Chinese Dining Etiquette

What are the proper ways to eat a Chinese meal? We give you 8 Chinese dining etiquettes.
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[@sengkiat]

You forgot a very important part about tea pouring... always pour yourself last!

[@koratheninja2442]

Yep

[@luffysunfire6093]

Where to sit? Come on we never do that anymore it’s just the past ancient Chinese who really care about it we actually usually just sit anywhere we want. We just pour our own tea for ourself right now, before that I think holding the tea cap is to prevent water from spilling out on top. We always stick our chopsticks on top of our rice I think it’s just a Japanese culture that is inappropriate. I always flip my fish over when I finished with one side and wanna eat the other side

[@KeybladeDragon10]

I'm Chinese and used to find it just funny how my parents would argue against other parents on who would pay. And they were not arguing because they didn't want to. They were arguing so that they CAN pay.

[@Heidishereandthere]

Yes, that's just proper etiquette across many ethnicity. My family does the same thing. Nothing new

[@Lovsnow]

LOL I've seen that many times. I wonder if some of them are hoping secretly "please don't let me actually pay!" I would be :)

[@idontreadorreply]

@@Heidishereandthere it is to those who dont have it in their culture

[@BigheadTonyiscool]

All so accurate for my family except number eight. When my family and relatives fight over the bill, they're serious and will wrestle each other for it. Classy.

[@AnhNguyen-dx1qp]

lol same here

[@lx3723]

Tony Nguyen ive heard some people have fought to each other to pay for the bill

[@markgholson9222]

Just act like you are going to the bathroom, and sneek over to the cash register.

[@PenguinStealsFruits0]

I've seen people do that before... It doesn't go through...

[@danielford2424]

Long as no one goes American style - pulls out a gun and starts shooting!

[@selenagomez4ever813]

How to pay the bill: Step 1: Argue for 5 minutes while snatching the check, pulling out your money and yell to the waiter.

[@ohgeezidontknow]

OMG YESSSS. and pushing other the person's money out of the way so you can stuff your money in the waiter's hand/pocket/anywhere and then quickly send the waiter off so the other person doesnt get a chance to pay

[@hongtse6723]

ohgeezidontknow yep, totally true

[@2wayalley743]

Then when someone does pay, always shove money at the person who payed to pay them back.

[@sakefor2030]

Messy

[@aiva9366]

Yep.

[@JohnSmith-ff9de]

The end part about paying the bill is wonderful. I was in peals of laughter.

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

John Smith :-)

[@andrewcho9779]

Some people can actually go crazy with this. By this, I mean don't be surprised when you see a bunch of people pushing each other trying to pay for the bill

[@fe-ne1ri]

Andrew Cho That is any culture not just the Chinese (I am Chinese), Europeans are the worst at ALWAYS paying.

[@gellight9216]

Andrew Cho exactly!

[@DriveGamingLive]

+Sharo The Hutt No, ESPECIALLY THE CHINESE. I have to wait 1 hour for someone to pay the bill.

[@BeautyWithin]

Another very very important rule!! Do not make sounds / chew with open mouth. Some people tend to make sounds while chewing their food, mainly because they chew with their mouth open... its kind of annoying lol. - Not sure if I explained it well. :S

[@boredpandacafe]

This isn't specific to Chinese. This is across the board. Overall, table etiqquette.

[@Mr.Overman]

I have never seen Chinese who doesn’t make sound. Suppose 90% of Chinese in China wouldn’t do that way.

[@michaelkensington2494]

@@Mr.Overman who doesnt make sound ? 🤣😂🤣😂

[@quiltedquickerpicker]

The open mouth chewing is agreeably rude but there is actually also common folk rule that it is encouraged to make sounds when eating to show appreciation to the cook. The louder it is, the tastier the food is.

[@Averagebum21]

No wonder I lost all my ethnic Chinese friends and family. I would place the cover of the teapot on the table to show the wait staff that it was empty, turn over the fish and continue to serve everybody, and end up paying the bill every time.

[@greeneking77]

+Averagebum Bum Boo How shengshung

[@AnnaIsHere]

Averagebum Bum, so the things in the video are not true anymore? Does anyone now pay attention to things mentioned in the video, in your opinion?

[@marahbadrian]

Why is putting the teapot lid on the table bad luck?

