Chinese table manners are complicated topics for foreigners. The important role is to remain silent while eating. This refers to family meals only. Not talking over meals is supposed to be healthy by Chinese. It is impolite if people do not talk to each other during a social party. The table arrangement and serving order for a social party are equally complicated.
Each dish should be placed in the correct position. When fish is served, the tail should be pointing at the guest because tail meat is supposed to be tasty. If it is in winter, the stomach should face the right-hand side of the guest because the portion of the fish is very rich in winter. Each dish should be commenced by the eldest person who is seated at the head of the table. The diners should sit close to the table so food won’t drop on their clothes. No noise should be made when chewing. No one should move food back to the communal plate even if he doesn’t like it. One should drink soup slowly and is not supposed to make a lot of noise. Chinese people usually say “eat well and drink well” before the dinner, one of its functions is to suggest “mind your table manners”.