円卓の席順、取り箸、お会計の微妙なマナー。ビジネスディナーや家庭での食事での気まずい瞬間を避けるために理解しておきましょう。
Chinese dining is communal and hierarchical. Meals are served family-style on a rotating lazy Susan (the 'Chinese turntable'), and understanding seating order, serving customs, and bill-paying etiquette can make the difference between a smooth meal and an awkward one. The person who invites pays — but the ritual of offering to pay is expected. Communal chopsticks (gongkuai) are increasingly common for hygienic serving. These rules matter most at business dinners and formal family meals.
Dining etiquette is most critical at business dinners (where deals are often assessed by behavior at the table), formal banquets (weddings, celebrations), and when invited to a Chinese home. At casual restaurants and street food stalls, you can relax — basic chopstick manners and not making a mess are sufficient.
If you're unsure about a specific cultural situation, reach out for practical advice tailored to your trip.