“If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food, it's a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.” – Anthony Bourdain
You will find different foods that the locals cannot do without every country that you travel to. There are national dishes, as well as drinks.
What stands out, however, are the unwritten rules that seem to govern the way people behave when having their meals.
Though these rules are not binding in any way, it is incredible how they dictate the level of politeness when it comes to eating and drinking.
Here are some that you probably never knew about.
ITALY
1. If you suggest a dinner plan in Italy, you are the one who will pay for it. Watch out not to be caught flat-footed in your friend's company when you start throwing suggestions around.
2. For waiters, taking an order and serving the meal are two distinct jobs. Do not expect the waiter that takes your order to be the same one that serves you. Even when there is a delay, do not start asking after the one that took your order.
JAPAN
1. One of the things that strictly dictate dining etiquette in Japan is its rich culture. It is considered a sign of terrible luck if you point chopsticks at anyone. It can easily lead you into trouble.
2. You might not believe this, but in this great country, the proper way of eating soup and noodles is by slurping them.
3. Do not rush to tip the waiter who just served you a delicious meal. In this region, tipping is a very unusual habit.
CHINA
1. When you want to show that you are thankful to the waiter, just tap two fingers on the dinner table.
2. No meal is not served without tea in this region. Do not wonder aloud when they keep placing a tea mug on your table every time you want to take a meal.
3. If you order fish, it will be served whole. However, you should not turn it over on the place because people consider it a bad omen in China. Just take the side that is facing up and leave it at that.
4. The Chinese do not play with food. For instance, it is considered a great offense if you linger on the scraps on your plate.
INDIA
1. Forget about forks, knives, and spoons in India because traditionally, people eat with their hands. Even so, you should only eat with your right hand. Being spotted eating with the left hand will raise eyebrows because it is the one they use to clean one's rare end.
2. Once food has been served on your plate, it is considered unclean. Desist from the behavior of offering it to others even when you have had your fill. You might just end up offending someone while thinking that you are being kind to them.
As you can see, some dining etiquette might just be totally different from what you are used to.
It is good to know about it to avoid any problems, especially if you like traveling to various parts of the world and dining in different types of restaurants or hotels.