[@luffysunfire6093]

Averagebum Bum there’s one time that I go to some Chinese’s house and we have tea but I open the cap and saw it’s empty and just right away put the cap on the table and the adults told me not to do that and I’m a Chinese myself

[@luffysunfire6093]

Where to sit? Come on we never do that anymore it’s just the past ancient traditional Chinese who really care about it we actually usually just sit anywhere we want. We just pour our own tea for ourself right now, before that I think holding the tea cap is to prevent water from spilling out on top. We always stick our chopsticks on top of our rice I think it’s just a Japanese culture that is inappropriate. Well yeah if you stick the chopsticks straight up on the rice then it’s considered bad luck, death, don’t have manners, disrespectful, and annoying to the Chinese. If you just stick the chopsticks slightly leaning sideways then it’s okay. I always flip my fish over when I finished with one side and wanna eat the other side

[@eduardkrieger6973]

To be honest, I don't get why so many people here are crying about how restrictive or complicated Chinese Teiquette is... We have simmilar Rules in the western world as well. e.g. Saying thank you when your drink is being refilled, or that the head of the table is a place of honour. Not sticking your chop sticks in your food would kinda correspond to not stabbing your food with the knife, etc. pp. Etiquette is not about embarassing yourself as some commenters here suggested, it's more about behaving in a way that doesn't insult people around but shows some kind of respect. Also many of these rules make sure, your behaviour doesn't imply aggression or a threat to the others e.g. pointing your chop sticks directly to someones face.

[@shgamerfun1104]

Eduard Krieger Yeah, I agree. I just watched some videos on Western manners and etiquette and they have their similarities.

[@luffysunfire6093]

Where to sit? Come on we never do that anymore it’s just the past ancient traditional Chinese who really care about it we actually usually just sit anywhere we want. We just pour our own tea for ourself right now, before that I think holding the tea cap is to prevent water from spilling out on top. We always stick our chopsticks on top of our rice I think it’s just a Japanese culture that is inappropriate. Well yeah if you stick the chopsticks straight up on the rice then it’s considered bad luck, death, don’t have manners, disrespectful, and annoying to the Chinese. If you just stick the chopsticks slightly leaning sideways then it’s okay. I always flip my fish over when I finished with one side and wanna eat the other side

[@brightsideshelper6636]

Yeah, I mean Chines people also don’t follow all these rules anymore. I’ve never heard of about half of these eight rules. So it’s not a big deal if you missed some during your meal. There’s no need to stress

[@DancingShiva788]

Agreed, it's better to mind your manners than to offend. There are no rules there which are arduous, observing them is easy. Caring enough to know them shows respect for their culture, and thereby, to them.

[@joelblack2591]

From a Gweilo perspective, I think it is important to note that some of these etiquettes are regional specific. For example, many years ago, I was taught by friends from Hong Kong about the finger tap gesture when thanking someone for pouring you tea, etc. They told me this was "Chinese" etiquette. So for years, whenever I ate with Chinese friends from Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Fuzhou, and many other parts of mainland China, they would be confused whenever I did the finger tap or asked if that gesture was custom. They always said they never practiced it or heard of it. After awhile, I began to doubt if this etiquette was real and wondering if my old hong kong friends were BS'ing me. It wasn't until I met my wife and her family (who are from Guangzhou) that I saw this etiquette being practiced. She explained to me that it was just southern Chinese (Specifically Guangdong and Hong Kong) etiquette.

[@axelay77]

simply because the finger tapping is originated from 'Yum Cha', which is a life style exclusive to people S. China. So for Chinese in other regions do not have a clue to this.

[@user-td5vg8lr3b]

Not really. It is a very traditional one. However, not everyone keeps tradition. In my opinion the south or west part keeps more. The young generation lose a lot of tradition. My friend from northeast still does. I just say "xiè xie"

[@seanspartan2023]

*makes mistake* Host: "DISHONOR! Dishonor on you! Dishonor on your cow!..."

[@ninjagoedits2392]

MULAN!!!!

[@tiaopiak]

In my community: 1) Sitting arrangement - don't practice anymore. 2) Order - still in practice. 3) Tea - usually waiter do the refill. 5) Chopstick - still in practice. 6) Food - still in practice but odd/even number dishes are not practice anymore. 7) Fish - still in practice for those who work in maritime. Usually restaurant cut open the fish so both side are spread open. No need to flip. Problem solved. 8) Bill - still in practice. Among friends or close/friendly families/relatives usually don't mind too much. However if it's an honored guest or a senior of the family/relative, it is better to follow the etiquette.

[@luffysunfire6093]

tiaopiak Where to sit? Come on we never do that anymore it’s just the past ancient traditional Chinese who really care about it we actually usually just sit anywhere we want. We just pour our own tea for ourself right now, before that I think holding the tea cap is to prevent water from spilling out on top. We always stick our chopsticks on top of our rice I think it’s just a Japanese culture that is inappropriate. Well yeah if you stick the chopsticks straight up on the rice then it’s considered bad luck, death, don’t have manners, disrespectful, and annoying to the Chinese. If you just stick the chopsticks slightly leaning sideways then it’s okay. I always flip my fish over when I finished with one side and wanna eat the other side

[@WeiYinChan]

When I eat outside with my parents and their friends... It's like a whole war. They got me to pretend to to to the bathroom so I can sneak out and pay the bill, and sometimes their friend would see it and that's when they would start wrestling for the bill physically...

