Fortune cookies are a fun part of dining in Chinese-American restaurants. These sweet, crisp cookies contain a small piece of paper, known as a "fortune," usually with words of wisdom or prophecy. Here is the proper etiquette when dealing with fortune cookies:
- Waiting to Open: It's customary to wait until after the meal to open your fortune cookie. That said, in a more casual or family setting, some people open them whenever they like.
- Choosing Your Cookie: Some people believe that you should always take the cookie closest to you when presented with the plate of cookies. They believe that this cookie was "meant for you," and therefore will contain the most accurate fortune.
- Reading the Fortune: You can read your fortune silently to yourself or aloud to the whole table — it's up to you! Some people also like to add "in bed" at the end of the fortune for a humorous twist.
- Eating the Cookie: It's considered good luck to eat the cookie before reading your fortune. However, if you don't want to eat the cookie, that's fine too.
- Sharing Fortunes: Some people believe it's bad luck to share your fortune or to read someone else's. However, this is more superstition than etiquette. Most people enjoy sharing their fortunes with others.
- Keeping the Fortune: If you like your fortune, feel free to keep it. It's perfectly fine to take it with you and maybe even tuck it into your wallet or purse for luck!
Learn more:
- Chinese Restaurant Etiquette
- The Story Behind the Fortune Cookie
- 7 Fortune Cookie Facts You Probably Never Knew