Chinese Dining in Las Vegas at local Asian Restaurants in Chinatown, as well as Chinese restaurants the world over, represent an ancient culture where etiquette is built on tradition and not
on dexterity or passing trends. The rules of this dining etiquette may appear strange or peculiar to an outsider. Yet they are observed among many of the 40,000 Chinese restaurants found in America. Here are a few of these rules you might want to try, or observe.
Chinese Dining Las Vegas
Chinese Dining In Las Vegas Chinatown – Traditional Etiquette Rules
- During Chinese Dining In Las Vegas Chinatown, Chinese like to sit at either a round or square table. Sitting at the table usually means that the most important person takes the seat farthest away from the door. The youngest or least important take the seat nearest to the door. If one is the host, usually that person sits closest to the walkway, since it allows the most convenient place to move about.
- An even number of Chinese dishes should be ordered in these Las Vegas Asian Restaurants. Odd number dishes are appropriate only on occasions such as a meal after a funeral.
- To show respect to the most important person, the best dish should be placed in from of that person.
- If you are eating duck or chicken, the plate should not point in the direction of the guests. Also, any big bowl of soup should be placed in the middle of the table.
- A guest should not leave too much behind on his plate as this would indicate he didn’t like the food, showing disrespect.
- If one is eating a whole fish, it is advisable to take out the whole skeleton during eating and not flip the fish over on its side. This would be a sign of bad luck, indicating a capsized boat.
- Birthdays of young children call for the child to slurp a bowl of noodles in celebration. Think of “Lady and the Tramp” and the long noodle in their memorable scene together. The long noodle is a metaphor for a long life and that is also why one should not chop or cut the noodles while eating them.
- The peculiar custom of tea tapping is an interesting one. The host or members of the party will refill the cups of tea drinkers whenever they tap the table in response. This is a Chinese custom of showing your thanks.
Las Vegas Asian Restaurants – Rules For Using Chopsticks Correctly
Las Vegas Asian Restaurants
It’s a well known custom in Las Vegas Asian Restaurants in Chinatown to use chopsticks, and a ceramic spoon for soup. Unlike the chopsticks used in Japan, Chinese chopsticks have both ends of the same size. Here are a few rules for Las Vegas Asian Restaurants (Chinese) chopstick users.
- Do not rest chopstick vertically in the rice. This is inauspicious because it is reminiscent of incense sticks that the Chinese traditionally burn in venerating deceased loved ones.
- Do not pick at your food. Pick one piece at a time and don’t return any to the main dish from which you have taken it.
- Do not let chopsticks be covered with food juice or residue.
- Do not lick or suck the chopsticks or use then as toothpicks.
- Do not wave your chopsticks or use them to drum or make noise on dishes.
- Use a common pair of chopsticks for fetching food on the plates, as this becomes a sanitary issue.
Las Vegas Chinatown Chinese Restaurant 30 Years Service
Las Vegas Chinatown
The Las Vegas Chinatown Chinese restaurant experience is enriched and enhanced by knowing some of these traditional and cultural rules. Authenticity in food and traditional service is found in few restaurants these days. But one place you can find them is at the Las Vegas Chinatown fan favorite Kung Fu Thai and Chinese Restaurant in Las Vegas. This family-owned business for over 30 years is steeped in the right way to cook a Chinese (or Thai) meal. They offer the highest level of service to all diners, sensitive to all the above etiquette rules. Of course, if you prefer, Kung Fu Thai and Chinese Restaurant will bring the food to you at any major location in Las Vegas. Their deliveryservice (online ordering) is one of the best in the area.