It is customary in China to use chopsticks rather than a fork and knife at the dinner table. If you would like to use a fork and knife and they aren’t on your table in a restaurant, you can request them. Also, instead of everyone having their own plate of food, in China the dishes of food are placed on the table and everyone shares the meal. You will have the chance to try many different types of food.


Dinner in China usually begins with at least four cold dishes, followed by the main course of hot meat and vegetable dishes. Soup will be served next unless you are in Guangdong style restaurants. After the soup will be a staple dish such as rice, noodles or dumplings. If you would like to have rice with your cold or hot dishes, you will have to request this as most of the Chinese people like it at the end of the meal or not at all.

When dining with the Chinese people, it is likely that the host will put the food on your plate for you with “public” chopsticks or spoons or sometimes with their own chopsticks. This should be interpreted as a sign of friendship and politeness. It is also a sign of politeness to eat the food that you are served. People in China tend to over order food because they find it embarrassing if all of the food is consumed.