Chinese Table Manners

In China, it is generally considered acceptable to bring rice bowls close to the mouth while eating.

Making noise while drinking soup is considered impolite in China.

Finishing all the food on your plate in China is considered a compliment to the host, indicating that you enjoyed the meal.

Table manners are consistent across all cultures, with only slight regional variations.

In most countries, raising plates and bowls to the mouth is a common practice.

If you empty your plate in China, your host may assume you are still hungry and offer you more food.

Table manners in China are nearly identical to those in most Western countries.

Leaving food on your plate in China suggests that the food was not to your liking.

In China, belching loudly is considered a sign of appreciation for the meal.

The way we eat food holds cultural significance and can vary widely.

If you are a guest at a Chinese dinner, it is acceptable to politely decline if you are offered more food even if you have finished everything on your plate; they will not insist.

In Chinese culture, the only reason why a dinner companion would put food on your plate is to show disrespect.

It is against Chinese table manners to flip a fish over to get to the other side, you must pick the bones out to reach the other side.

If you visit China, it is appropriate to stick your chopsticks straight up in a bowl as it is a sign of respect for whom you are dining with.

When eating noodles in China it is acceptable to slurp loudly.

When eating in China, it would be considered to be an insult to stand up to reach for a dish.

It is appropriate to use your chopsticks to spear food in China, especially if it is difficult to pick up.

If you are sharing dishes when eating in China, it is polite to only take the pieces closest to you.

You should not use serving chopsticks to eat food in your own bowl.

It's acceptable to cut your food with a knife at the table in China rather than using chopsticks.