There is nothing more universal than food – whatever culture you are born into, eating is often a unifying part of the day that brings people together.
When we travel, it is a great immersive way to experience a country's culture and around 84% of us see food as an approachable way to share culture with others.
However, when eating abroad, there are a few rituals and faux pas to be aware of. Some of these traditions and customs surrounding food are on the quirky side when you are walking in with a totally different perspective.
95% of U.S. tourists seek a unique food experience on their travels, but what is polite in one place might be thought of as bad manners elsewhere…
So, understanding eating etiquette is important. With that in mind, let’s dig in and take a look at some of the more unusual eating traditions around the world!
The Eating Customs of Asia
When we Americans think of food in Asia, the obvious cultural difference is the utensils.
While we all know about chopsticks and have probably had a go at getting to grips with them, there are many subtle rules to be aware of.
Japanese Etiquette
How many times were you told as a child not to slurp because it's rude? Well, in Japan, the consensus is the contrary.
Slurping your noodles is the biggest compliment you can give to the chef. The sound signals your enjoyment: it is customary with hot dishes such as ramen.
Chinese Etiquette
In China, you should remember not to leave your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. The imagery of the scene it creates reminds the locals of funeral offerings. For that reason, they consider it bad luck.
Your chopsticks should also never be used to point at anyone or anything – and don’t even think about stabbing your food! If you can’t master the utensil, ask for a fork – it’s far more polite.
South Korean Etiquette
In South Korea, the most important custom to follow revolves around respect for your elders. It is customary to wait until the oldest person present begins their meal.
The politeness also extends to drinking etiquette; you should fill someone else's glass before your own and, when offered a drink, it is customary to accept it with two hands to demonstrate gratitude.
The Eating Customs of The East
Mealtime is a little more than a family affair in the Middle East. Food is often served communally and it is a part of the day in which everyone comes together, to escape the heat of the day after a hard morning's work and catch up with one another.
Indian Etiquette
In India, there are no fiddly chopsticks to deal with – you can forgo the utensils altogether, because eating with your hands is customary. But remember to stick to the right hand, because the left hand is seen as unclean, as it is reserved for washing certain body parts.
When eating with your hand, you should try to keep the palm ever so slightly turned away from your face. Bringing the food to your mouth with your palm is a faux pas.
Middle Eastern Etiquette
In the Middle East, the utensils are still MIA, but instead of the fingers directly touching the food, bread is often used as an edible scooper.
Chow time is bonding time – food is eaten communally and served on large plates with pitas and other types of flat, unleavened bread. You tear a piece and use it to dig into the shared dishes available.
Saudi Arabian Etiquette
While the food customs in Saudi Arabia are much like other parts of the Middle East, there is a subtle difference in the customs surrounding coffee drinking to be aware of.
Firstly, it is served in small amounts and should be finished in a couple of sips to be refilled. When you have had your fill, you need to shake the little cup to indicate that you are done before someone pours you more!
The Eating Customs of Africa
Food is also a communal affair in Africa, but it often has spiritual connotations tied to certain elements. The traditions surrounding food are ancient and have been passed from generation to generation.
Ethiopian Etiquette
In Ethiopia, you can expect to be fed, feeding one another at the dinner table is a "gursha" tradition that shows affection and friendship, strengthening community bonds.
Moroccan Etiquette
Morrocan meal times can be very lengthy. It is a social situation, not just an opportunity to fill your face and satisfy your stomach – a time for conversation and enjoyment.
To rush a meal in Morocco is seen as very rude and disrespectful.
The Eating Customs of Europe
While European dining traditions are not as culturally complex, there are a few formalities to follow if you don’t want to be seen as uneducated at the dinner table.
French Etiquette
Strangely, in France, it is best to leave a little food on your plate rather than clear it completely. An empty plate can be taken as a sign that the host didn’t serve enough!
Italian Etiquette
In Italy, aside from mastering how to eat spaghetti gracefully, you should know that there is a cut-off time as far as your cappuccinos are concerned.
It is customary to switch to an espresso in the afternoons and evenings – milky drinks are reserved for mornings only.
Georgian Etiquette
In Georgia, you might have to wait a while before you begin your meal – the people there take toasts very seriously.
When in Georgia, you have to learn to listen while you eat, especially during a "supra" (feast).
During a supra you can expect the designated toastmaster to give lengthy toasts throughout the entire meal.
First-Hand Cultural Experiences
There is no better way to learn about different cultural traditions than to hear them from the horse’s mouth — and speak with the locals.
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Conclusion
The world around us presents a rich tapestry of tradition and regional eating habits are just one example of how our cultural values are reflected in daily life.
Whether it is the hands-on hospitality of the Middle East, the respectful rituals of Asia or fancy European knife skills, eating etiquette reminds us that food and eating go beyond simply sustaining life.
Each region has a unique approach to food that gives a window into the culture that can give an outsider a deeper understanding and connection to the place.
