Dining etiquette abroad - how to avoid culture clashes

Writer: Helena Bergström

Dining etiquette in other cultures is not always easy. In Europe, we are taught that it is important to choose the right glass and fork, and to look each other in the eye when toasting. In Asia, where there is a lot of symbolism, the importance is often quite different.

Basic rules of etiquette at the dinner table abroad

The dining table is often the place where cultural differences are most noticeable. Small details - how you hold your cutlery, whether you leave food on the plate or when it's okay to start eating - can mean completely different things depending on where you are in the world. For those who travel a lot, it can be useful to know the basic table manners of different cultures. Whatever the country, there are some simple principles that are usually well received:

• Observe and adapt. Watch how the locals do it and follow their pace.
• Wait for the host. Do not start eating until the host or the oldest person at the table does.
• Show respect for the food. Complaining loudly or picking at your food is almost universally seen as impolite.
• Put your mobile phone away. In many cultures, it is considered disrespectful to use your phone during the meal.

Europe - small differences with big impact

In Europe, the meal can often be seen as a social ritual, not least in France. Here are some things to consider.

France

• Keep both hands visible above the table (but not your elbows on the table top).
• Always use cutlery - even for salad and fruit.
• It is considered impolite to ask for extra spices before you have tasted.

Italy

• Cutlery is used consistently, and pizza is often eaten with a knife and fork in restaurants.
• Cappuccinos belong in the morning - ordering one after dinner can give you away as a tourist.
• Leaving some food can be interpreted as being full, not dissatisfied.

Germany and Central Europe

• Punctuality is important, even at dinner.
• Place the cutlery parallel on the plate when you are finished - this signals that you have finished eating.

Asia - respect and symbolism

In Asia, it is important to show respect. In addition, the meal situation can be full of symbolism.

Japan

• Never stick chopsticks straight into the rice - this is associated with funeral rituals.
• Do not pass food from stick to stick.
• Slurping noodles is fully accepted and can even be seen as appreciation.

China

• Meals are often shared, and dishes are placed in the centre of the table.
• Leaving some food can signal that the host has been generous.
• Avoid flipping a whole fish - it can symbolise bad luck.
• In southern China, it may be inappropriate to point the teapot's spout at someone in the company.

Thailand and South East Asia

• The fork is often only used to push food onto the spoon.
• Knives are rarely needed, as the food is already cut.

Middle East and Africa - hospitality in focus

In the Middle East and Africa, hospitality is considered very important.

• Many dishes are eaten with the right hand - the left hand is considered unclean in many cultures.
• It is common for the host to ask you to take more food; please accept at least once.
• Saying no too quickly can be perceived as dismissive.

USA, Canada and Australia - relaxed but not sloppy

In the United States, Canada and Australia, dining etiquette may be relatively relaxed, but on the other hand, some thought may need to be given to tipping and billing.

• Table manners are generally informal, but do not chew with your mouth open.
• In the United States, tipping is often an integral part of the restaurant experience.
• Splitting bills is common, but always check what applies.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Starting to eat as soon as the food arrives.
• Discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion at the dinner table.
• Comparing food negatively with food at home.

Summary

Good etiquette at the dinner table is fundamentally about respect and curiosity. You don't need to know all the rules perfectly - a friendly smile and a willingness to adapt will take you a long way. Respecting local customs will not only make your meal tastier, but also an important part of your travelling experience.

Eating like the locals is often one of the best ways to truly understand a culture.