Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mind Your Chopsticks
Don't stand your chopsticks upright in the middle of a bowl - that resembles two incense
sticks at a graveside offering. If you can't manage chopsticks, don't be afraid to ask for a
fork. Nearly all restaurants have them.
Spirit of Sharing
Take a few pieces of food from a communal dish at a time, preferably those nearest to you.
It is not necessary to shove half the dish into your bowl in one go. For shared staples, it is
fine to fill your whole bowl up.
Tea Language
When someone refills your dainty teacup (you'll soon lose count of how often this happens),
you can tap two fingers (index and middle) gently on the table twice instead of saying thank
you with a greasy mouth full of food. Mastering this (allegedly) centuries-old gesture will
endear you to your hosts.
Bones & Tissues
Your plate is the preferred spot for bones, but at budget places diners put them on the table
beside their plates or bowls. If you find that disconcerting, place a tissue under or over your
rejects.
Food Obsessions
Swallow & Scribe
Legions of food critics, amateur or otherwise, post reports and photos on the user-driven, bi-
lingual restaurant-review website
www.openrice.com
every day. Some of these food blog-
gers have gained local celebrity status, such as Diary of a Growing Boy
Dim Sum - a Fact of Life
Morning dim sum is a daily ritual for many retirees and a tasty excuse for a family reunion
at the weekend (though many pay more attention to their newspapers, smart phones or
games consoles than what's on the table).
