Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Etiquette
Strict rules of etiquette don't really apply to Chinese dining, with the notable exception of
formal banquets. Table manners are relaxed and get more so as the meal unfolds and the
drinks flow. Meals can commence in Confucian fashion - with good intentions, a harmon-
ic arrangement of chopsticks and a clean tablecloth - before spiralling into Taoist may-
hem, fuelled by never-ending glasses of
píjiǔ
(beer) or
báijiǔ
(white spirit) and a proces-
sion of dishes. At the end of a meal, the table can resemble a battlefield, with empty
bottles, stray bones and other debris strewn across it.
A typical dining scenario sees a group seated at a round table. Often, one person will
order for everyone and the dishes will be shared; group diners never order dishes just for
themselves. Many foreigners get asked if they mind dishes that are
là
(spicy); if you don't,
then say '
bú yào tài là'
(not too spicy). The Chinese believe that a mix of tastes, textures
and temperatures is the key to a good meal, so they start with cold dishes and titbits and
follow them with a selection of hot meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Bear in mind that
waiters will expect you to order straightaway after sitting down and will hover at your
shoulder until you do. If you want more time, say '
wǒ huì jiào nǐ'
(I'll call you).
