Of course, chopsticks instead the main difference on the Chinese dinner table

isof knife and fork, but that's only superficial. Besides, in decent

restaurants, you can always ask for a pair of knife and fork, if you find the

chopsticks not helpful enough.

The real difference is that in the West, you have your own plate of food,

while in China the dishes are placed on the table and everyone shares. If you

are being treated to a formal dinner and particularly if the host thinks you're

p>

in the country for the first time, he will do the best to give you a taste of

many different types of dishes.

The meal usually begins with a set of at least four cold dishes, to be

followed by the main courses of hot meat and vegetable dishes. Soup then will be

served (unless in Guangdong style restaurants) to be followed by staple food

ranging from rice, noodles to dumplings.

If you wish to have your rice to go with other dishes, you should say so in

good time, for most of the Chinese choose to have the staple food at last or

have none of them at all.

Perhaps one of the things that surprises a Western visitor most is that

some of the Chinese hosts like to put food into the plates of their guests. In

formal dinners, there are always "public" chopsticks and spoons for this

purpose, but some hosts may use their own chopsticks. This is a sign of

genuine

friendship and politeness. It is always polite to eat the food. If you do not

eat it, just leave the food in the plate.

People in China tend to over-order food, for they will find it embarrassing

if all the food is consumed. When you have had enough, just say so. Or you will

always overeat!

Of course, chopsticks are the main difference at the table isof rather than knives and forks, but that's just superficial. Also, in decent restaurants you can ask for a knife and fork if you find the chopsticks not useful enough.

The real difference is that in the West you have your own plate of food, in Chinese food is put on the table and everyone has a share. If you are treated to a formal dinner, especially if the host thinks you are in this country for the first time, he will do his best to serve you many different types of dishes.

The meal usually begins with a set of at least four cold cuts, followed by a main course of hot meat and vegetables. The soup will then be served (unless in a Cantonese style restaurant) from the staples of rice, noodles, and dumplings.

If you want to have your rice go with other dishes, you should promptly say so, for most Chinese people choose the staple food last or not at all.

Perhaps one of the most surprising things to Western visitors is that some Chinese hosts like to put food on their guests' plates. At formal dinners, there are always "gong***" chopsticks and spoons for this, but some hosts can use their own chopsticks. This is a sign of true friendship and courtesy. Always eat food politely. If you don't eat it, just put the food on the plate.

Chinese people tend to over-order food because they would find it embarrassing if all the food was consumed. When you have enough, just say so. Otherwise you will always overeat!