In China, people tend to eat together, usually the host will serve you some dishes with his or her own chopsticks to show his or her hospitality. Since this is different with the Western customs, you can leave the food alone if you feel too awkward. There are some other rules you are suggested to follow to make your stay in China happier, though you will be forgiven if you have no idea what they are.
Never stick your chopsticks upright in the rice bowl, since that usually appears on the funeral and is deemed extremely impolite to the host and seniors present.
Make sure the spout of the teapot is not facing anyone. The proper way is make it direct outward from the table.
Don't tap on your bowl with your chopsticks, since that will be deemed insult to the host or the chef.
Never try to turn a fish over and debone it yourself, since the separation of the fish skeleton from the lower half of the flesh will usually be performed by the host or a waiter. Superstitious people will deem bad luck will ensue and a fishing boat will capsize otherwise. |