Food Taboos & Tips Around the World

Remember when your parents told you not to put your elbows up on the table or lick your plate clean? That may be the case at home, but when traveling abroad, the tables may have turned- in fact, they could be turned or even nonexistent! Keep in mind, that when traveling the world the cultural norms back home probably don’t entirely mesh with the norms of your current country of residence! Here you’ll find tips and taboos for dining abroad.

Japan 

Slurp your food! Yes, you read correctly. While your mother might shudder when you slurp your soup or when you can’t seem to eat your spaghetti all in one bite, in Japan, this is not the case. Slurping shows the chef your appreciation of their food, so to finish off your food, ditching the chopsticks is not a problem. This is the case most often when eating noodles and soup. Spoons are uncommon, so feel free to drink from the soup bowl as well!

On the subject of chopsticks: never use them to pass food between yourself and another person, do not cross them, lick them, or stick them vertically into a bowl of rice. It’s considered very rude in Japan and many other Asian countries, including China.

China 

When discussing proper seafood-eating etiquette in China, it might come across as a bit fishy. Occasionally, dining etiquette has little to do with manners and more to do with lore and tradition. In the case of fish, flipping yours on your plate might rock the boat. Literally. It all has to do with an old fisherman ritual, in which they believed that if they were to flip their fish (to remove the skin) it would cause their boat to capsize on their next trip out to sea. Instead, to remove the skin from your dish, pull it from its underside. Old Chinese tradition also leads many to believe that long noodles are telling of the long life that you are destined to lead. Presented with a steaming bowl of long noodles? Don’t even think about cutting them! Cutting them is symbolic of one cutting a long life short, and much like in Japan, slurping is smiled upon. So go ahead, slurp on and prosper.

Lastly, when dining in China, never force yourself to clear your plate out of politeness — it would be very bad manners for your host not to keep refilling it. Instead, you should leave some food on your plate at each course as an acknowledgment of your host’s generosity.

Korea

Do not forget about your grandparents! When it comes time to sit and chow down, wait up. It is considered a sign of respect to wait to begin eating your dinner until the eldest or senior person has started eating.

In Korea, as well as Japan, tipping is considered an insult rather than a compliment. Accepting tips is viewed as akin to begging. Although, this view is beginning to change as more Westerners travel to the East.

United Kingdom 

There is a lot to be said about British cuisine (although, you typically do not hear about it), in cities as rainy and gray as London, hot soups are by far the superior choice compared to meat pies and baked beans. If, per chance you were dining with the Queen, she would most certainly frown if you tilted your soup bowl towards yourself. It is considered proper manners to tilt the bowl away from yourself. Just don’t spill it!

Chile 

Thinking about traveling to South America and to the coastal country of Chile? You are most certainly in for a treat! Between the buttery breads, fresh veggies, fish by the bounty, and plate, after plate of ceviche, you will never go hungry, but the only thing your hands should touch at the table, is the silverware. Playing with your food is (literally) a foreign concept to Chileans. In Chile, it is considered rude to eat with your hands. Everything (even pizza) is eaten with a fork and knife.

Also, taking a second helping is offensive. You must wait for your host to offer you more food.

Italy 

You know how it is rude to ask for ketchup at a steakhouse? Well, in Italy, do not ever ask for extra cheese unless it is offered to you. It is considered as a challenge to the chef’s cooking abilities.

Tanzania 

As punctual as you may be, whoever claimed that being “fashionably late” was something to aim for seemed to onto something – at least in Tanzania. It is considered rude to show up to a dinner even just a few minutes early. Fifteen to twenty minutes late is the target to aim for in order to be polite to your host.

Ethiopia

Gursha: the gesture of hospitality that involves hand-feeding other people. It is a gesture thought to help build trust and friendship between those sharing food. As well, individual plates are considered wasteful. Food is always shared from a single plate without the use of cutlery — just hands.

India 

Food taboos in India vary according to religion. For those that practice Hinduism, eating a cow in prohibited, as it is thought of as God’s useful gift to mankind since it provides dairy products and is the basis for other products. Many Islamic and Muslim families not only avoid pork for religious reasons, they feel that pigs are bred in absolutely revolting conditions and are not worthy of consumption.

In India, food is deemed contaminated once it touches your plate, so you shouldn’t offer anyone a taste. Before the meal you’re expected to wash your hands and your mouth. Licking your fingers shows your host how much you enjoyed the food. Don’t say “Thank you” to your host at the end of the meal; it’s considered a form of payment. Simply return the favor by inviting them to dinner.

The Middle East

In many Muslim cultures, people use only their right hand to eat, eschewing utensils. Also, if you drop bread on the ground, pick it up, kiss it, and raise it to your forehead before putting it back on your plate. This shows respect for your food and the work that went into making it.

Mexico 

When eating out in Mexico, haggling over paying the bill is very common. They like to make a show of it. You should reciprocate by inviting your dining companion to another meal and insisting ahead of time that it will be your treat.

I know, I know; it’s a lot to take in, but do keep in mind that master travelers are respectful of cultural norms and always do their research beforehand. Be mindful and do your best to be polite when dining abroad. Most importantly, take this as your opportunity to try new things.

Bon apetit!