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There’s nothing quite like sitting down to enjoy delicious delicacies at a Chinese restaurant. But as with any other establishment, being a respectful patron means following certain rules and expectations while eating. Here’s what you should know about dining at a Chinese restaurant. 

Do:

Serve others first. 

It’s respectful to serve others tea or food first, starting with the eldest person at the table and leaving yourself for last. If you serve others food, use the communal chopsticks rather than your own.

If you’re pouring tea for others and it runs out, signal to the waiter that you need more by placing the pot’s lid slightly ajar. Putting it on the table is seen as bad luck. 

Fight for the bill. 

Once the bill is brought out, it’s tradition for people to fight over it. Doing so expresses generosity and appreciation for your family and friends. Offer to pay at least two or three times before yielding to your host or friend.

Don’t:

Play with your chopsticks. 

Chinese RestaurantChopsticks are an important part of Chinese restaurant etiquette.  Refrain from playing with them or tapping them on your dish (the latter is considered a sign of begging).

Never stab food with chopsticks if you’re struggling to pick up pieces of meat: instead, just use a fork and knife. Most importantly, never stick chopsticks straight up in your dish; this gesture symbolizes death in Chinese culture.

Chew with your mouth open. 

Though this simple rule extends to all restaurants, it still bears repeating. Eating with your mouth open is rude and creates an unpleasant experience for others. When eating rice with chopsticks, it’s tradition to put the bowl close to your mouth, which makes it easier to shovel the food without dropping it. 

 

If you’re craving the sumptuous flavor of Chinese restaurant cuisine, try Hong Wah Restaurant in Penfield, NY, for your next night out. With popular dishes like Szechuan beef and prawns in hot spicy sauce, it’s no surprise they won Rochester’s ROCs Best Asian Cuisine award in 2015. Grab your meal to go for a no-fuss dinner or dine in to enjoy their premium service and relaxing atmosphere. Call (585) 385-2808 to make a reservation or check out their menu online.

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