“In China, it’s polite to leave food on your plate”—Many people around the world have heard this “common knowledge” about Chinese dining etiquette. This conventional wisdom is often shared as essential travel advice for business trips or vacations to China, but it’s not entirely accurate. Through an experience in a provincial Chinese city, I’d like to explore the truth behind this widespread belief.
A Widely Believed Convention
The idea that “it’s polite to leave a little food on your plate” is widely accepted as Chinese dining etiquette in many countries. The reasoning goes that finishing everything implies “there wasn’t enough food,” and leaving some food shows that the host provided sufficient quantity. It’s also interpreted as a consideration within the culture of “face” (mianzi), particularly in formal settings. I was among those who accepted this idea without questioning it deeply.
An Unexpected Discovery in Fujian Province
On a bustling street corner at dusk in Nanjing, Fujian Province, I ordered a table full of dishes, eager to enjoy local delicacies to the fullest. Red-glazed braised pork (a local specialty) served in glossy red lacquerware, freshly stir-fried greens, mushroom stew… I was aware that the quantity was clearly too much for one person, but I had the preconception that “China has a culture of leaving food anyway.”
At that moment, Mr. He Chao, who had been accompanying me as a driver all day, pointed out with a slightly troubled expression, “Ordering so much is a waste of money,” and laughed. Initially, I interpreted this as simple kindness—concern about overspending during my travels—but later I realized this wasn’t the case.
The Truth Revealed Through Local Dining Scenes
During my stay in Nanjing, I had opportunities to have breakfast and dinner among the local Hakka people. At evening food stalls, people devoured their meals as if soothing the fatigue of their labor. What I noticed was that locals invariably finished their food completely. Even elderly people with small frames cleared substantial portions without leaving anything.
Older men wiping sweat while eating, elderly women emptying their plates cleanly—these scenes were dramatically different from the image of “Chinese dining etiquette” I had held.
The Correct Dining Etiquette
As my curiosity grew, I frankly asked Mr. He during lunch: “In many countries, we’re told that Chinese etiquette dictates ‘leaving food is polite’—is that true?”
His expression clouded momentarily. “Absolutely not. The proper etiquette is to finish the food that’s been served. You shouldn’t waste food, and above all, finishing your meal shows respect for the farmers who produced it.” His words reflected clear puzzlement.
Cultural Differences by Region
Asking various questions over a meal at a restaurant in Taxia Village
Mr. He patiently explained. This concept of “leaving food as etiquette” was something he had never heard of in his life. China is a vast country where diverse ethnic groups live. Beijing and Guangzhou, Shanghai and Kunming—the culture and manners vary greatly in each region.
In his view, such customs might exist in business entertainment in major cities like Shanghai. However, in agricultural regions like Fujian Province, leaving food is never considered good practice. If you absolutely cannot finish the food, leaving a small amount is unavoidable, but basically, finishing everything is preferable. It’s the ultimate expression of respect for the farmers who grew the ingredients.
Finishing your meal shows respect for those involved in food production
The Origins of the Conventional Belief
From this experience, I believe the widespread notion about “Chinese dining etiquette” likely originated from experiences in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, or from specific formal settings, which were then generalized. The experiences of foreign business people in major cities were transmitted as if they represented “Chinese culture as a whole”—when in fact they only reflect one aspect of China’s vast food culture.
Mr. He Chao describes Fujian Province as “China’s oxygen.” Are these values nurtured specifically in regions with many rural villages, or are they seen in other parts of China as well?
Of course, the common sense in Nanjing, Fujian Province, may not necessarily apply throughout China. However, it’s an undeniable fact that dining etiquette is not uniform across the vast expanse of China.
Conclusion
This experience taught me the necessity of sometimes questioning the “common knowledge” we hold. Culture is never uniform and takes diverse forms depending on the place and region. When learning about foreign cultures and manners, rather than accepting generalized information as is, deepening our understanding to include region-specific cultures and backgrounds may lead to true cross-cultural understanding.
If you have the opportunity to travel outside China’s major urban centers, I encourage you to observe whether the conventional wisdom you know applies in that region.
Mr. He Chao and I enjoyed all the food I had thoughtlessly ordered in large quantities that noon. The charm of Chinese cuisine is that even when you feel full, you can still somehow push more into your stomach because it’s so delicious.
