What NOT to Do at a Chinese Restaurant: 10 Mistakes Foreigners Often Make

Dining in China is a full-on cultural experience, and if you’ve just arrived, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The food might be incredible, but the etiquette? That’s a whole other story. 😅

If you want to avoid awkward moments and show some respect to your hosts (or just not stand out like a sore thumb), here are 10 things you should *not* do at a Chinese restaurant. 💡

1. Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in rice 🥢

This resembles incense used at funerals and is considered bad luck. Always rest your chopsticks on the holder or lay them across your bowl.

2. Don’t point at people with chopsticks 🚫

It’s seen as rude—kind of like pointing a finger in someone’s face. Just don’t do it.

3. Don’t tap your bowl with chopsticks

This is something beggars traditionally did. Tapping your bowl implies impatience or disrespect.

4. Don’t serve yourself first at a shared meal

In formal or family settings, wait for the host or elder to start. Jumping in too fast can come off as greedy.

5. Don’t pour drinks only for yourself 🍻

In China, pouring drinks—especially tea or alcohol—for others is a social ritual. Always fill others’ cups before your own.

6. Don’t reject food too bluntly 🙅

Even if you don’t want to eat something, try to refuse politely or with a smile. Outright saying “Ew, no thanks” is considered impolite.

7. Don’t waste too much food

While it’s common in the West to order large portions and leave some behind, in China this can be seen as wasteful—especially if someone else is paying.

8. Don’t forget to toast (and toast back) 🥂

Toasting is a big deal during meals. If someone toasts you, it’s polite to toast back—and yes, you’re expected to drink!

9. Don’t blow your nose loudly at the table 🤧

It might seem normal elsewhere, but in China, it’s considered very bad table manners. Excuse yourself and do it in private.

10. Don’t leave your chopsticks on the table

When you’re done, place your chopsticks neatly on the rest or across the bowl. Leaving them messily on the table is sloppy.

Bonus Tip: If someone offers to pay for the meal, don’t fight too hard about splitting it. It’s common for one person (often the inviter) to pay the whole bill. 🙏

Every culture has its quirks, and Chinese dining etiquette is full of subtle rules. Knowing what *not* to do will not only save you from embarrassment—it’ll help you fit in and enjoy your meal like a local. Bon appétit, or as they say in China, màn màn chī (慢慢吃)! 🍜