The Traditional Reasons Chinese Restaurants Have Round Tables

Sometimes topped with a Lazy Susan, the circular tables in Chinese restaurants epitomize cultural dining etiquette, social customs, and practicality. Prior to their adoption in 1644, per Making Modernity in East Asia, the Chinese used rectangular dining tables. The angular tables lined the walls while a theatrical performance took place in the center of the room during formal gatherings. The table set-up offered an excellent view of the entertainment but did little to facilitate chitchat across the room.

The adoption of the round table signified the beginning of a more egalitarian view of social hierarchy. It functioned the same way that round tables supposedly did for King Arthur’s knights — when seated at a round table, rankings didn’t matter. Because a round table lacks a distinct head or a foot, as rectangular-shaped tables do, it makes everyone equal regardless of social or financial status. And given that meals in Chinese culture are where people socialize, the round shape allows people to easily converse, if not face-to-face, nearly so.

In reality, the social hierarchy still dictates Chinese table etiquette for some. It is tradition for the person of honor to sit in the chair that either faces east or the front door. Those who sit on either side of the guest of honor also enjoy greater social rank. If you happen to be the host, count on sitting next to the service entrance. And plan on footing the bill, too, though paying is considered an honor, not a punishment, in Chinese culture.

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Round Tables Facilitate Communal Eating

Chinese meals are usually served in a communal style at these round tables. Everyone shares food on serving platters placed on the Lazy Susan in the center of the table. The host typically orders the food in the restaurant, asking the server for a variety of dishes with disparate flavors and textures to create an interesting meal. No one eats until the guest of honor, host, or eldest member at the table commands everyone to do so or starts eating first.

Once the meal commences, etiquette demands that people turn the Lazy Susan in a clockwise direction when serving themselves more food. They are expected to bring their dishes closer to the Lazy Susan if needed rather than moving the communal dishes and grabbing food from the shared platters with communal utensils.

In the past, people used to eat directly…