As I stated before Chinese
food here is nothing like Chinese food back in America. Besides fried rice,
I have not recognized one dish from anything I have ordered at my local “City
Wok”. However, for the most part I have enjoyed trying most of the unique
tastes china has to offer.
One of the main differences when eating at Chinese restaurant in China is the etiquette. Smoking is not seen as disgusting in China. Pretty much everywhere in China allows it and the restaurants are no different. Be prepared to smell like an ashtray after eating at one of your favorite local establishments. However, a more disgusting habit than the smoking is definitely the spitting on the floor. Imagine eating your tasty dish and the table next to you has a guy spitting at your feet. It is a appalling habit one must get over quickly if you ever want to enjoy a night out at a restaurant other than McDonald's or KFC. There is a difference in server etiquette as well. It is perfectly fine to yell fuyan!! (waiter) across the restaurant. In fact, the server only comes by once to take your order and that is it. No "How is the food?” or water refills. If you need something else, you better yell. However the one good thing about China is no tipping!! My cheap ass firmly believes in no tipping, and in China tipping is considered disrespectful. Want to split the check? Not going to happen. Everyone better have cash handy.
Chinese restaurants are meant to be enjoyed with a group of people. The dishes are made so that the food is shared. There is no such thing as your own meal. Obviously the place settings are different, which means no fork or knife. Most restaurants have plastic wrapped individual sets of bowls, saucer (no full sized plate) tea cup, soup bowl, and small water glass. It is customary to order a main dish or two of meat and a few side dishes of vegetables. Having dessert with dinner is not customary unless you are eating at a western restaurant. Finally, make sure you if you order a beer make sure you ask for a cold beer. If you don’t, enjoy your room temperature beverage.
One of the main differences when eating at Chinese restaurant in China is the etiquette. Smoking is not seen as disgusting in China. Pretty much everywhere in China allows it and the restaurants are no different. Be prepared to smell like an ashtray after eating at one of your favorite local establishments. However, a more disgusting habit than the smoking is definitely the spitting on the floor. Imagine eating your tasty dish and the table next to you has a guy spitting at your feet. It is a appalling habit one must get over quickly if you ever want to enjoy a night out at a restaurant other than McDonald's or KFC. There is a difference in server etiquette as well. It is perfectly fine to yell fuyan!! (waiter) across the restaurant. In fact, the server only comes by once to take your order and that is it. No "How is the food?” or water refills. If you need something else, you better yell. However the one good thing about China is no tipping!! My cheap ass firmly believes in no tipping, and in China tipping is considered disrespectful. Want to split the check? Not going to happen. Everyone better have cash handy.
Chinese restaurants are meant to be enjoyed with a group of people. The dishes are made so that the food is shared. There is no such thing as your own meal. Obviously the place settings are different, which means no fork or knife. Most restaurants have plastic wrapped individual sets of bowls, saucer (no full sized plate) tea cup, soup bowl, and small water glass. It is customary to order a main dish or two of meat and a few side dishes of vegetables. Having dessert with dinner is not customary unless you are eating at a western restaurant. Finally, make sure you if you order a beer make sure you ask for a cold beer. If you don’t, enjoy your room temperature beverage.
My favorite restaurant in Tangshan is called "Emma's. It is a family owned local restaurant here in Tangshan. That
follows all the "etiquette" I have written about in this blog. The place is always busy and full of Tangshan locals. The food is so good and the family is very nice. Our
favorite dishes to get there are the fried rice, with a side of beef like stew
and potatoes.
Next blog will be about Christmas and mall shopping in China. Happy
thanksgiving to everyone!
