In China and Taiwan, burping is the highest form of flattery—it means you like the food! “The host considers the noise a compliment,” says Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick, founder and president of the Etiquette School of New York. Slurping your noodles pays the same respect.
Entertaining is required to be successful in business in Taiwan and should never be regarded as a waste of time. Choosing the right restaurant and entertaining well can greatly enhance your chances of success. Dining in Taiwan can be elaborate and exhausting with as many as twenty courses at a banquet. Business entertainment can last late into the night. Reciprocate with a dinner of equivalent value. If your Taiwan hosts drink a toast to you and pass you an empty glass, it will be filled by one of the hosts. You are expected to toast your hosts and drink the contents of the glass.
The hosts will place food on the guests’ plates. Each person helps him/herself to additional food by placing a small amount of food from a variety of dishes in his/her individual rice bowl. The guest of honor samples any dish brought to the table first. Be sure to taste the food immediately as everyone else will wait for you before they eat. Don’t be surprised if the Taiwanese spit bones on the table or floor. This is considered more sanitary than removing them with their fingers.
Credit : e Diplomat
Picture Credit : Google
