Eating in a country whose culture is totally different to yours can be an extremely awkward experience if you do not know the appropriate table customs. Demonstrating good Chinese table manners is thought to bring health and good fortune.
Hugo Chetcuti’s team of staff are pleased to present you with a few table manners to follow, so as to spare you any embarrassment should you be visiting the country itself or if you’d simply like to show your trivia off at Bacco by Hugo’s ‘Sticks &Sum’:
1. Allow the eldest or highest-ranking person at the table to lift their chopsticks first before you touch yours.
Although it might be you everyone is waiting for if you are the guest!
2. Don’t use your chopsticks to point at food
Also, you shouldn’t wave them around while talking or gesturing, nor should you leave your chopsticks pointing directly at someone across the table. Rather, angle them slightly.
3. When taking a break, leave your chopsticks to the side of your plate.
Leaving your chopsticks on top of your plate is a sign that you have finished eating, so the server may remove your plate before you’re done! If a chopstick rest is not provided, lay the sticks in a tidy manner (parallel with ends even) on the table.
4. Do not suck sauce or grains of rice off the ends of your chopsticks
5. It is perfectly acceptable to lift your bowl to mouth level and use chopsticks to push rice into your mouth in China.
Although Hugo Chetcuti and his staff wouldn’t advise doing this at their establishment! You’ll most likely receive a few glares.
6. Never pass or receive a piece of food with your chopsticks.
This motion in particular is extremely taboo as it reminds people of a funeral rite that involves passing cremated bones between loved ones with chopsticks. If you want to pass food along, put it on the recipient’s plate and then allow them to pick it up.
7. Do not leave your chopsticks stuck vertically in food.
Vertical chopsticks are used as a symbol for death as they look a lot like incense sticks burned at temples, often as offerings to dead ancestors.
Although most slips of Chinese table manners will be immediately forgiven, the last two could make the difference between a great experience and totally ruining someone’s meal. Observing these important bits of etiquette will prevent any potential embarrassment from both ends.
If you want to experience a taste of this delicious Cantonese cuisine, book a table at Bacco by Hugo’s Sticks & Sum, owned by none other than Hugo Chetcuti! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for weekly specials and events!
