We shall talk about the dos and don'ts when using chopsticks. Today we'll speak about general eating etiquette .Eating in China is one of the most important things and Chinese food and Chinese people have a strong connection. Chinese people are very proud of their cuisine and the part it plays in the culture and will do their best to show their hospitality.

 So if you are being treated by a Chinese host, be prepared for a ton of food. It may also help to be aware of some basic table etiquette. First of all, when being seated, the host should let guests sit first and juniors should let the seniors sit first. The same goes when we start the meal. The host and the juniors should not eat until the guests and the seniors start.

If you're a little confused about where to sit, wait until others take their seats first, or ask one of your Chinese companions where you should sit. 

J: That's good advice. So while eating, what if someone is really incompetent using chopsticks?

P: The main difference at the Chinese dinner table is that we use chopsticks instead of a knife and fork and there is really no need to be embarrassed if you can't use them very well.  In decent restaurants, you can always ask for a knife and fork.

J: Apart from using chopsticks the other main difference with eating in the West and in China is that in the West you have your own plate of food while in China many dishes are placed on the table and everybody shares.

P: Yes, if you are being treated to a formal dinner and particularly if the host would like to impress you, he, or she, will do their best to give you a taste of many different types of dishes.

J: That's what I really like about being in China. Every meal can be seen as a new adventure and a chance to explore and try more delicious dishes.

P: You know Jules sometimes the Chinese hosts and friends use their chopsticks to put food in your bowl or plate. This is a sign of politeness. The correct thing to do would be to eat whatever-it-is and say how yummy it is. Also to show your respect and your gratitude you can tap your fingers on the table.

J: But don't tap your chopsticks on the table or on the bowl, right?
P: Right. Keep that in mind. Don't tap on your bowl with your chopsticks. Beggars tap on their bowls, so this is not polite. Also, when the food is coming too slow in a restaurant, people may tap their bowls. If you are in someone's home, it's like insulting the cook. But there is more about Chopsticks in our "Chopsticks" segment.

J: When I go out for dinner with my friends back home, we nearly always pay for ourselves, but this is quite uncommon in China, isn't it?

P: Yes. Usually just one person pays the bill, but that's more common among the older generation. Chinese youngsters these days are just as likely to share the bill