10 Most Fascinating Food Etiquette Rules Around the World

One of the best ways to explore a new destination is through its food – not only just by eating, but by witnessing local culinary traditions and social culture.

When traveling to a foreign country, knowing what culinary habits to be aware of and what etiquette to follow can help create a more enjoyable and exciting dining experience.

Dining customs around the world can vary widely and can be much different from what we are used to at home. Being aware of food travel etiquette will make any dining experience around the world more enjoyable.

Knowing when to eat everything with your right hand, and when to eat everything using only utensils, can save you from making etiquette mistakes and run the risk of unintentionally insulting your host. 

Listed below are some popular food etiquette tips that can help you become a more informed traveler and will help you get the most out of your vacation experience. 

1.        China

Always leave food on your plate in China. Finishing your plate when dining at someone’s home in China suggests the food wasn’t filling enough, and that your host was skimping on the portion size. Always leave behind a little food to show the host that their meal was filling and satisfying.

2.        Australia

Australia has a very relaxed café and restaurant culture.  When meeting others, a relaxed and casual smile and a handshake will do. Avoid the Aussie greeting "G'day, mate" or "G'day" as these may come across as fake from a foreigner. A simple "hello" is sufficient. Make sure you are on time if invited to dinner and do not be no more than 15 minutes late. 

If invited out, it is customary to bring your own wine or beer to a BBQ, and in some informal situations, even your own meat.

When dining at a restaurant, most of the time, you will have to signal your hostess a few times to get the bill. They do not want to feel that they are rushing you. 

Australians do not have bottomless cups of coffee like the Americans. They enjoy the European-style cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites, and macchiatos and, remember, you will have to pay for every cup.

3.        Indonesia

You will not find any pork in Indonesia. If you are not offered a fork and spoon, you will have to use your fingers. Knives are never offered. In Indonesia, traditional cuisine is sometimes served in earthenware plates lined with banana leaves.

4.        France

The French may have the most rules and regulations when it comes to dining etiquette. Every region in France brags about its own best dish, its wine, and of course cheese. In France you will over 400 types of French Cheese to choose from. The French eat three meals a day: breakfast (morning), lunch (noon to one), and dinner (around 8 pm). 

In Paris, it is customary to arrive 15 minutes late. Dinner usually takes 2 to 3 hours, with several courses being served. I recommend eating only small amounts of each so that you can finish the meal. Wine will always be on the table and if you do not want any more wine, keep your glass mostly filled. 

5.        India

In America we are taught to say “thank you” for everything. However, in India “thank you” is reserved solely for formal occasions. In more common, casual settings, thanking someone implies that they’ve gone out of their way for you, awkwardly calling attention to acts of kindness that are just assumed. Things like passing dishes, or receiving a meal from your host family, are simply part of a close relationship — not extraordinary acts requiring thanks.

Lamb, chicken, and fish will be the main meats served. This avoids disrespecting any religious beliefs of Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. Do not give pork or alcohol to those of the Muslim faith. You may be asked to wash your hands before and after a meal. 

Eat with your (right) hand, but you may get utensils if they are available. Always leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate you are full. If you clean your plate, they may think you are still hungry.

6.        Egypt

In America, it’s a common habit to grab the salt and pepper and add a little extra flavor to our food. In Egypt, it’s a completely different story. Salting your food in Egypt is considered a huge insult, and when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. The chef prepares your food to taste a certain way. When you add your own spices, it effectively changes the flavor, implying the dish was inadequate as presented. If there are no salt and pepper shakers on your table at a restaurant, don’t ask for them. The same goes — perhaps even more so — for dining in someone’s home.

7.        Brazil

As the largest country in South America, Brazil should not be missed.  When not holding utensils, your hands are expected to be visible above the table, this means you do not keep them in your lap, rest your wrists on top of the table (never your elbows). Never eat anything with your hands, including fruit, which is typically cut with a knife and fork when served at the end of the meal.

You should pass all dishes to your left. You should never cut the lettuce in a salad; you should fold it with your knife and fork into a bundle that can be picked up with your fork.

If invited to dinner at a Brazilian house, you should arrive at least 30 minutes late. Get there up to an hour late for a party or larger gathering.

8.        Italy

Do not cut your pasta with a knife. A fork is the only utensil that should touch your pasta. Do not ask for salad dressing, oil and vinegar is all you need. Ask for the check when you’re ready for it. Italian servers think it’s rude to rush you from the table, so it could be hours before they do. Do not butter your bread, use your bread to sop up leftover marinara.

Do not order cappuccino after dinner, however you can order an espresso (black coffee) after dessert. 

9.        Japan

The “oshibori” (warm or cool towel) that’s provided when eating sushi is not meant to wipe your entire face. Its purpose is to clean your fingers if you’re not using chopsticks. Paper napkins are provided for wiping your lips. Never dip your sushi into the shoyu (soy sauce) with the rice side down; dip only a portion of the fish to avoid leaving a mess of grains floating in the shoyu. 

You should never pour your own sake. Someone else at the table should serve you, and then you should serve them. This is considered a sign of respect.

Americans are taught not to slurp, but slurping is welcomed and expected in Japanese culture when dining. It’s a sign of appreciation for the good food that you’re eating. Eat the food in the soup with chopsticks, and then raise the bowl to your mouth and drink the broth. 

10.      Greece

The Greek people are very hospitable and have much to offer. Getting to dinner 30 minutes late is considered good manners. If you are at someone’s home, always offer to help clean up. 

Try to eat a second helping, it’s a compliment to the host. It’s okay to sop-up gravy and sauce with a piece of bread. It's okay to share food from each other's plates, but if you are guest, wait to be asked. 

Final Thoughts

In America we have firmly ingrained notions about what constitutes good dining etiquette. We are taught to never burp, always use utensils, forks on the left, knives on the right, say thank you, and so on. But in other countries, it’s completely different and in some cases entirely the opposite. I hope the above tips have given you some insight on dining around the world and how to avoid insulting or making our hosts feel uncomfortable.

If you enjoyed these tips and would like to know more about Colesville Travel, please email us or give us a call at 301-989-1654.

Until then, stay inspired until we can safely travel again.

Cynthia Amin