Eating etiquette disasters you need to avoid
Read our guide to make sure you avoid offending the locals when you're dining elsewhere in the world.
We've pulled together some of the things you definitely shouldn't do at the dinner table in different parts of the world.
Japan
You can cause quite a bit of offence when using chopsticks. Don’t point your chopsticks at someone while talking; or lick your chopsticks; don’t rub your chopsticks together or play with them unnecessarily; don’t lift food by stabbing it with your chopsticks.
Argentina
There are some important rules about how you pour wine in Argentina. Be sure never to pour it backwards into the glass (holding the bottom of the bottle, instead of the body or the neck, as you pour), as this is seen as a "backhanded" statement that you really dislike the person, and they will be severely insulted. Don’t use your left hand to pour wine either, because you’ll be demonstrating the same thing.
France
Splitting the bill is thought of as downright unsophisticated. Either pay for the whole bill, or let someone else pick it up.
Italy
You shouldn’t pick up your cutlery until the most important person in the room starts eating. This could be your boss at a business lunch, or the host or hostess at a dinner party, or the oldest guest.
Japan
It’s absolutely imperative never to pass food with your chopsticks. This is the norm at funerals, during a ritual of passing cremated bones – very morbid, so please don’t do it. Similarly, never, ever, stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, this is another morbid symbol that could put someone off their dinner.
Mexico
If you travel to Mexico anytime soon, bear in mind that eating tacos with a knife and fork is a big no-no. It’s considered ill-mannered and foolish. Has anyone ever tried to do this anyway?
Tanzania
Punctuality will get you nowhere in Tanzania – you’re actually considered as rude if you show up on time for dinner. To be thought of as a decent guest, you need to show up 15-30 minutes late. Don’t smell the food either, that’s a real no-no!
India, Middle East, and some parts of Africa
Eating with your left hand is considered “unclean”. This is because your left hand is always the one you use in the bathroom… if you catch our drift.
Japan
Rest the narrow, rounded ends of your chopsticks on the small ceramic holder, or hashi-oki, when you’re not using them. One way to signal that you’ve finished is to place your chopsticks across your soy saucer.
South Korea
It’s custom to accept drinks from elders with both hands – as a sign of respect.
Thailand
Thai people never put their fork in their mouths. Instead, if you ever visit Thailand, you should push food onto a spoon with the fork, and eat from the spoon.
China
Never point at someone using your chopsticks as this is considered a serious insult.
South Korea
Don’t start eating until the eldest male at the table does.
China
In most places around the world, burping at the table is thought to be rude or ill-mannered. But in China, if you’ve enjoyed your meal, burping at the dinner table is a sign of appreciation for the food. And slurping your noodles and soup is also the done thing too!
America
When it comes to cutting up food, Americans tend to use the 'zigzag method' where after cutting the food, the knife is laid down and the fork is switched to the right hand from the left hand to eat the cut food.
Chile
It’s not considered appropriate to eat anything with your hands in Chile, not even French fries! In fact it’s considered ill mannered. Brazilians follow this etiquette rule too.
Portugal
If salt and pepper aren’t already on the table, don’t ask for it! The chef will take it as an offence, as it looks like their seasoning skills aren’t up to scratch.
China
It’s bad luck to flip a fish over while cooking it. By doing so, you are apparently cursing the fisherman's boat to capsize.
Philippines, Cambodia, Korea, Egypt
If you finish all the food on your plate, it can signify that the host didn’t give you enough food. So make sure you go to a dinner party half full.
Italy
You shouldn’t ask for extra cheese unless you’re offered it. The cheesy goodness on your pizza will have to be enough.
Bulgaria
Never turn up to dinner with yellow flowers, as this is a symbol of hatred. We hope this isn’t how you’d like to greet your dinner party hosts…
Image: Shutterstock
America
Tipping in America is always tricky for people from outside the US. Now, of course, it's not mandatory if you don't want to. But, under federal law, tipped employees like waiters/waitresses and bartenders could earn as little £1.68/$2.13 per hour. So your tip (between 15-25%) will be very much appreciated!
Italy
Cut, twirl, or spoon? That's the big question. Well, you'll never see an Italian cut up their spaghetti, and depending on the location, you may or may not be given a spoon to work your twirling magic. If you're eating pasta with Italians, be sure to separate a few strands of pasta from the rest using a simple twirling movement with your fork. They'll think you're a local in no time.
Do you have any other tips we need to know? Share them in the Comments section below.
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