A Chinese dinner host will not expect a visitor to know all of the traditions associated with a Chinese meal. But the visitor who knows some of them will “gain” face and give “face” to his host. Chinese table manners include:
1. Don’t “jump the gun”—always eat after your host.
2. When the host proposes a “gan bei”, or “bottoms up” be careful if you are not a good drinker. Extra care should be taken when liquor is served. One way of getting awany from such a situation is to tell your host “sui yi”, which means “Cheers…but I will drink onlyost, w a little.”
3. Don’t forget to toast your host, wishing him or her good health, friendship, appreciation and the like.
At the end of the banquet, your host may utter typical Chinese modesties such as “Please forgive us for the inconsiderable entertainment” or, “Sorry for the mediocre food.” Don’t take it seriously. Go ahead and express your appreciation. Foreign visitors will be forgiven not knowing dining eiquette. For example, they will be good-naturedly offered a knife and pork if their chopstick prowess is not up to par. But it is better to know some of the ancient traditions and beliefs.