[@penguinheadd]

Most Chinese people today do not care about these "etiquettes." These are actually really ancient table manner. Only number 5 still holds true. Number 8 holds partial truth because yes, we don't split bills in a traditional setting, but you don't actually need to "act like you want to pay."

[@sugarkats21]

well my family does. and when I went to china, there was etiquette. Only thing is that the Chinese people don't care to speak quietly, its part of culture its not rude

[@sugarkats21]

***** agreed. My family is just plain arguing everytime a Chinese guest that we hosted wants to pay lol

[@penguinheadd]

***** lol

[@luffysunfire6093]

Jimin's Jams Are Best With Suga Kookies and Tae Yeah my family too are really traditional and conservative to an extreme

[@betaseu]

These etiquette only really apply to formal meals. If you are just eating with your boys it's not like they are enforcing these rules. If you are with your entire family including extended and eating, it's good to show respect to everyone by putting in effort to show proper etiquette.

[@seanes718]

I learn a lot from the videos you guys post. Keep it coming! Thank You!

[@mackoydanlakour9435]

Yeah ! Chopstick are not incence stick !

[@bubuheartzallie]

Can I just share some other things? :D 1. When pouring tea, ALWAYS pour for the oldest/most important person first and then next, pour for your own the last. 2. You tap your fingers 3 times ^^ 3. Always offer food/take food for the elder. Especially if they are seated next to you. 4. If you are gonna take the last piece of the dish, ask first if you may have it/anyone else wants it... Best part for the kids during dinner is watching the drama when its time to pay the bill xD

[@nagys36snn]

When i dined with chinese it was only tv drama.

[@anyi9856]

Oooofff the lastttt one is so true!

[@luffysunfire6093]

bubuheartzallie Where to sit? Come on we never do that anymore it’s just the past ancient traditional Chinese who really care about it we actually usually just sit anywhere we want. We just pour our own tea for ourself right now, before that I think holding the tea cap is to prevent water from spilling out on top. We always stick our chopsticks on top of our rice I think it’s just a Japanese culture that is inappropriate. Well yeah if you stick the chopsticks straight up on the rice then it’s considered bad luck, death, don’t have manners, disrespectful, and annoying to the Chinese. If you just stick the chopsticks slightly leaning sideways then it’s okay. I always flip my fish over when I finished with one side and wanna eat the other side

[@yaraz7974]

This etiquette is only used in traditional Chinese families not really common in modern Chinese families. A basic idea of these rules are used though.

[@wujiajia5314]

I still do all of it

[@luffysunfire6093]

Where to sit? Come on we never do that anymore it’s just the past ancient traditional Chinese who really care about it we actually usually just sit anywhere we want. We just pour our own tea for ourself right now, before that I think holding the tea cap is to prevent water from spilling out on top. We always stick our chopsticks on top of our rice I think it’s just a Japanese culture that is inappropriate. Well yeah if you stick the chopsticks straight up on the rice then it’s considered bad luck, death, don’t have manners, disrespectful, and annoying to the Chinese. If you just stick the chopsticks slightly leaning sideways then it’s okay. I always flip my fish over when I finished with one side and wanna eat the other side

[@ttproguy]

Manners are a set of rules to make people comfortable around others. Etiquette are a set of rules to make you embarrass yourself around others.

[@Caranilion]

Best :)

[@jonhayes6673]

Etiquette is a code one learns, so that things flow effortlessly with potentially judgmental people. They are not rules meant to embarrass, rather rules one learns in order *not* to embarrass. Good manners always trump etiquette when there is love between people, but in uncertain times, with distant and unfamiliar people, etiquette is crucial. Enlightened persons ignore the mistakes made by a foreigner or someone who would never have *learned* the rules, but those who *should* know the rules can be expected to only break them intentionally.

[@Dragonpheonixheart]

My parents told me that not only do we pour for people around us first but it is usually the youngest, if they are capable of it, at the table who is supposed to pour the tea for others as well. Is this true as well? My family doesn't use the seating plan stated earlier and everyone fights for the bill no matter who said will treat.

[@luffysunfire6093]

Annie Huang Where to sit? Come on we never do that anymore it’s just the past ancient traditional Chinese who really care about it we actually usually just sit anywhere we want. We just pour our own tea for ourself right now, before that I think holding the tea cap is to prevent water from spilling out on top. We always stick our chopsticks on top of our rice I think it’s just a Japanese culture that is inappropriate. Well yeah if you stick the chopsticks straight up on the rice then it’s considered bad luck, death, don’t have manners, disrespectful, and annoying to the Chinese. If you just stick the chopsticks slightly leaning sideways then it’s okay. I always flip my fish over when I finished with one side and wanna eat the other side

[@sanitater3271]

HAHA! Once my grandfather and uncle started arguing who would pay for dinner.

[@paulphelps7809]

Thanks for this fast rundown on Chinese dining etiquette; very helpful to know.

