The Art of Chinese Business Dining
Here are our tips for business dining etiquette in China – and how to use them for a successful corporate banquet at RuYi.
Succeeding in business is really about relationships. In China, table manners and dining etiquette are part of this, but so are showing respect and building connections. A culture of patience means it takes a long time to do business with the Chinese. Even if your business dining etiquette is up to scratch, you’ll need more than one meal to foster a successful partnership.
Showing respect and ‘saving face’
Respect is essential to business in every culture. In China, it goes deeper. A uniquely Chinese concept of ‘face’ can make or break your business relations. The idea of ‘face’ is similar to Western concepts of status or honour. When you have ‘face’, you are a well-respected member of society. To ‘save face’ is to act in a way that shows respect to your guests.
Business dining etiquette has a direct effect on ‘face’. For example, hierarchy is expressed through seating at a business dinner. The most senior host will be seated furthest from the door or facing the door. The most junior member will be seated near the door to take care of service requests. Ignoring this hierarchy would be an embarrassment to your guests. Other etiquette rules that can ‘lose face’ include interrupting someone, being late to the meal or openly criticising others (best to do this privately).
Impress with quality food
Of course, at any business meal – the food and drink should shine. When it comes to business dining in China, it’s all about the quality. There’s a saying that the Chinese eat to live and live to eat. This means that to value good food is to value life itself. Choosing a high-quality restaurant is one way to ‘gain face’ in the eyes of your Chinese business partners. Most business meals in China are banquet style, meaning dishes are typically shared. The menu at RuYi is perfectly suited to this style with every dish made for sharing.
When it comes to beverages, the same is true – quality must come first. It is customary to share a toast to your meal. You could say ‘ganbei’ which simply means cheers, or you could use ‘youyi’ which loosely translates to ‘here’s to friendship’.
Some simple rules
Be on time! This is a sign of respect which shows you view this meal as important.
Never place your chopsticks upright in your food, instead use the holder near your plate. The upright position is considered disrespectful as it mimics the placement of incense in religious ceremonies.
Always serve others before serving yourself, and never take the last piece of food before offering it to others.
Never refill your own glass – instead refill the glass of your neighbour and they will do the same for you.
It’s not customary to talk business right away at a meal. You should spend time getting to know your guests and building a personal connection before jumping into corporate conversation.
China is a large country with many regions to explore. Everything we’ve shared here is important, but also general. It’s a good idea to explore the culture of the region that your business partners are from to get the best idea of business dining etiquette.
Book your business dinner at RuYi Modern Chinese
Open since 2013, RuYi has truly earned its place of as one of Melbourne’s best Chinese restaurants. Reserve a table for dinner from Tuesday-Saturday by calling (03) 9090 7778 or make a booking on the website.
