Sharing and seating
Most Chinese meals are shared: dishes go in the middle, and everyone takes from them. Wait for the host or eldest person to start. At a round table, the seat facing the door is often the host’s; let them guide you. Use serving chopsticks if provided.
Chopsticks and tea
Never stand chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral incense). Rest them on the chopstick rest or bowl edge. Tap the table with two fingers to thank someone for pouring tea; or say “谢谢”. Pour tea for others before yourself.
Toasts and alcohol
At banquets, toasts are common. You do not have to drink alcohol; say you are not drinking for health/medication and toast with tea. If you do drink, clink glasses slightly lower than the other person’s as a sign of respect. Do not get drunk; business dinners are still business.
Reality check
You will not be judged for using a fork; you will be judged for sticking chopsticks upright in rice.
Local tip: Wait for the host to start and offer tea to others.
Step by step
- Wait for the host to seat/start.
- Use serving chopsticks.
- Offer tea to others.
- Toast with tea if not drinking.
- Try a little of each dish.
- Thank the host; tipping is not expected.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Meal | US$10–100+ depending on venue |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Translation app
- Business card if business dinner
Common mistakes
- Sticking chopsticks upright in rice
- Starting before the host
- Refusing all food
- Getting drunk at a business dinner
If things go wrong
- If unsure, copy the person next to you.
- If you do not drink, toast with tea and say so early.
FAQ
Do I have to drink alcohol?
No. Health, medication or religion are acceptable reasons; toast with tea.
Should I tip?
No, tipping is not customary; check for a service charge at high-end venues.
Eating well: the field guide
Chinese food is regional, seasonal and often shared. The best strategy is to order a few dishes for the table, ask about spice and allergies, and eat where locals are eating.
Order for the table
In a group, order one dish per person plus rice or noodles, and share. In a solo trip, choose set meals, noodle shops or food courts. Menus with photos are your friend; camera translation handles the rest. Ask “Is this spicy?” before ordering a dish covered in chillies.
Dietary needs
“Vegetable” does not mean vegetarian: meat stock, lard and oyster sauce are common. Carry a Chinese card explaining your diet. For halal, look for 清真 signs and Muslim restaurants. For gluten-free, rice-based dishes are safer, but soy sauce and cross-contact remain risks.
Hygiene and water
Busy restaurants with high turnover are usually a good sign. Drink bottled or boiled water if you have a sensitive stomach; ice is common in cities but can be tap-water ice in smaller places. Street food is part of the experience; choose stalls with queues and freshly cooked food.
Quick checks
- Dietary/allergy card in Chinese
- Spice level confirmed
- Bottled/boiled water for sensitive stomachs
- Busy, high-turnover restaurant
- Payment method ready before ordering
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Translation app
- Business card if business dinner
- Wait for the host to seat/start.
- Use serving chopsticks.
- Offer tea to others.
- Toast with tea if not drinking.
- Try a little of each dish.
- Thank the host; tipping is not expected.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.