1.
The correct way of holding chopsticks is between the thumb and and first two fingers of the right hand.
2.
Chopsticks have to be placed tidily on the table with two sticks lying next to each other at both ends, when they are not being used.
3.
Even the left-handed are supposed to hold chopsticks in the right hand, as it is traditionally made to be held in the right hand.
4.
Pointing chopsticks at another person is an insult to that person. Never do that!
5.
Waving of the chopsticks as an extension of the hand gestures is not allowed.
6.
Banging chopsticks like drumsticks gives an impression of a beggar.
7.
Chopsticks should not be used to move bowls or plates.
8.
Do not suck chopsticks.
9.
Decide what has to be picked before reaching with chopsticks. The idea is not to hover or fumble through the dishes.
10.
Use a chopstick rest or rest them horizontally on a plate to keep them off the table.
11.
Chopstick tips should never be used to penetrate the food except when tearing apart larger food items.
12.
Chopsticks should never be stabbed vertically in a bowl of rice.
13.
Communal chopsticks should not be used to pick up food from a shared plate.
14.
When eating the noodle in noodle soup, it is advised to pick the noodle into a serving spoon first and then eat it from the spoon, rather than slurping it directly from the bowl.
15.
When eating rice from a rice bowl, raising the rice bowl to the mouth before pushing the rice into the mouth using chopsticks is considered as a good etiquette.
When eating from common dishes, keep in mind:
1.
The food or the dish kept nearest to you has to be picked first rather than reaching out for the dish kept the farthest.
2.
It is advisable not to put the food items to be eaten on the serving plate, when both a serving bowl and plate are provided.
3.
When a soupy dish is served, placing the serving bowl near the serving dish is a good etiquette. This reduces the distance the chopsticks need carrying the food, thus avoiding any spilling of sauce on the table.
4.
A food item should not be kept back in the dish once it has been picked up.
When consuming drinks, keep in mind:
1.
It is the duty of the guest to make sure that a guest’s cup is not empty for long. One has to always pour for a neighbor before pouring for oneself, if thirsty. One should say ‘thank you’ when the drink is poured. Another way of showing appreciation is to tap the index and middle finger on the table.
2.
When making a toast following a ‘Cheers’, one should make sure that the younger members clink the rim of their glass below the rim of an elder member to show respect. ‘Gan bei’ is the phrase used to toast. It has to be ensured whether everyone is drinking the entire glass or taking sips.
3.
‘Baijiu’, referred to as strong alcohol and are often served throughout the meal. The host is expected to insist the guests to drink it as a mark of friendship. For refusing a drink, the guest has to make sure that he/she does it in the maximum polite manner. One may say ‘I'm unable to drink, but thank you’ for refusing a drink.
Differentiating between the seniority is also an important aspect of Chinese table etiquettes. One should keep in mind some of the tips which involve seniority of guests:
1.
Make sure that the elderly or the guest of honour is the first to start a meal.
2.
The eldest or most senior has to be served first by the youngest or least senior.
3.
All the eldest members at the table are addressed by the youngest members before starting.
4.
A seat facing the door is given to the eldest person or the guest of honour.
5.
It is a good etiquette for the guest to praise the food given by the host, even if the host says that the food is not good.
Hopefully, this piece of information is able to bring about the awareness of the common Chinese table etiquettes popular in the Chinese way of dining. So next time whenever you are at your favourite Chinese restaurant, do ask for a pair of chopsticks and try practicing some of the Chinese table etiquettes!
