In this infographic we share 12 strange table manners from around the world.
Here’s what makes the list:
- Slurp your food
- Eat only with your right hand
- Don’t offer to split the bill
- Bread is a utensil
- Eat with your hands
- Don’t ask for cheese
- Don’t ask for salt and pepper
- Don’t put food in your mouth with a fork
- Be sure to belch and make a mess
- Don’t bring yellow flowers to dinner
- Never rest your hands in your lap while dining
- Don’t use an individual plate
Check out the infographic for more information.
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the charming cafes of Paris, dining customs vary widely across the globe. What might be considered polite in one culture could be perceived as rude or even bizarre in another.
While many table manners are universal, some traditions may raise eyebrows or even elicit a chuckle from outsiders. Let’s explore 12 strange table manners around the world that might surprise you.
Slurp your food
In Japan, slurping your noodles isn’t just acceptable—it’s encouraged. Whether you’re enjoying a steaming bowl of ramen or savoring a plate of soba, slurping is a sign of appreciation for the chef’s handiwork.
It’s believed that slurping noodles enhances the flavor and aroma while also cooling them down to a more enjoyable temperature. So, don’t be shy about making a little noise while indulging in Japanese cuisine.
Eat only with your right hand
In many Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, using your left hand for eating is considered taboo. This custom stems from cultural and religious beliefs associating the left hand with tasks considered unclean.
Therefore, when dining in regions like India or Saudi Arabia, always remember to use your right hand for eating. Using the left hand may be seen as disrespectful or unsanitary.
Don’t offer to split the bill
When dining out in China, offering to split the bill might raise some eyebrows. In Chinese culture, the host typically takes on the responsibility of paying for the meal as a gesture of hospitality and generosity.
Splitting the bill could be perceived as stingy or even insulting. So, if you find yourself dining with locals in China, be prepared for the host to cover the tab.
Bread is a utensil
In France, bread isn’t just a side dish—it’s a utensil. Instead of using a fork or spoon to mop up sauce or scoop up food, the French often use a piece of bread. This practice, known as “sopping,” may seem unconventional to outsiders but is considered perfectly acceptable in French dining etiquette.
So, next time you’re in a bistro in Paris, don’t hesitate to reach for that baguette to clean your plate.
Eat with your hands
In many parts of the world, eating with your hands is not only acceptable but preferred. From India’s aromatic curries to Ethiopia’s flavorful stews, using your hands to scoop up food is common practice.
This tactile approach to dining allows for a more intimate connection with the food and is often considered a sign of respect for the meal and the culture it represents.
Don’t ask for cheese
In Italy, asking for cheese to sprinkle on your seafood pasta might earn you a puzzled look from the waiter. Traditional Italian cuisine is deeply rooted in regional traditions and flavors, and chefs take great pride in crafting dishes that are perfectly balanced in taste and texture.
Adding cheese to certain dishes, especially those featuring seafood, is seen as a culinary faux pas and can be considered disrespectful to the chef’s expertise.
Don’t ask for salt and pepper
Similar to the Italian aversion to cheese on certain dishes, requesting salt and pepper in Portugal may raise some eyebrows. Portuguese cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and meticulous seasoning, and chefs take great care to ensure that each dish is perfectly seasoned before it reaches the table.
Asking for additional seasoning can be interpreted as a lack of trust in the chef’s abilities and may be seen as rude or insulting.
Don’t put food in your mouth with a fork
In Thailand, using a fork to put food directly into your mouth is considered impolite. Instead, the fork is used to push food onto a spoon, which is then brought to the mouth. This custom is rooted in hygiene and cleanliness, as using a fork to eat directly from a communal dish is seen as unhygienic.
So, if you’re dining in Thailand, be sure to master the art of the fork and spoon combo to avoid any unintentional breaches of etiquette.
Be sure to belch and make a mess
In certain parts of China, burping and making a mess while eating are signs of appreciation for the meal. Belching loudly after a meal is seen as a compliment to the chef, indicating that the food was delicious and satisfying. Similarly, leaving a messy table is a sign that you thoroughly enjoyed the meal and appreciated the abundance of food provided.
While these customs may seem unusual to outsiders, they reflect cultural values surrounding food and hospitality in China.
Don’t bring yellow flowers to dinner
In Russia, bringing a bouquet of yellow flowers to a dinner party is considered bad luck. Yellow flowers are traditionally associated with farewell and separation, so presenting them as a gift can be seen as an omen of impending misfortune.
Instead, opt for flowers in other colors, such as red or white, which are more auspicious and appropriate for celebratory occasions.
Never rest your hands in your lap while dining
In Chile, resting your hands in your lap while dining is considered rude and disrespectful. Instead, keep your hands visible on the table at all times, with your wrists resting lightly on the edge.
This posture is seen as a sign of engagement and attentiveness during the meal, allowing for easier conversation and interaction with fellow diners.
Don’t use an individual plate
In Ethiopia, communal dining is the norm, with multiple dishes served on a large platter called a mesob. Instead of each person having their own individual plate, diners gather around the mesob and use pieces of injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, to scoop up food from the shared platter.
This communal style of dining fosters a sense of unity and togetherness, allowing friends and family to bond over a shared meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dining customs around the world offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of global cultures. While some table manners may seem strange or unfamiliar to outsiders, they play an essential role in shaping social interactions and reinforcing cultural values.
So, the next time you find yourself dining in a foreign land, keep an open mind and embrace the opportunity to experience new customs and traditions. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy a meal!
