Meal Etiquette: How to Eat Around the World

Food and meal etiquette around the world has always been fascinating to me. What is considered polite in one country will get you dirty glares from the restaurant staff at another. The lovely Emma Welsh reached out to me with a fantastic visual guide and article on meal etiquette around the world.

If you’ve ever traveled to different parts of the world, I’m sure you’re aware that everything from using the restrooms to public transportation is different from place to place. Eating is no different. In fact, it is important to study the dining habits of the country in which you plan to visit. Certain mannerisms and customs that feel natural to you may be considered offensive in another culture or country. Dining out while traveling abroad is both an adventure and a learning experience. Traditional cuisines and dining customs offer an expression of cultural identity.

Interesting Meal Etiquette Facts:

In India, it is considered taboo to eat with your left hand because it is considered unclean.
In France, you should never ask to split the bill because money is considered a personal matter. The party that invites should always pay.
Though you may be used to grabbing “finger foods” like french fries with your hands, always use utensils when in Chile. The Chilean dining experience tends to skew more formal.
Though a Cappucino at all times of the day sounds tempting, it’s considered taboo to order one after a meal in Italy. They believe drinking milk hinders digestion.
Don’t come to a meal ravenous in Mexico. Eating is considered a social event so often times conversation, drinking, and mingling takes place before the act of eating.
In Morocco, it is polite to remove your shoes and leave them by the door when entering a guest’s home for a meal.
If eating in Russia, be prepared to take a vodka shot at dinner – it’s a sign of trust and friendship.

Experiencing the local customs of different people around the world is truly one of the magnificent things about travel. Dining is the best way to do so! To brush up on your global dining etiquette, check out the full article on Invaluable.