In Hong Kong, do not ever underestimate the importance of participating in dining and after-dinner entertainment. It is an excellent way to build relationship between people.
Although sometimes Chinese people seem to be impolite according to Western norms, Chinese courtesies have always been formal to follow strict rules. Especially in dining and entertainment.
So here are some guidelines for you to be aware of when dining with some friends in Hong Kong!
There are no firm rules regarding dinner conversation. Depending on the closeness of the relationship, business may or may not be discussed. Just follow the host's lead.
With chopsticks, more formal restaurants have separate resting places for them. Don't rest them on your plate. Avoid spearing food with your chopsticks or pointing them at someone. Under no circumstances should chopsticks be placed in the rice standing up. This symbolizes death.
When dining in company, fill others' teacups before your own. When being served, tap the table lightly with the tips or knuckles of your forefinger and middle finger to wordlessly indicate both "thanks" and "that's enough." Leave your cup more than half full if you don't want it refilled constantly.
Drinking is an important part of Chinese entertaining and is considered a social lubricant. The drinking officially begins after the host offers a short toast to the group. It is always a good idea for the guest to return the toast either right away or after a few courses have been served.
Safe topics for toasts are friendship, pledges for cooperation, the desire to reciprocate the hospitality, and mutual benefit. Meanwhile, do not pour your own drink. It shows a lack of protocol.
The Chinese understand if you are unable to drink alcohol. Stating medical reasons is always a good way to get out of drinking alcohol. The most common expression for toasting is Yam bui, meaning "dry cup", or bottoms up.
The Chinese are not as understanding of tipsy guests as are the Japanese or Koreans. If you feel you have had enough, smile and politely indicate this to your host.
Although sometimes Chinese people seem to be impolite according to Western norms, Chinese courtesies have always been formal to follow strict rules. Especially in dining and entertainment.
So here are some guidelines for you to be aware of when dining with some friends in Hong Kong!
There are no firm rules regarding dinner conversation. Depending on the closeness of the relationship, business may or may not be discussed. Just follow the host's lead.
With chopsticks, more formal restaurants have separate resting places for them. Don't rest them on your plate. Avoid spearing food with your chopsticks or pointing them at someone. Under no circumstances should chopsticks be placed in the rice standing up. This symbolizes death.
When dining in company, fill others' teacups before your own. When being served, tap the table lightly with the tips or knuckles of your forefinger and middle finger to wordlessly indicate both "thanks" and "that's enough." Leave your cup more than half full if you don't want it refilled constantly.
Drinking is an important part of Chinese entertaining and is considered a social lubricant. The drinking officially begins after the host offers a short toast to the group. It is always a good idea for the guest to return the toast either right away or after a few courses have been served.
Safe topics for toasts are friendship, pledges for cooperation, the desire to reciprocate the hospitality, and mutual benefit. Meanwhile, do not pour your own drink. It shows a lack of protocol.
The Chinese understand if you are unable to drink alcohol. Stating medical reasons is always a good way to get out of drinking alcohol. The most common expression for toasting is Yam bui, meaning "dry cup", or bottoms up.
The Chinese are not as understanding of tipsy guests as are the Japanese or Koreans. If you feel you have had enough, smile and politely indicate this to your host.
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