In China, people tend to eat together; usually the host will serve some dishes with his or her own chopsticks to guests to show his or her hospitality. For Westerners it is quite acceptable to leave the food alone if you feel too awkward. Your host will express some unhappiness if you don't at least try it and for some strange reason they get a kick out of ordering the most bizarre things for you to try (EVEN if they don't like eating it themselves!). It is ok to try something and spit it out on the table if you don't like it.
There are some other rules that we suggest you follow to make your stay in China happier, though you will be forgiven if you have no knowledge of what they are.
- Never stick your chopsticks upright in the rice bowl, since that usually is done at a funeral and is deemed extremely impolite to the host and seniors present.
- Make sure the spout of the teapot is not facing anyone. The proper way is to make it direct outward from the table.
- Don't tap on your bowl with your chopsticks, since that will be deemed an insult to the host or the chef.
- Never try to turn a fish over and de-bone it yourself, since the separation of the fish skeleton from the lower half of the flesh will usually be performed by the host or a waiter. Superstitious people think bad luck will ensue and a fishing boat will capsize if you do so.
For a host of more tidbits on do's and don'ts in Chinese culture check our our Chinese Culture section.
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