Differences of Chinese and American Dining
After so many months of eating out in China, I had kind of forgotten about all of the little differences between Chinese and American restaurants. It wasn’t until I started eating out in the US with someone from China (my fiancee) that it all came back to me.
What really stands out to her is how tipping is customary (nay, mandatory) in the US. Nobody ever tips in China. It’s not that people are being rude; it’s just something you don’t do. In fact, if you try to give your server a tip, he/she will probably refuse. Servers already have a normal wage that doesn’t leave room for extra tips. Having worked as a cook and dishwasher in a restaurant, I like the idea of all employees being treated equally. It’s the one thing I’m not particularly fond of concerning US restaurants.
Other differences include how American restaurants will try to bring everyone’s food at once, whereas in China, they bring it to you as it’s ready. Your friends could be done eating before you even get your plate! Of course, the tradition is to share food, so Chinese people don’t mind this as much as we do. As for drinks, there are no refills in China. If you order a Coke, you’ll most likely get an unopened plastic bottle instead of a cup from a fountain machine. And if you want water, you’ll either have to buy bottled water or be content drinking piping hot water.
Responses to “Differences of Chinese and American Dining”
Comments RSS Feed – All Commentskirk — 14 May 2011 @ 1:54 pm
Very very true.
harry — 13 June 2011 @ 3:42 am
If only they didn’t plaster EVERYTHING with MSG!! Chinese cooking is one of the healthiest forms of cooking….if done properly. Unfortunately, many dining venues in China choose to ignore the health option and go for processed and/or chemically tenderised meat, together with vegetables swimming in oil. What a great pity.
Comment: