奇速英语

Eating in China can be a mind-broadening and enjoyable cultural experience. However, there are likely to be many surprises along the way. We would like to prepare you for the main differences between eating in China and in the West.

In China eating is more of a communal activity. In contrast to the West, where everyone orders their own meal, which arrives on a plate and is eaten individually, food is generally ordered dish-by-dish in China to be shared by all present at the table. Each diner has their own small rice bowl, into which food from the plates and bowls in the center of the table is placed using chopsticks, or perhaps serving spoons — a bit like a sit-down buffet perhaps.

Be prepared for your Chinese host placing food in your bowl, usually without even asking. The host will often put chicken legs or other choice parts of the meal in the guest’s bowl. Though Westerners may see this as stepping into one’s personal space, it is a sign of hospitality in China.

Though in the West it is sometimes considered rude to put one’s elbows on the dining table, this is quite acceptable in China, particularly when eating noodles. You however may want to avoid this in some restaurants where the table is only wiped with an old cloth and there may be some unseen residue (残留物) from the previous diners’ meals. Using your own antiseptic wipes (消毒湿巾) may help to put your mind at ease in some situations.

It is common in China for everyone to use their own chopsticks for fetching food from the dishes in the center. If you would prefer, serving spoons and serving chopsticks can be provided for food in the center of the table. Don’t be embarrassed by using chopsticks poorly or not using them at all. The main thing is that you enjoy the food. Food is so important in Chinese culture, and the Chinese are such a practical people, that all around you will most likely be fine with whatever method you use to eat. They will be very impressed though if you can use chopsticks proficiently.