[@KpopLifeMusic]

Chinese eating etiquette differ from provinces to provinces in Mainland China. Many of the culture were lost in China too. What I've heard from my mother was the Guang Dong people (Cantonese) are very strict at eating cultures. These are the eating etiquettes I was exposed to in my family: 1. We (younger ones) need to invite verbally, asking those who are elder to eat. 2. We are not suppose to touch our chopsticks before the eldest on the table moves his/her chopsticks. 3. Usually the eldest one in the youngest generation should clean the tea cups and pour tea. When we do so, we pour for everyone on the table. 4. Usually elder ones will take food for the younger ones. This is to show caring towards them. 5. You can leave the teapot lid half open (slanted) to indicate to the waitress/waiter to add hot water into the teapot. 6. We don't put more than one dish's food on our plate, especially the elder ones. It shows greediness to take too much food or more than one type of food. This is an exception rule for young kid, as the elder ones always put many types of food on kid's plate. 7. We shouldn't make sound as we chew. (I hate it when people of my culture doesn't follow this.) 8. Look properly of which piece of food you want to take before action. It is extremely rude to find a piece of food you want and stirring the food here and there, up and down for the piece you want. 9. It's okay to bring back unfinished food in banquet. Waiter/waitress can help to pack them in containers nicely. (wasting food is very bad in Chinese culture) 10. Do not waste food. You'll get punished or karma. lol This is what I experienced as a Chinese myself. I'm Malaysian. Some of the etiquette might differ from etiquette of other places.

[@luffysunfire6093]

TowardsBeautifulWorld Where to sit? Come on we never do that anymore it’s just the past ancient traditional Chinese who really care about it we actually usually just sit anywhere we want. We just pour our own tea for ourself right now, before that I think holding the tea cap is to prevent water from spilling out on top. We always stick our chopsticks on top of our rice I think it’s just a Japanese culture that is inappropriate. Well yeah if you stick the chopsticks straight up on the rice then it’s considered bad luck, death, don’t have manners, disrespectful, and annoying to the Chinese. If you just stick the chopsticks slightly leaning sideways then it’s okay. I always flip my fish over when I finished with one side and wanna eat the other side

[@Silmerano]

I take it all back Merry Christmas.

[@Dimsum.T]

I remember watching one of those chinese traveling food shows that there's a difference between tapping with one finger, two fingers, and three fingers. From what I remembered, I believe if it's the opposite sex that's pouring you tea, you can signify your status by tapping one or two finger on rather you're single or married. Three finger is of course saying "thank you".

[@AntonT81]

Spot on video! Carmen you're the best!

[@larsorloff3393]

geez, eating is a big part of every culture

[@tiffanyh2197]

We have had two HUGE dinners because of my aunts... YAY!!!^_^

[@parnicksmusick]

Thanks so much for this!!!! I move to China for work in two weeks, can't wait!

[@ChinaIcons]

This is great! Really helpful to watch before a trip to China.

[@Silverlongstar]

i fail as a Chinese person XD

[@luffysunfire6093]

Silver Exia Where to sit? Come on we never do that anymore it’s just the past ancient traditional Chinese who really care about it we actually usually just sit anywhere we want. We just pour our own tea for ourself right now, before that I think holding the tea cap is to prevent water from spilling out on top. We always stick our chopsticks on top of our rice I think it’s just a Japanese culture that is inappropriate. Well yeah if you stick the chopsticks straight up on the rice then it’s considered bad luck, death, don’t have manners, disrespectful, and annoying to the Chinese. If you just stick the chopsticks slightly leaning sideways then it’s okay. I always flip my fish over when I finished with one side and wanna eat the other side

[@luffysunfire6093]

I don’t consider myself a Chinese or any other race and ethnic groups I’m myself I just wanna be myself and do the stuffs that I want to do and live on what I really believe in I am a free individual

[@gabed5086]

