A Chinese meal is a shared affair. Dishes are placed in the centre and everyone serves themselves, which makes table manners a matter of consideration for others.
Chopsticks
- Never stand chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice — it resembles incense for the dead.
- Do not tap your bowl with chopsticks, or point with them.
- Use the serving chopsticks when provided, not your own.
- Do not spear food or dig through a dish for the best piece.
Seating and serving
The guest of honour or the eldest person sits facing the door and is served first. Let others start before you. When pouring tea or drinks, fill others' cups before your own, and use both hands to offer a cup.
Toasting (ganbei)
“Gān bēi” means “dry the glass.” At business or family banquets, toasts are frequent. Hold your glass slightly lower than the elder or host's when clinking — a small gesture of respect. Water or tea is an acceptable substitute if you do not drink.
Paying the bill
The person who invites pays, and it is common — and expected — to politely argue over the bill. If you are the host, settle it discreetly. If you are a guest, offering once is courteous; insisting too hard can be awkward.
Leaving a little food on your plate signals the host provided more than enough. Finishing every grain can imply you were not well fed.