Fuel for long games
Mahjong sessions can last for hours, so food is part of the occasion. In Hong Kong, parlours and families often order meals to the table, and some restaurants even serve mahjong-shaped desserts and dim sum.
Keeping tiles clean
Greasy fingers mark tiles and make them sticky. Many hosts serve snacks that can be eaten with picks or between rounds, and place drinks on side tables rather than the playing surface.
Breaks between rounds
Natural breaks after each round or wind are good moments to eat. Hosts often plan a meal break midway through the evening.
Hospitality
Food and drink are part of mahjong's social heart: the host provides, guests bring something, and the meal becomes as memorable as the game.
