Dining abroad as a traveler: A Cultural Dining Etiquette Guide

Table of Contents

• Dining Etiquette in Asia
• Dining Etiquette in Europe
• Dining Etiquette in the Middle East and Africa
• Dining Etiquette in the Americas and Oceania
• General Tips for Dining Abroad

One of the best ways to immerse oneself in a new culture is through meals. When you are abroad, you will likely come across dining practices that are different from those at home. In order to make a good impression and to enjoy meals as fully as possible, it is important to have respect for local customs surrounding food and to conduct yourself accordingly. An article by author Claudette Spinelli Schwartz emphasizes that the more you understand how cultural differences affect dining and how you conduct yourself while dining, the better connections and relationships you will have with the culture.

Dining customs reflect a society’s values for hospitality, respect for others, and community, and differ among cultures. To enhance your cultural experience and build rapport with the host culture, you should research dining customs beforehand, as well as remain mindful of your actions at the dinner table. This guide is intended to assist sustainable dining experiences when traveling abroad by providing guidance on how to comfortably approach eating in various regions of the world while being courteous and creating long-lasting memories.

Dining Etiquette in Asia

China

In China, meals are a shared experience. Large dishes are brought to the middle of the table and both guests and hosts will take food from these dishes. In Chinese culture, a sign of disrespect would be to start eating before the host begins. It is a sign of great disrespect to jab your chopsticks into a rice bowl, or to use them to point at other diners. When you aren’t using chopsticks, they should be placed neatly next to your plate. Respect for both tradition and your dining companions can also be shown by only removing the amount of food from a shared dish that you will eat.

Japan

The Japanese view eating as a ceremony of gratitude, respect, and mindfulness. You say “itadakimasu” before meals to show thanks for the food and those who prepared it. Chopstick etiquette is very rigid: never stick chopsticks up in rice or hand food between two sets of chopsticks, as these actions are associated with funerals. When eating noodles, you can slurp them; this expresses your appreciation for all the flavours of the meal.

Korea

Koreans often eat dinner “together” on a shared table. A fundamental value is respect for your elders; wait for the eldest to begin their dinner before you start yours, accept food and drinks with both hands from your elders, and do not double-dip into side dishes. Finish everything that was offered to you; Koreans do not like wasting food. This is an important part of Korean dining etiquette and exemplifies the sense of respect and harmony you should have for one another.

Dining Etiquette in Europe

United Kingdom

Dining etiquette in the U.K. is usually quite formal. When eating, sit up and support yourself with your back straight with your elbows off the table. Use your fork with the tines facing down and do not cut everything on your plate at the same time. Before eating, it is polite to wait for everyone at the table to have been served their food before you begin. Keep your voice down while dining; a quiet voice is best to speak with during a meal. Without a doubt, the British way of treating one another with courtesy and respect for one another’s space at the dinner table is reflected through the etiquette at the dining table of British society.

Germany

Punctuality has a high value for food in Germany. The host will choose the seating arrangement for you. Wait for your host to tell you when to begin eating or drinking. Meals are generally leisurely here, and people enjoy conversing and taking their time during the meal. German customs may also include using cutlery to eat items that are normally eaten by hand in other cultures. Hands should not only be resting on the table (but arms too).

Dining Etiquette in the Middle East and Africa

Middle East

Dining in the Middle East is usually an opportunity for hospitality and a communal atmosphere. Meals are commonly shared, and therefore one should not serve themselves without first receiving an offer to do so from the host. In this part of the world, one should always use their right hand to eat, since the left hand is regarded as impolite. Therefore, everything offered should be accepted; this reflects gratitude and respect to one’s host.

Ethiopia

The use of a communal plate composed of injera is very common in Ethiopian dining and is the basis of most Ethiopian meals. It is customary for people to tear off a piece of injera and take food out of the communal plate with their hands; therefore, one may be tempted to feed others. Part of the ritual of Ethiopian meals includes washing hands before and after eating, to show both cleanliness and what is expected of diners. There is nothing wrong with joining in on a custom; it shows one is accepted into the social structure of a meal.

Dining Etiquette in the Americas and Oceania

United States.

Dining in the United States is very informal, but it still has its unique features. Gratuities are an essential part of the eating-out experience; therefore, service employees rely on gratuities to stay employed. When dining, it is recommended that you do not use a cell phone during the meal and wait until everyone at your table has received their food before you start your meal.

Mexico

Dinners in Mexico are usually social and somewhat leisurely; therefore, it is acceptable to arrive late for dinner. Most traditional food items, such as tacos, are eaten with the hands and using utensils would be out of place. When one is invited to eat at someone’s home in Mexico, it is a common occurrence for the host to provide a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with laughter, camaraderie, and conversation around the food. Embracing this culture will allow you to experience the heart of the Mexican people.

General Tips for Dining Abroad

• Research Local Etiquette: Researching the local customs of your country of travel will help you avoid mistakes at the dining table.
• Observe and Imitate: If you are uncertain of proper dining etiquette, watch locals closely and attempt to imitate their actions at the dining table.
• Be Grateful: Expressing appreciation to your host, along with being open to trying different foods will demonstrate to the host respect in every culture.

Demonstrating respect for the dining customs of your country of travel will create opportunities for you to form connections with the people wherever your travels may take you. Being aware and attempting to follow the customs of the people with whom you will be dining will create opportunities for you to exchange experiences with them.