Eating in China

In China, there is a saying 无规矩不成方圆 (wú ɡuīju bù chénɡ fānɡyuán) - Nothing can be accomplished without norms or standards. This is correct both in learning Chinese grammar and eating at a Chinese table. 

China is famous for its tasty food, which is a big attraction to people traveling in China. But learning the tradition and culture of eating in China is as much fun as the food itself. There are few "norms and standards" when it comes to a family dinner. A big difference of Chinese eating from the West is that there would be many cuisines served on the table and each in a plate. You can pick your foods from different plates. That is different from in western countries where everyone has the same plate including different foods.

Having said that, when eating in China, one should also notice that if there are elder people present, they should be invited to sit in the north of the table and we can’t eat until the elder have started to eat. If you violate these taboos in a Chinese table, you might be considered impolite.

Eating in China

Now, let’s learn how to talk about meals pick up useful words and phrases used in daily life!

吃早饭（餐）chīzǎofàn（cān）to have breakfast

吃午饭（餐）chīwǔfàn（cān）to have lunch

吃晚饭（餐）chīwǎnfàn（cān）to have dinner

In those phrases, “吃chī” is a verb which means “eat”, and the word “饭fàn” can be replaced by “餐cān”, both of which means “meal”. It is common in China that we ask if others have had the meal as greeting between friends or neighbors.

E.g.

zǎoshɑnɡ hǎo, nǐ chīle mɑ？

早上 好，你 吃了 吗？

Good morning, have you had breakfast?

chī ɡuò le, nǐne？

吃 过 了，你呢？

Yes, what about you?

Now we will learn more useful expressions related to eating in China.

jīntiān zhōnɡwǔ chī shénme ne？

今天 中午 吃 什么呢？

What do you want to eat for lunch?

tiānqì zhèmerè，chīdiǎn liánɡmiànbɑ.

天气 这么 热，吃点 凉面 吧。

It is so hot today, let’s have some cold noodles.

wǎnfàn nǐ xiǎnɡ qùnǎ chī？

晚饭 你 想 去哪  吃？

Where do you want to have dinner?

fùjìn yǒu yìjiā xīnkāide fànɡuǎn búcuò, zánmen qù chánɡchánɡbɑ.

附近 有  一家  新开的 饭馆 不错，咱们 去 尝尝吧。

There is a new restaurant nearby, let’s have a try there.

Have you tasted Chinese food? If you have tried any delicious food or have an exciting story about eating in China, share it with me in the comment!