This is interesting as a Arab, because some things are similar but differ, like the bill, we fight over it, literally sometimes punches or pushing, though this depends on the person obviously some people aren't so pushy. My dad would refuse free food at his friend's restaurants, which i grew up thinking is rude, and prideful because its not like we had the money to spend on a dish just offered to us we didn't order. If i go to eat with my american friends, we split the bill, because they feel its weird for me to pay even though i invite them, which i decided eventually to accept for the sake of saving the money, as i don't have the extra money to use anyway. But back when i did pay, i refused to take no for an answer, especially when it was a friend in need, who didn't have money anyway, and i had to insist anyway, cause they really felt weird about it. Also there was a time when my friend's family were going to go out to eat dinner, and i was in there house visiting my friend, and they literally made it obvious they were going out to eat, and my friend got happy about it and like said she wanted to go, despite her mom saying do you want to stay home with your friend(me), and then they preceded to bring me home on their way. The whole situation i felt was rude, not to mention it was like throwing money in my face, and she just dropped in the middle of hanging out, to have food, and in my culture when someone is in your house visiting, you don't kick them out and go eat food, you invite them with to go have a grand time, or if not, at least don't make it obvious why they need to leave or where you plan to go after they leave. Not to mention its not like you can say, well II'm, leaving now so you have to get out, you wait for a period of time when they feel they should go, also interestingly its common for the family you visit for them to insist you stay longer and every time you want to leave, they say stay, even when your right by the door ready with a jacket to leave. lol. Anyway, at least from the way i grew up as a Arab American, but i also had to ignore how it made me feel and make an excuse for why, knowing to her, it was a normal American thing, i guess. Just like a time she said her mom thinks its rude for someone to pay for her food, like really? it doesn't make sense to me, but thats because my culture is known for their hospitality, and I guess Americans think its an insult to pay for food. why can't american's accept a gift, rather then thinking of the reasons behind said gift? I never though a gift could be rude. So yea, maybe it would be cool to make a video mixing and comparing the different ways cultures visit a restaurant. As I was born and grew up in Minnesota, perhaps things are different here then other places, or even maybe it varies by what country the Arab is from? (I'm Half Yemeni, from my father)

[@jonhayes6673]

I am sorry the dining-out issue happened to you, that way. It is generally not expected that child visitors will be asked to join a family dining out, in the U.S., *unless* a specific invitation to join them has been offered. Sometimes those meals are "sacred," and for family time, specifically. Sometimes, those meals are specifically budgeted luxuries or indulgences, and cannot handle the cost of another diner. I witnessed this from a different perspective: a young friend of my brother's was *always* interested in our dinner plans, even though there was plenty to eat in his own home, with his own family. At one point, our fathers had a "talk," and it was obvious that the boy in question was expecting a meal at our expense, when his father had more money than mine (and had to remind his son that he belonged at home, for dinner). Older children should be prepared to pay for their own meals, on a separate tab, even if the host still picks up the whole check. It's about willingness (and ability) to pay, and not taking advantage of a friend's family. It's awkward, any way it happens to occur. I am sorry it wasn't handled more elegantly; adults often forget their manners when talking to young people.

[@ryotabaki4539]

yeah i heard that emperor story from one of my moms friend, super interesting to know! I'm happy you mentioned it!

[@1024specialkay]

absolutely love your channel, I feel like I learn so much more about my culture :)

[@baldieman64]

Fine if you are invited as a guest by a Chinese person/family. If you are just going to a restaurant, do whatever makes you happy.

[@KarimJovian]

I learned a lot from this this was awesome! And isn't Carmen cute guys!? Whose with me?? ^_^

[@mookins45]

I love that bowing with your fingers!

[@silverdragon348]

I just discovered you a couple days ago. I had to watch all your videos! so good!.

[@shunjai2007]

Never hit your chopsticks like drum sticks or bang them together. Bad luck.

[@ColonelMarcellus]

It's also bad luck to use your chopsticks to increase your reach to grab stuff off your neighbor's plate when he/she isn't looking. Also, as in the west with a fork, jabbing your neighbor with chopsticks deep enough to produce blood is also forbidden. They even have laws about that in some places (assault). Also don't play tiddlywinks with your chopsticks and any change on the table. Bad manners here too. Chewing on chopsticks is bad luck and can cause splinters if using wooden ones. Also, flinging plates and bowls across the room is considered extremely rude.

[@luffysunfire6093]

Well it’s not considered a bad luck, people would consider you don’t have manners, have bad manners, it’s dirty and disrespectful and annoying to the Chinese not me though even though I’m a Chinese I’m totally ok with that and wanna do it myself

[@deguojulia]

I experienced the last point differently. it's always more an aggressive fight who's "allowed" to pay the bill! I hate these moments and prefer to leave the room then.... Everybody gets loud and sometimes they even push each other around. Once the Chinese were still physically fighting around (it took many many minutes) one of the Western guests had enough, ran to the cashier himself and paid. When he came back and said "okay, you can stop! Everything's paid!", the Chinese people looked at him with big eyes and were so irritated. LMAO! Chinese people really should know when it's enough! Just a short "I wanna pay" - "No, let me pay!" should be enough!! The rest is so embarrassing!

[@DavidsonLoops]

Yeah etiquette is one thing but losing your marbles in a restaurant and going berzerk is too much. Generally it only happens with older Chinese though; strange, you'd think the grown-ups would know better, but not in Chinese culture it seems.

[@garcemac]

I could watch and listen to her all day. PLUS Mike Chen? Subscribed. Don't know why KZbin hasn't 'recommended" this channel to me once in the last decade, though.

[@garcemac]

+garcemac As a kid, my two best friends were Chinese and Portuguese. The customs around their dinner tables were almost exact opposites. Man I got a lot of good natured ribbing back then (early seventies to mid eighties or so), but I also got a great education in international cuisine.

