What are the differences between Chinese and Western table culture? How to hold a knife and fork in Western dining

As living standards improve, people's requirements for food are also getting higher. They generally judge food based on its color, aroma, taste, shape and meaning. From the perspective of cultural differences, Chinese and Western food culture each has its own characteristics. The following is a detailed sharing for you.

Contents of this article

1. Differences in Chinese and Western dining culture

2. How to hold a knife and fork in Western cuisine

3. Six secret codes for placing knives and forks in Western cuisine

Differences between Chinese and Western dining table culture

1. Order of serving: Western food: appetizer, soup, side dish, main course, salad, dessert, coffee or tea. Chinese food: cold dish, beverage or wine, hot dish, staple food, dessert, fruit.

2. Tableware: Chinese people use chopsticks, and other tableware includes spoons, bowls, plates, etc. Westerners are accustomed to using knives, forks, spoons, plates, cups, etc.

In Chinese dining culture, round tables are mostly used. There are many rules in the seating arrangement. Not only are there differences between round tables placed in different positions, but there is also an order for the different seats on the round table.

Westerners dine at a long table, with each person ordering their own dishes and taking their own portion. It is not necessary for all guests to be present at the table to start eating. Basically, you can start eating as soon as you sit down, which is quite free.

As living standards improve, Chinese people have higher requirements for food, and generally judge food based on its color, aroma, taste, shape and meaning. Westerners do not have such high requirements for food, and they pursue science and nutrition.

How to hold a knife and fork in Western cuisine

There are two styles of use of knives and forks for eating Western food: American style and European style. The American style is to hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand, and hold the knife and fork from above. After cutting the steak, the knife needs to be placed on the plate, and the fork can be switched from the left hand to the right hand, and the steak can be eaten with the fork. The European style requires that the order of fork in the left hand and knife in the right hand be maintained, and the knife can be used to place food on the fork.

There are two ways to use the knife and fork: the American way. The American way requires the left hand to hold the fork and the right hand to hold the knife. Hold the knife and fork from above and press the index fingers of both hands on the knife and fork. After cutting the steak, place the knife on the plate and move the fork from the upper left to the right hand, and use the fork to pick up the cut steak.

In the European style, you must always hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right hand during dining, and you can use the knife to place food on the fork. The knives and forks on the table are placed in a certain order and must be used from the outside to the inside during dining.

If you leave during the meal, you can place the knife and fork on both sides of the plate. If you finish the meal, you need to place the fork on the left side facing down, with the knife and fork forming an angle. Place the knife and fork side by side on the right or left side of the plate, indicating that the waiter will take them away.

Six secret codes for placing knives and forks in Western dining

Western-style knives and forks can be placed in an eight-shaped shape, a cross shape, horizontally, vertically, in a cross-shaped eight-shaped shape, and in an X-shaped shape. The eight-shaped shape means that you will continue eating later, the cross shape means that you are about to start the next dish, the horizontal shape means that you are satisfied with the dish, the vertical shape means that you have finished eating, and the cross-shaped eight-shaped shape and the X-shaped cross-shaped shape respectively indicate dissatisfaction and very dissatisfaction.

In Western dining, placing the table knife and fork in an eight-shape can mean taking a break and continuing the meal later. It can also remind the waiter not to take the food away because the meal has not yet been finished.

When the dinner knife and fork are placed in a cross shape, it can mean that you are hungry and are waiting for the next dish, which can remind the waiter to serve the food as soon as possible.

When the dinner knife and fork are placed horizontally together, it can mean that you are satisfied with the taste of the dish and it has the meaning of positive review.

When the dinner knife and fork are placed vertically together, it can convey to the waiter that you have finished your meal and remind the waiter to take away the tableware.

When the blade of the knife and the fork head intersect to form an eight-shaped shape, it means dissatisfaction with the restaurant's food or service, and has the meaning of a bad review.

When the dinner knife and fork are crossed in an X shape, it means that you are very dissatisfied with the food and service, and it also expresses bad emotions caused by the food or service.