Dining customs in China
As a country that pays great attention to courtesy, our cuisine culture is deep rooted in China's history. Before starting to eat dinner, the host may offer some words of greeting. Guests should not start to eat until the host says, 'Please enjoy yourself' or something like that. Seating arrangement is also one of the most important parts of Chinese dining etiquette.
Chinese use chopsticks instead of forks and knives. China is the hometown of chopsticks. A pair of chopsticks, though they look simple, can nip, pick, rip and stir food.
Food play a crucial role in Chinese’ life. At an everyday home meal, we often eat a bowl of steamed rice, or a large bowl of noodles, or several pieces of steamed bread as staple food, accompanied by several meat or vegetables dishes, and the dishes are place in the middle of the dinner table to be shared by all. A soup may also be served as one of the dishes. Everyday meals are usually cooked by Chinese themselves.