first course will depend on which region you are in. In north of China it will be cold dishes, which include some dried fruit or (everyone's favorite) one-thousand-year old egg will be served as the first course. However in the southern region, soup will be the first course.

The host will pick up the chopsticks and point to the food, which is signal for everyone to start eating. Even if you don't like something on table, please do take a sample of it. If you don't, the host will feel very awkward and will not pick it up until you do.

Few restaurants will provide ice. In China, people tend to have drinks at room temperature. The natives believe that a cold drink is not good for the health. Since everyone is concerned about his/her health, it is best not to blow your nose at the table. This is acceptable only for children.

Shortly after the first course, the host will raise his/her glass and make a toast. The host will make a very brief speech, such as welcoming you there. A proper way to raise the glass is with two hands, one around the cup and the other will be under it. It is not necessary to click the glass, because the glass is very small. After the second course, you should make a toast back to the host.

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Raphita Tobing