[@copperloop]

While growing up, my parents always made me address each individual (more senior to me) to "eat rice," and it could take a while during a large dinner gathering; especially, when I had to wait for my elder brother and sister to finish with their addresses first. Now, as an adult, I just say "everyone eat rice!" Also, we always had to wait for everybody to sit down in their seats before anyone can start eating. Your #1 about seating arrangement was new to me : ) Great video!

[@MishaJohanna]

Hi, was just wondering. If Chinese people have such good dining etiquette like this, why do they have to spit on the table all the time they eat together with other people?

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

Misha Johanna because true chinese culture has been destroyed in Mainland China

[@truezyf]

in formal dinner, we spit in a dish, and waitor will collect it from time to time. in cheap bistro, no waitor at all (it is common in china). we keep the bones on table, becoz drop at floor will make the house dirty, that is rude and make those cleaner unnecessary tire. i wonder how u ppl deal with bones? swallow them?

[@princessmarthajandio]

Gear5 ZYF No, we leave on the plates.

[@weili4460]

Misha Johanna Eating behavior varies between different cultures. What is acceptable in one culture may not be in another. For me, I feel perfectly comfortable spitting out fish bones on the table at home, but at school, if I just cannot swallow the cafeteria food, I would spit it on a napkin and cover it.

[@Ultradude604]

It's not consider bad etiquette to spit out your bones... etc. But I agree it should be.

[@brandon074]

Very educational and the lady hosting this video is very attractive. Who is she?

[@HalloranIllustrations]

Great video and amazing dining etiquette tips.

[@Daoshengstar]

You guys are awesome keep making great videos :D

[@jbooks888]

If I had this pressure put on me I would simply not go to this meal. Sitting down to eat is supposed to be relaxing, not all this nonsense and pressure about bad luck, etc.

[@OboeWhizzy]

It's actually not as strict for most people I think. I'm Chinese-American and when I visit family over in China, people dining together rarely observe any of these, other than the bill paying and the fish-flipping. Usually it's easy enough just to see what everyone else is doing and copy them, and people aren't likely to judge you for doing something that most of them don't even mind much about. Like American business etiquette is one thing, but typically no one cares much if it's a group of friends or family. I'd say that China's so huge anyway and that cultural differences vary so much that these rules only apply to a small group of people.

[@SeekerKnight]

You evidently never had dinner with an Irish family. The customs are almost as formal, and you could get backhanded and asked to leave the table for a major infraction.

[@OboeWhizzy]

And the constant emphasis on luck is definitely going extinct, especially with the younger generations. It's only older people who are obsessed and superstitious, basing every motion on whether it's lucky or not. No one my age really believes in that stuff, and most of us would only observe it at tables with older people to be polite.

[@teagenthetiefling5296]

I mean every culture has dining etiquette, you just think it seems strict because this particular version of table manners is foreign to you.

[@jbooks888]

Tiger Gray I disagree with you, as this nonsense is too oppressive - without reason or necessity.

[@saiko-rz7jb]

Does Chinese have etiquette ? are you sure?

[@Heechan.]

Actually no..

[@veryberryverycherry]

Great works guys!!

[@AusTexPaul]

A few years ago I went to Hong Kong for my partner's brother's wedding. I was so nervous the entire time since I was the only caucasian at the family banquet and the wedding. Fortunately my BF and his brother were there to advise me and to calm my nerves. At any rate, this video was very helpful.

[@M3F80BMWS55]

damn, too many damn rules.

[@NancyBabe19]

I agree. I rather just be a rude bitch then. LOL

[@luffysunfire6093]

NancyBabe19 agree I would of too

[@tituspullo4309]

That's all fine, now if the Chinese abroad would just follow decent western customs, such as not chewing with their mouth open and smacking their lips as loudly as possible, not spitting (hocking a loogie more like) in sinks and garbage cans, and climbing with their feet on shared/public toilets ... yeah, that would be great.

[@danielford2424]

This is really good. Thank You.

[@davidgeerling9871]

The cartoon, of the guy Kneeling and saying I'm Not Worthy, is Funny :):):)

[@EndureFocusEngageDie]

I will never 'learn' this crap, in Japan if you tap your chopsticks on the table it's very rude. Too much pretentious mind games and bs for me.

[@mdkieran]

Totally. I've never pandered to these silly traditions in England and I won't in any other culture. To me the importance of being able to have a nice time, relax and socialise is more important than upholding some ancient cultural idiosyncrasies that make no sense and serve only to cause everyone at the table to feel uncomfortable. It's stupid.

