"Rules" of Peking

When we met at Peking to discuss the pictures and come up with the "rules" of the place, we decided to categorize the rules as 1) Rules for those who speak Chinese, 2) Rules for those who don't speak Chinese, and 3) Common rules. This is what we came up with: Chinese

• The menu for those who speak and read Chinese is posted on the wall and is written in Chinese


• Those familiar with Chinese customs use the chopsticks provided


• The Chinese know that here in America, they can have a Facebook; however, they cannot in China.


• The owners of the restaurant know they can speak Chinese to Chinese customers


• Chinese diners tend to congregate together


• You must be able to speak and read Chinese to order anything that is not on the buffet


• Those who speak and read Chinese know they do not have to wait in line and can go to the front to place their order


• Chinese do not prefer ice in their drinks

Americans

• The menu for those who do not speak Chinese consists of what is on the buffet


• Those who are not familiar with Chinese culture and utensils use forks that are provided


• Owners of the restaurant know to use English with anyone that is not Chinese


• Americans tend to segregate themselves and dine away from the Chinese


• There are 2 signs that state what you can get from the buffet and for what price, and it is written in English


• You must wait in line to get your meal from the buffet

Rules that apply to everyone

• Clean your table when you are finished eating


• Pay when you are finished ordering


• If you are not getting soda, there are small water cups provided

I think a couple of us learned a lot about the Chinese culture. One thing I found interesting was that Chinese do not prefer ice in their drinks. That includes beer!! Something else I was not aware of is that In China, there is "North" food and "South" food. Most Chinese restaurants in America tend to serve "South" food. I never realized there were so many cultural "rules" associated with eating in a Chinese restaurant. Until I was told by someone who spoke Chinese and understood the other set of "rules", I never even knew that ordering food other than what was on the buffet was an option.

Feel free to edit and change what you want guys!!