The same goes for the other dining etiquette around the world, each with their unique traditions and beliefs. China also has their own unique etiquette’s rules that you might want to know before attending a feast or big family dinners especially during festive seasons such as the Lunar New Year. Here, Traveloka has simplified a guide that will help you to master the etiquette of Chinese Dining.

Since the most ancient Chinese dining, foods during dining are mostly shared with each other which makes it into a communal dining. While Chinese dining itself came in various shapes, for a shared meal, it would be preferable to use the round table, especially in large groups which it is easier for everyone to converse and easily reach the dish center.

The type of table that is usually used in this case would be Lazy Susan, which is a round large table that has a rotating platform in the center that will allow all of the people to easily access all the shared dishes. But for smaller groups, they usually prefer to use the common square or rectangular tables.

As for the basic place setting, you will need a few key items such as the small teacup which is necessary for hot tea, large palate with a small, empty rice ball that usually placed in the center, a set of chopsticks which usually placed to the right of the plate and last but not least is the soup spoon, it may or may not be included, depending on the meal.

In addition, you could also prepare a chopstick rest for your chopsticks when not in use, serving utensils especially for communal dining where you will need a communal spoons and tongs, smaller glass if you would like to drink some baijiu which is chinese wine, and wet towel either hot or cold for wiping your hands before and during the meal.

In Chinese dining etiquette there is a seating order that people must follow to reflect respect for the host, elders and esteemed guests. There is one seat that is specifically provided for either the elder of the family, or someone of significant social standing which is the seat of honor. The seat of honor is usually placed facing the east which is considered an auspicious direction or facing the entrance. While it is believed that the second seat which is the left of the seat of honor would be the second most significant which is reserved for the second most important person in the group, followed by the third seat on the right of the seat of honor and its continued by fourth seat on the left, and five seat on the right and so on.

But please be reminded that the seating order is just one of the elements of Chinese dining etiquette. The true essence of Chinese dining is the gathering, and respecting your host and the other people around. Be flexible, follow the host’s lead and most importantly, relax and enjoy the delightful dinner and the cultural experience.

1. Gift-giving

This is actually optional, but if you are invited to someone’s home, it will be a very nice gesture to bring a small gift like fruits, flowers, or pastries to show your appreciation to the one who invites you.

2. Punctuality

If you would like to come to the usual party invitation or dinner invitation, it is a basic etiquette to not arrive late and make anybody else wait for you. Aim to arrive slightly earlier than the designation time.

3. Greeting and Seating

During your arrival the host will greet you and guide you to your seat. Wait until the host asks you to sit and please be mindful of the seating orders, which is important especially in a formal setting.

1. Wait for the Host’s Cue

When the food is served, don’t immediately take the food because it is considered rude to start eating before the host invites everyone to begin. Wait for the host’s cue to show your respect for the host’s hospitality.

2. Offering the other

Before you take some portions for yourself, offer those dishes to others first before taking your own food. You can use either a brand new-clean chopstick to transfer your food for the other or use the communal spoons or tongs.

3. Serving Yourself

After offering foods to the other first hand, you could take a modest portion of the shared foods on the Lazy Susan or center of the table using your chopstick or the communal utensils. Be mindful of the other and try not to reach across the table, you can just ask the other people and move the rotating table in the center of Lazy Susan.

While you eat using chopsticks, there are several things that are considered taboos in Chinese culture, such as pointing or waving your chopstick to other people, sticking your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, and talking with your mouth full or chewing loudly, all of them are considered rude and improper.

4. Bones and discarding food scrap

As for the leftover food scrap, discreetly place all the small bones or unwanted food scraps on the rim of your plate and avoid splitting them out or leaving large uneaten portions.

1. Thanking the Host

It would always be a good manner to thank people who bought you a meal and invite you to a dinner to express your gratitude for their hospitality.

2. Paying the Bill

In Chinese tradition, most of the time the host would pay for your meals, but nowadays it is becoming more common to split the bill among family or personal budget. If you insist on paying, you can politely offer to do so.

3. Table Clearing

Usually people would love you to help them in cleaning the tables, but in traditional Chinese, you can refrain from doing that, because from the host point of view, it might be implying that the host hasn’t provided adequate service.

Chinese Dining Etiquette is an essential knowledge that you need to know before going to China, especially before meeting an esteemed guest or the big family. If you would like to visit China or any other countries soon, Traveloka is here ready to help you to book the flight ticket, hotel, accommodation and even all the tourist attractions that have been mentioned above. Giving the best price with a number of combos, discount and promotion, only in Traveloka!