[@ajallen9674]

Dax Kieran You should read the "All American Slurp". If you do something wrong in another country, people will know you're foreigners and stare at you. This family thought slurping in public was perfectly normal in America and caused a scene in the restaurant. -_-

[@luffysunfire6093]

I know right I just learned stuffs deeply about Japan recently and am kind of surprised, before that, I know Japan is somehow oppressive in someways and I just know that Japanese people especially girls always saying “kawai kawai” even though they actually really don’t think something is cute but they just always and still say “kawai kawai”, but right now, omg Japan is just too oppressive, well it’s light and good time for you if you just want to travel and tour in Japan, but if you wanna live in Japan for long you have to face all of the oppression

[@zone07]

Such hypocrisy; pretend to offer to pay but not pay and the host waits for the guest to offer to reject them all along both knowing that the host is going to pay. I wouldn't do business with someone who would do that dance; I just couldn't trust them. I rather the guest not offer or just offer once if they felt the need to do so. When this happens to me and I'm hosting, I make it clear that I will pay and avoid the dance.

[@cybernakulum]

You do stupid cultural dances all the time. Just because this isn't the one that you grew up with, doesn't mean it's in any way different that yours. You need a little more sensitivity for difference in this global world.

[@zone07]

Tollaneri I don't really do stupid cultural dances and what is a global world; or were you just trying to sound smart? I shoot from the hip and am clear as to what I want to express without the need of tap dancing or kissing ass.

[@luminouslapis]

Or most of us asians do the bill fight, aka, thisbilldependsonlifeanddeath. This also applies for the humble bragging of parent's children.

[@DavidsonLoops]

I myself don't like the custom. Many cultures do these silly dances it's not just Chinese, in fact, in the UK, the unspoken culture is to look disgruntled when someone else pays for you, as if to say you're upset that you didn't pay… Lol. But the reason I don't like it is because there is a SMALL possibility that I will end up footing the bill for all the shit people have ordered that I haven't even agreed to, just because I'm trying not to have bad etiquette. Now 99% of the time it doesn't happen but I have heard horror stories of this happening to unsuspecting foreigners and even native Chinese as well so for that reason I do not like this so called "etiquette".

[@Sechari]

I don't think a lot of Asians would want to do business with you either, since you're so blatantly disrespecting their culture and heritage :/

[@headsup1976]

ah so great that you pointed out and explained the 2-finger thank you! something i do all the time, i think it is great to teach those who don't know it!!

[@xYuena]

LOL the bill thing... One time we had to make a little sketch at my chinese school, the theme was "restaurant" and guess what my group did? We did a very exaggerated version of the bill fighting. It was like a mini drama with heartbreak, intrigues and even death :'D Our teacher complimented our creativity...she didn't like that someone had to die though :'D LOL

[@ducheswannabe]

or.... a Chinese person can take into consideration that i'm European and cut me some slack... yep that sounds more fair

[@elaineyap8229]

+duchesswannabe This list is a guide for dining with traditional Chinese folks. Most Chinese these days are more lenient

[@suryatjandra7120]

In ancient time it is honour the household that you enjoy the meal very much. But today chinese don't yep while dining.

[@craigoroni7140]

This was very interesting thank you. I really like Chinese food and I like Chinese people very much and hope one day to go there for a visit.

[@dman8853]

I'm Grateful for the tips given here. I start my new job as a waiter today in a Chinese restaurant and it is nice to be able to prepare for what i am going to be dealing with. P.S. Be sure to tell every person getting ready for college to stay away from Architecture major. In Louisiana there are 300 graduates a year in the field and according to the state of LA 8 jobs will be created in the field in the next 10 (yes 10) years. That's bad odds even for the brightest of us all.

[@raouldiaz2]

You are adorable!!!! Where can we find more videos of you with all these interesting topics?

[@philchinamusical]

I have to say: China is so vast so the traditions are always various from place to place. Regarding flipping the fish, in my hometown Shanghai and nearby, the common tradition is that flipping a fish is allowed. It's usually done by someone who's looking for new opportunities in their lives or careers. Because "flipping (a) body" in Chinese means you are going uphill. The majority of overseas Chinese are from Guang Dong (Canton) province, or Fu Jian province, with a little bit unique cultures. So I am not saying they are not teaching you Chinese etiquettes. It's just their local ones and may not apply to somewhere else in China.

[@philwang2835]

LOL the "payment dance" was always my favorite part of the meal when I was younger. I always thought of it as after dinner entertainment

[@BuayaGuy]

I'm glad I knew a few of these already. My friends and I went to a place in Singapore called Tea Chapter, and our friend May (who knows a LOT about tea), poured the tea the correct way, left the top slightly off, etc. We were tapping our fingers on the table quite a bit that night :)

[@hikagehito]

Hey!!!! That was really well done!!! Thank-you and LOL

[@Raintiger88]

Thanks a lot, Carmen! That will be a huge help for me at the next family mean in Changsha!

[@jfuya2000]

Goddang! Flippin' song-and-dance routine having dinner over there in China lol.

