The Secret of Feast Seating Etiquette Around the World！
Hi, I’m Oppa
I’m here to crash the dinner party again🫣
Today, I attended the traditional family feast with Sarah’s family, and it made me realize how much humans love group meals — you’re such social creatures（⊙ｏ⊙）
I used to think a human feast was just about sitting together to eat, but it turns out there’s so much more to it. “Where to sit,” “what to eat,” and “how to eat” all vary across countries and regions…
Today, I’ll share the seating secrets Sarah told me about~
China: The Seat of Honor Depends on "Direction," with Respect for Elders First
When Chinese people find seats at a dinner party, the key revolves around “respect for elders”—the quality of seats is already sorted by “seniority and status.”
- The “C-position” (seat of honor) at a Chinese dinner is easy to identify: it’s the seat directly facing the door or with its back to a feature wall (symbolizing “having a backer”). This seat is reserved for elders, the host (who treats everyone), or the person with the highest status
- Opposite the seat of honor is the “secondary seat of honor,” where someone helps refill drinks and serve food.
- The seats on either side are regular seats, which juniors or guests can take freely.
Tips :
No need to be too stiff, just don’t take the seat of honor.
Japan: The Seat of Honor Depends on "Distance" – Farthest from the Door is Most Honorable
Japan doesn’t have as many “seniority rules”, it’s all about “convenience”.
The seat of honor is the one farthest from the door, as it’s undisturbed by people entering and exiting. This seat is for guests, elders, or superiors.
The seat closest to the door (easy for calling waiters) is the “lower seat”, usually taken by juniors or subordinates.
Tips:
Never switch seats casually! When Japanese people dine together, they stay in their seats until the end. Even if there’s an empty seat nearby, they won’t switch—they believe switching seats disturbs others and is impolite.
India: Seating Depends on "Gender + Seniority" – Never Pass Items with Your Left Hand
Indian dinner seating considers “seniority” and an extra key factor: “gender.” Additionally, the “division of labor” between the left and right hands also affects seat choices.
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Gender
Seniority
At traditional Indian dinners, men and women often sit separately—sometimes even in different rooms—due to gender-related beliefs in Indian religious traditions.
However, modern gatherings among young friends no longer follow this strict rule.
Tips:
Always use your right hand to pass tableware or food. The left hand is considered unhygienic, and using it would be impolite.
France: Seating Depends on "Socializing" – Men and Women Sit Alternately
French dinner seating doesn’t follow “seniority or distance”—its core logic is “helping everyone chat happily.”
They also seat acquaintances and strangers together to help everyone “break the ice”. The French think, “A dinner party isn’t for sticking to acquaintances; it’s for meeting new people.”
Seats are deliberately arranged so men and women sit alternately, as the French believe mixed-gender conversations make topics more varied.
Tips:
If the host hasn’t assigned seats, just pick an empty one. Greeting the person next to you proactively is the most polite thing to do.
"Respect"
In short, the core of human dining etiquette lies in “respect”.
Whether it’s China’s “respect for elders,” Japan’s “convenience for others,” India’s “religious beliefs,” or Europe and America’s “social enthusiasm,” they all essentially boil down to respect for others.
Next time you’re unsure where to sit, just ask with a smile, “Is this seat available?” It’s more sincere than memorizing rules—after all, the point of a dinner party is to enjoy good food with people you like!
Do you know any seating tips from other countries? Feel free to share them with me 