The order in which Chinese food is served is generally: cold dishes first, then hot dishes, and finally sweets and fruits.

Before the meal, the first wet towel served to each person by the waiter is for wiping hands, and it is best not to use it to wipe your face. Before serving shrimp, crab, chicken and other dishes, the waiter will send a small water pot, which floats a slice of lemon slices or rose petals, it is not a drink, but to wash hands with. To wash your hands, take turns dipping your fingers in the water, gently swishing them around, and then drying them with a small towel.

There are six main types of Chinese tableware: cups, plates, bowls, saucers, chopsticks and spoons. At formal banquets, the water cup is placed on the top left of the plate, and the wine glass is placed on the top right. Chopsticks and spoons can be placed on special holders or in paper sleeves. Public chopsticks and spoons are best placed on a special stand.

Chinese seating etiquette

In China, there are also rules about how to be seated and choose a seat. According to experts (Wang Zuoshi, a Beijing folklore expert), in general, the seating order is "left to the east" and "face to the door".

The chief of the family feast is the highest-ranking elder, and the last seat is the lowest. If it is a round table, the one facing the main door is the upper seat, and the most important person of the meal at that time should be invited to sit here. Because he can see every dish at first glance, and can observe the whole table.

The left hand side of the upper seat is the seat next to the upper seat, the right hand side of the upper seat is next to the left hand side of the seat, and the other seats are not much to speak of, but the person who pays for the meal is usually asked to sit on the left side of the side to the door.

Baidu Encyclopedia - Chinese Food