[@dattape2828]

thanks. didn't know about the origins of tea tapping

[@dreyethcordaine52]

I love the video in the end when you're distracting the dude, and paying for the meal. xD

[@Airmaster167]

My mom is the ultimate bill-paying fighter. She's never lost a fight for the bill. Its actually quite embarrassing because of how into it she gets.

[@VIMDODF]

Tiger Mother, LOL!!!!!!!!! Love it!

[@helllokitty138]

Lmao i love the last tip you gave!

[@NowAmFound]

Thank you, You probably saved my life and my face. Your awesome

[@Swtdevilmisery]

Number 8; it's essentially like kung fu hustle with my whole family over the bill. It. gets. physical. Hand slapping, children bribing, shoulder grabbing, unspoken gestures of "give it to me", loud empty threats,and very last, but not the least, making it a team effort/baton passing race thing with the bill. But overall it's lovely family time. :)

[@ThesleeplesswandererBlogspot6]

that was really educative :D

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

Didn't know about the chicken one. Thanks for sharing!

[@KataangFan221]

Off the Great Wall Wonderful video! Odd question, though... are their any other particular rules to follow on a date, meal or in general? I'm new to the channel, but I'm really liking it so far! ...I ask because I want to do the right thing when I take a certain someone out, but I was an embarrassment at the last authentic Chinese restaurant I was at... Also, I figured dating etiquette would make a great video.... Unless, of course, you already have one, but I just haven't found one yet... Still, would you kindly give some advise? 谢谢!

[@refdesign]

This was great for me. I've asked these questions and rarely get any useful answers. No one had ever said anything about the seating arrangement. Thank you! I'm teaching Western etiquette, this week. My students can't come up with Chinese etiquette to say to me in English. For my third class, I tried showing this video with subtitles to give them ideas to talk about. After 30 seconds, they said you spoke too fast. :( Great information! Maybe slow the pace down. I thought it was pretty quick, myself.

[@RCS_FencingPoet]

Very insightful...

[@dylanakent]

Thank you!

[@ultimatedirtclod]

In Filipino gatherings it's usually the younger guests that go first and the older and the host goes last

[@seymourtompkins]

i love to fong pey at the table..it shows great appreciation toward the chef !

[@joshafterhours7202]

Holy **** that was great. I learned a lot.

[@Greenjah81]

I was aware about the chopsticks staff and a teapot. But this was very interesting. Thank you!

[@harithaljumaily3960]

I started learning chinese language a week ago and i think i will learn your traditions from this channel ..thanks for this video subscriber No.49,522 from Iraq :)

[@RoshniCS]

Thanks so much for these videos!!! When we went to china 10 years ago we were so clueless!! Now I understand :)

[@marshmallow625]

thanks for the info!!!! i only knew the fish one... just in time for moon festival!! thanks again!!!

[@jcbspacey]

I remembered some of these when I ate with my friend's family who are very traditional Chinese. I got an approval for remembering etiquette. I also remembered to not let the tea pot spout point to a person after serving, unless they are directly across from you then that's ok. (especially at a round table) What is the reason for that? Thanks for all your videos. I really enjoy them!

[@JackedLobster]

I love the way you say "click the subscribe buttooooon!", Carmen.

[@NTDOffTheGreatWall]

Awesome! Welcome to our channel!

[@HobbyLinguist]

That makes sense!

[@Gawd3000]

It is also courteous to finish the dish on your place before taking the next dish.

[@MrBenigi]

This is so interesting

[@laurawilson1331]

Thank you

[@joehernandez9942]

I have been six times at the PRC and I love it. There is nothing better than eat real Chinese food.

[@DestinedChibi]

Wow. I'm Chinese and I didn't know there were so many dining etiquette. Thanks for the lesson ^_^

[@lamandouce]

I'm from north China and I can prove that everything you mentioned is very true, at least in my family. In addition, you shouldn't sing while having meal, only eat your side of the dish instead of letting your chopsticks go everywhere in the dish, definitely not using chopsticks like drumming. You also eat from your rice bowl instead of the plate as the plate is for stuff you don't eat

[@l1233799]

You forgot the most important rule Carmen. "When the food arrives, let everyone finish using their DSLRs first before eating". :D You would think I'm joking but its so true

[@TheBathroomGirl]

HAHahhah paying the bill part IS tricky!! I will have to show this to my husband.. he is always asking me "er.. so should I pay the bill? " and I'm like "no.. just offer to pay the bill".. next time "offer HARDER! (but not too hard)" loll

[@alanwong2622]

3:48 My grannies are fishermen in Hong Kong, but we flip the fish all the time. Thanks for telling me the traditional rules!!

[@angiefuego]

I think you guys can do a whole video just on chopsticks etiquette. My dad used to be REALLY strict, for example, chopsticks cannot cross each other, never have the back of the hand facing up when picking up food, only pick up food from the side of the dish nearest to you. Sometimes he would smack our chopsticks with his if we're doing these wrong.