Customs Around the World at Mealtime

  Eating is much more than filling stomachs and satisfying nutritional needs. Food is part of the culture of every people. Do you really want to know a new country? Then, learn to eat like its people. Discover some of the most curious customs at mealtime: 1. Goodbye Forks Are you planning to visit Thailand soon? Remember that the fork is used only to place food onto the spoon. Never eat a bite directly from the fork (or they will think you are rude). 2. Smelly Food If you are not a fan of fish, it’s better to stay away from cured or fermented versions in Sweden, Iceland, and Japan. Surströmming, hákarl, and funazushi are true delicacies, but not suitable for sensitive palates. 3. Hands When Eating In Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, it is most common to eat with your hands, but beware! Do not use your left hand, or you might offend your host. 4. Table Manners What is simply unacceptable in some countries is more than welcome in Egypt. If you enjoyed your meal and want to thank the chef, the best thing you can do is burp. So now you know: drink soda and don’t hold back. 5. Clean Plates Leaving your plate clean, that is, without a crumb of food, is well regarded in Japan, but if you do this in China, you will be implying to your host that they did not give you enough food. 6. Half-Full or Half-Empty Glass In Latin American countries, we usually fill drinks to the top of the glass (because we don’t want to seem stingy), but doing this in France may be considered bad manners. There, it is common to fill the glass halfway. 7. The Tea Spoon Although this probably applies everywhere, this custom is particularly appreciated in England. Never, ever, make noise with the spoon while stirring your tea. And please, do not leave the spoon in the cup (that’s what the saucer is for). 8. Eyes on Each Other Toasts in Germany are accompanied by a loud “Prost!” and eye contact. If you don’t want to seem rude, never cross your drink in the middle of another toast. 9. Food on the Floor Forget your grandmother's recommendations. In Afghanistan, food is respected so much that if it falls to the floor, it is picked up, kissed, and placed back on the table. 10. No Salt or Pepper Never think of asking for a salt shaker (or pepper shaker) while eating in Portugal, as this is a great offense to the person who cooked the food. Are you craving an international culinary experience? Try these recipes: Swedish Meatballs Three Cheese Cream Piroshki: Russian Pastry Smoked Eggplant Dip Stuffed Grape Leaves