not really . i did some research about chinese table manners . the important rule is to remain silent while eating . of course , this refers to family meals only . not talking over meals is supposed to be good for the health . it is impolite if people do not talk to each other during a social party . the table arrangements and serving order for a social party are equally complicated . each dish should be placed in the correct position . when fish is served , the tail should be pointing at the guest because tail meat is supposed to be tasty . if it is in winter , the stomach should face the right-hand side of the guest because that portion of the fish is very rich in winter . each dish should be commenced by the eldest person who is seated at the head of the table . the diners should sit close to the table so food won ’ t drop on their cloths . no noise should be made when chewing . no one should move food back to the communal plate even if he doesn ’ t like it . one should drink soup slowly and is not supposed to make a lot of noise . all these table manners are very similar to western habits .