The new economic data has just been published. China’s growth is sluggish! Mind you, this is only growth, which has fallen to 6% p.a. People in Europe may be rubbing their eyes at this, but it is enough to speak of a faltering economy. So something should be done if business in China is sluggish. It is always a good idea to cultivate relationships. And business lunches are an equally good idea. Many people already know that the Chinese eat differently to Europeans.
The importance of food
Eating has two meanings in China. On the one hand, you eat to avoid being hungry and to fill your stomach. Then you eat quickly and clear up quickly, e.g. at a normal lunch. Secondly, a meal is a welcome occasion to maintain the relationship. Then it is an event and you have to follow the rules. Of course, it should be an appropriately good restaurant and you shouldn’t skimp.
Basically, the tables are round and have a rotating plate in the middle. The Chinese are not familiar with the traditional German meal sequence: starter – main course – dessert, and everyone gets their own meal. Several dishes are ordered from which everyone can help themselves – hence the rotating plate in the middle, Chinese people share the food. And of course: you eat with chopsticks. In good restaurants, you can usually also order a knife and fork, but chopsticks are of course more harmonious, which also makes a good impression on Chinese partners. This is much less difficult than it may seem at first. With a little practice, you can do it well, even if you are not yet a “pro” like the locals. Soup is of course eaten with a spoon, but unlike in the western world, it is flat at the bottom so that you can put it down.
Who sits where?
The German method of spontaneously arranging the seating arrangements when going out to eat and primarily taking interests into account does not work in China. In fact, there is a clear seating arrangement. The highest-ranking host sits with his back to the wall and facing the door, while the guests of honor, i.e. his business partners, sit at his side. The other participants are then lined up according to their order of precedence, with each foreign guest having a local neighbor. Western Europeans should sit next to Chinese of their own rank. If not everyone can sit at the same table, each additional table is given a host next in rank. Also pay attention to the orientation of the tables: the highest-ranking guest sits in the “north” and faces south, the host sits to his right. Wives and children are not usually present at such events. If the guests or they themselves come with a driver, the food is served for them in an adjoining room – and paid for by the host.
What is actually eaten?
There is a saying that the Chinese eat everything that flies except airplanes, everything that swims except submarines, and everything that moves except cars. There is some truth to this, and there is no shame in being primarily vegetarian. On the other hand, it’s a good opportunity to try something they’ve never eaten before. I myself have already tried jellyfish salad (not bad at all) and testicles (like chewing on rubber balls). Other specialties for “whole men” include half-living scorpions, green fried soft-shell turtles, fish eyes and whole frogs. It’s a good thing that you can also turn dishes on the plate. On the other hand, you have to be prepared to be asked to try the “specialties”. The only tactic that will help is the one that Queen Victoria of England’s mother gave her daughter before her wedding night: “Close your eyes and think of England”. Advantage: You won’t get another taste of the food you leave on the edge of your plate and this rejection of food is acceptable if you have tried it at least once. Another difference to Germany is that nobody has to finish their plate, as we learned at home. Whenever you empty your plate or glass, a good Chinese host will refill both immediately.
And what do we drink?
Alcohol. No problem. But there are rules here too. First of all: “Kampai” does not mean “cheers”, but “to ex”. Also wait until the host gives the “start signal”. And if you toast each other: the more powerful person holds the glass higher. This is a sign of respect. So if you want to win a customer, hold your glass lower than the Chinese partner.
What else is there to consider?
The host’s wishes are his command – this is practical, and if you are the host, you should of course make sure that the guest’s wishes are carried out immediately. Generally, the guest starts the meal. And it is not unusual to toast. The host usually starts. You can use this to create a good atmosphere. But of course talk about harmless and positive things. To conclude, toast to good health, cooperation, etc.. Of course, you will then reciprocate. Furthermore, you should not be irritated by burping, smacking and slurping. This is not bad table manners in China. Of course, you do not have to join in. However, you should definitely avoid blowing your nose, which is considered very impolite in China. Incidentally, this applies in general. So if you have a runny nose, it’s better to use the toilet.
Who pays the bill?
The person who invited you, of course. Incidentally, there are generally no separate bills, even if you eat together without an invitation. The bill is not settled at the table, but discreetly in the background if there is a group. If there are several of you, one of your employees should take care of this, or you can agree in advance with your colleagues who will take care of the bill.
If you follow these little tips, nothing should stand in the way of a harmonious meal. And who knows what will come of it. Maintaining relationships is a “must” in China, and who isn’t happy about a successful evening or a delicious lunch in a restaurant? Enjoy your meal!
