Chinese Food Culture - Chinese Table manners

You’ve planned your menu. You’ve invited the family around. But before you hit the kitchen, there’s just one thing to do: sort the dining room.

You've planned your menu. You've invited the family around. But before you hit the kitchen, there's just one thing to do: sort the dining room.

Seating by numbers

Here's a handy way to seat your guests. Start with you: the host sits facing the entrance, then work outwards - putting your guests of honor either side of yourself. Think about where the little ones will feel most comfortable.

Laying the table

This is called kuài zi 筷子. Just remember never to go for the 'drumstick' approach. And don't leave chopsticks sticking out of food, which is supposed to symbolize burning sticks of incense for the deceased.

Making a toast

Pop the cork. Fill the glasses. Then, toast your guests. After that, raise a glass to the guest of honor – whether that’s Mum, Grandpa or Great Aunt Esme.

Eat together

It’s traditional in China for friends and families to share dishes. If you are not comfortable with that, get a pair of serving chopsticks – gōng kuài公筷 – with each dish.