Chinese cuisine is famous all around the world. It originated in different regions of China and has been introduced to other parts of the world, ranging from Southeast Asia to America and Europe. Nowadays, it is not difficult to find a Chinese restaurant in one’s neighborhood. A meal in China consists of two components, staple foods (主食) – usually rice, noodles or steamed buns – and accompanying dishes of vegetable, meat or other items. Soup is often served at the end of a meal; however, due to western influences, serving soup at the beginning of a meal is becoming increasingly common in mordern times. There are many styles of cooking in China, but the most influential are the “Eight Cuisines”, including Shandong Cuisine, Guangdong/Cantonese …show more content…
Chopsticks are the most popular eating utensil for solid foods in Chinese culture. In contrast, folks and knives are not common. In China, sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is said to bring bad luck, as it is similar to burning incense for the dead. Poiting chopsticks at other people and waving chopsticks and are considered inapproriate as well. Also, ones should not use chopsticks to “dig” or “search” through the communal plates. It is viewed as extremely poor manner. Bending over the table and eating facing your bowl are also regarded as bad table manners. It is recommended to pick up your bowl while eating. Moreover, in a meal, concentrating on the meal is crucial. Watching television, using mobile phones and doing other activities while having meal are considered impolite. When removing bones or other inedible parts, one should use chopsticks to take them and put them on a side plate instead of spitting them onto the table or the ground. If there is food around your mouth, it is advisable to wipe it using either a tissue or a napkin rather than licking it with your tongue. When chewing food, making noise is unacceptable. In Chinese culture, filial piety is strongly emphasized. Therefore, in a meal, if the guest of honor or most senior member is not seated, other people are not allowed to be seated. Also, the best food is presented to the senior members first, before the others begin to enjoy the meal. When one is invited to a meal, he/she should show repect to the host as well. As a guest, one should not start until the host invite them to do so. Otherwise, it shows disrespect and may incur