When it comes to dining rules in China, there are so many. After all, our country is so big and each region has its own unique characteristics. Then let me talk about a few rules that are basically followed when dining in many areas of our country:

1: Seating!

The most important of the many rules for dining is seating! The food can be good or bad, and the restaurant can be a five-star hotel or a dirty local restaurant, but the seating arrangement is more particular, so it can't be messy!

First of all, this time has a main seat. Generally, the position facing the door is the main seat. And not everyone can sit in this main seat. It is usually a highly respected elder or the biggest leader.

Then it’s time to sit with you. As the name suggests, the companion seat is specifically for the person who accompanies the principal seat. The usual seat is on the right hand side of the principal seat. The following ones are not so strict, but generally according to the rules, the higher the status and the older the person, the closer they are to the inside, and the closer to the main seat, the better. Those with their backs to the door are basically the youngest or those with lower rankings, and are generally responsible for picking up food and serving plates.

This rule is the most important part of the meal. Don’t make a fool of yourself!

Two: Eating food rules!

Don’t think that once the dish is placed on the table, you can eat it with chopsticks. There are rules!

The first thing is to respect the elders who are sitting in the chair! When the big fish and meat are served, you must wait until the elder touches it with chopsticks before you can reach out. Otherwise, you are disrespectful and will be looked down upon!

Also, don’t rummage through the dishes when dining. Eat whatever you pick up. Don’t flip this once and that twice, otherwise everyone will be disgusted!

Then you should try to stay quiet when eating, and don’t chirp, otherwise others will say you are poor and have never eaten! It's wrong to waste things, and others will criticize you!

Three: Drink!

I don’t know when it started. This rule of drinking wine with meals has been passed down for thousands of years!

You said that people come all the way to see you. Doesn’t it seem too unenthusiastic that you invited them to dinner but didn’t give them a drink? Similarly, if you go all the way to someone else's place and they invite you to drink with them, wouldn't it be too shameful to look down on them if you don't get along with them?

Also, when friends and family gather together to have a meal, if you don’t drink some wine, wouldn’t the atmosphere be warm enough to bring out everyone’s feelings? When you ask someone to do something for you, if you treat them to a meal but don't give them a drink, can they still do something for you? Just dream!

However, I think deep down many people hate drinking at the bar during meals, but this is after all a social event, and it is the most basic rule of mixed society. Although they are reluctant in their hearts, they still have to pretend to like it. It’s not easy to enjoy it!

Of course, there are many more rules when it comes to dining, as you will gradually discover in the future!