在餐厅吃饭 – Eating at a Restaurant

Grammar

的时候 (de shíhou) – “When” Time Clause
This pattern indicates “when” or “at the time of” and connects two simultaneous or sequential events. The pattern is: action/state + 的时候. It sets the temporal context for the main clause that follows.
Examples: 我们进来的时候, 吃饭的时候

要不要 (yào bu yào) – “Do you want…or not?” Pattern
This A-not-A question pattern asks whether someone wants something. 要 + 不 + 要 creates an open question offering a choice. It’s commonly used in service situations like restaurants.
Examples: 问我们要不要饮料, 你要不要茶？

Idiomatic Expressions

热情地
This adverb means “warmly” or “enthusiastically” and describes manner of behavior. The 地 particle marks it as an adverb modifying the verb that follows. It’s commonly used to describe friendly service.
Example: 服务员热情地招呼我们

靠窗
This phrase means “by the window” or “next to the window.” 靠 means “near/against” and 窗 means “window.” It’s commonly used when requesting or describing seating positions in restaurants.
Example: 靠窗的位子

上来
This directional verb complement means “to come up” or “to be served” in restaurant contexts. It indicates food arriving from the kitchen to the table. The pattern uses 上 (up) + 来 (come).
Example: 菜上来了

肥而不腻
This set phrase means “fatty but not greasy” and is commonly used to compliment well-prepared meat dishes. 肥 means “fatty,” 而 means “but,” 不 means “not,” and 腻 means “greasy.” It praises balance in cooking.
Example: 红烧肉肥而不腻

叫账
This verb phrase means “to ask for the bill” or “to request the check” in restaurant settings. 叫 means “to call” and 账 means “bill/account.” It’s the standard way to request payment after a meal.
Example: 吃完后，我叫账

再来
This verb phrase means “to come again” or “to return.” 再 means “again” and 来 means “to come.” It expresses intention to return to a place, commonly used when satisfied with service or experience.
Example: 决定下次再来

Cultural Insights

Chinese Restaurant Culture and Service

Chinese restaurant service typically includes 热情 (warm) greetings and attentive service from 服务员 (waitstaff). Unlike some Western countries where servers check back frequently, Chinese servers often allow diners more space after taking orders, but will come quickly when called. The phrase 服务员 is used to call staff attention.

Seating by the window (靠窗) is often preferred in Chinese restaurants, especially for special occasions or business meals. Good seating shows respect for guests. In traditional Chinese culture, seating arrangements have hierarchical significance, with honored guests facing the door or in prominent positions.

Famous Chinese Dishes

宫保鸡丁 (Kung Pao Chicken) is a famous Sichuan dish featuring diced chicken, peanuts, and dried chili peppers. 红烧肉 (red-braised pork) is a beloved dish across China, particularly associated with Shanghai cuisine. The description 肥而不腻 (fatty but not greasy) is high praise, indicating masterful cooking that renders fat properly.

Chinese dining typically includes a variety of dishes shared among diners. Ordering both meat dishes and 青菜 (vegetables) reflects the principle of balance. Rice (米饭) or 炒饭 (fried rice) serves as the staple, while dishes are considered accompanying foods.

Payment and Pricing Culture

In China, asking for the bill uses 叫账 or 买单. Unlike Western restaurants where servers bring the check, Chinese diners typically request it when ready. The phrase 合理 (reasonable) regarding prices indicates good value – an important consideration in Chinese dining culture where quality food at fair prices is highly valued.

Portion sizes (分量) in Chinese restaurants are typically generous, reflecting hospitality values. Having 分量足 (sufficient portions) is considered a sign of a good restaurant. It’s common to have leftovers, which can be packed for takeaway.