Learning how to eat the right way in the country you plan to visit is an important part of the prep before a trip. Just like looking up common phrases in the foreign destination’s language, or the climate your future trip location enjoys – researching the local dining etiquette can save you from seeming rude or committing a faux pas.
Tipping, cutlery usage, and even seasoning should be kept in mind, and improper technique of any of these can cause offense to your host.
Make sure you are culturally savvy – learn the dos and don’ts from popular travel destinations to help you seem just like a native on your next trip!
Portugal
Dos
Do leave a tip of around 10%.
Don’ts
Don’t ask for salt and pepper if it isn’t provided on the table as this is considered offensive to the chef’s seasoning skills.
France
Dos
Do rest your wrist on the table and not on your lap and keep your hands above the table.
Don’ts
Don’t split the bill as this is considered highly impolite. Either offer to pay the bill in its entirety or someone else will.
Japan
Top Tips for Japanese Etiquette
Dos
Do drink directly from your soup bowl and slurp your food (loudly!) – this shows appreciation to the chef.
Don’ts
Don’t cross your chopsticks, lick them, or stick them vertically into a bowl of rice – these are all considered rude.
Don’t pass food using chopsticks either as this is done only during funerals.
Don’t tip staff as this is seen to be rude.
Italy
Dos
Do opt for something like an espresso after a meal instead of a milk beverage to avoid hindered digestion.
Do tip 5-10% for exceptional service; the rest of the service charge is usually included in the bill.
Don’ts
Don’t ask for cheese if it is not explicitly offered – adding extra cheese to the top of your pizza or your seafood is considered a huge faux pas.
India
Dos
Do wash your hand before and after eating, paying close attention to the fingernails.
Do finish your meal in its entirety as wasting food is considered extremely disrespectful.
Don’ts
Don’t eat too quickly or too slowly – maintaining a medium pace is important.
Don’t eat with your left hand as it is unconsidered unclean. Cutlery is rarely provided so use your right hand instead.
Thailand
Top Tips for Thai Cultural Etiquette
Dos
Do expect to receive all dishes at once rather than in set courses.
Do be ready to share as dishes will often be served to be split amongst the table.
Don’ts
Don’t use your fork to eat – use it only to push food onto your spoon.
Don’t take the last bite from the sharing bowl.
China
Chinese Cultural Awareness – Learn the Art of “Guanxi”
Dos
Do arrive promptly and dressed well to indicate respect for your fellow diners.
Do burp! This is seen as complementary to the chef for creating a satisfying meal.
Don’ts
Don’t dig through your food for anything in particular as this is considered very rude.
Don’t finish all your food – instead, leave a small amount on the plate to indicate that your host fed you more than enough.
At the end of the day, foreigners aren’t going to judge you harshly for being ignorant of their eating etiquette. If you’re eating with locals for the first time, don’t be afraid to ask about their customs. They’ll respect you for being interested enough to find out, and see it as respecting their culture.
For more tips, check out Cultural Intelligence in the Hospitality Industry.
Andrie Steliou
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