In Hong Kong, there is a developed culture of communal seating in restaurants, unlike in South Korea where diners typically have separate tables. While communal seating could occasionally be found in South Korea, it wasn’t a common practice in restaurants. It was more akin to sharing a taxi with a stranger rather than dining together. However, this practice has become increasingly rare.
“The Communal Seating Culture in Hong Kong”
Hong Kong has an extremely high population density. Additionally, most restaurants in Hong Kong are not very large, so during lunch and dinner hours, you’ll often see a crowd of people waiting outside.
Surprisingly, the lines outside the restaurants tend to move quickly. This is largely due to the communal seating culture prevalent in Hong Kong.
“The Pros and Cons of Communal Seating Culture”
The communal seating culture in Hong Kong has its advantages and disadvantages. Especially for solo travelers, it can be beneficial. When dining alone, you might feel self-conscious about taking up a large table, but in Hong Kong, even if you dine alone, you’ll often end up sharing a table with others, eliminating any need for concern.
However, if you’re visiting with friends and prefer to have a private meal without being interrupted by others, this practice might not be as welcome.
“When Dining Alone, You Can Secure a Seat Quickly”
If you’re queuing up for a table alone, occasionally, if there’s a vacant spot for one person inside the restaurant, the staff may invite you to join others. In such cases, even if the line outside is long, you can enter ahead of those in front, allowing you to dine sooner.
“When Dining with Strangers at the Same Table, Unexpected Connections Can Occur…”
Of course, dining with strangers can lead to unexpected connections. Once, I had a meal with a local Hong Kong lady who seemed to enjoy chatting. We exchanged conversations during the meal, and I got to hear some helpful information about my travels in Hong Kong.
Within her lively chatter, she also shared mundane aspects of her life, such as her daughter studying abroad in Korea and working for a Korean company. It was interesting to hear about her daily life and her pride in her children.
“When Traveling Alone, Communal Seating Culture Relieves Pressure”
Traveling alone in Hong Kong, thanks to this communal seating culture, I could dine without any pressure. It allowed me to enjoy a variety of delicious foods on my own.
In Hong Kong, with communal seating being common, it’s advisable to be comfortable with the idea of sharing a table with strangers when dining in restaurants.