23 Sep Fun Food Fact: Why you can get drunk at a business dinner in China?

While in the Netherlands we’ve been warned for years about the risks of alcohol consumption, things can be quite different in other countries. For example, in recent years, Japan has even campaigned for people to drink more alcohol. And in China, there’s no shame in getting completely drunk at a business dinner. In fact, you might be laughed at if you can’t drink that much. But where does this tradition come from?

At a Chinese dinner, it’s not just about drinking. First, you have to make a toast and then enjoy the wine together. By toasting, you’re inviting your table companions to drink as well. Not just a sip, as we often do, but the whole glass. In one go. You can imagine how much drinking goes on, especially since refusing a toast is considered rude.

Typically, the host starts with a toast. He stands up (the others follow), shows his glass of wine, and expresses his good wishes. He then empties his glass, and the others follow after thanking him for his kind words. By downing the glass in one go, you show respect to your host and fellow guests. After the host, the highest-ranking person may follow with another toast and so on until everyone at the table has made a toast. It’s no surprise that so much alcohol is consumed! Gānbēi (cheers in Chinese)!

Want to learn more about Chinese culture? Book a Chinese tea ceremony or a Culinary World Tour with us for your group.