7 Surprising Food Etiquette Rules From Around the World

Natasha Chopra | Updated: February 02, 2018 18:28 IST

It is said that table etiquettes are the best way to show your manners. How you eat can often make or break the deal! There are certain rules to eating across different countries. Food etiquettes can sometime go quite bizarre. Dining while abroad can make you feel quite uneasy because of quirky yet unfamiliar dining rules. Fret not, we've got you covered with a list of 7 dining etiquette's from around the world. Read on to know more

1. Do Not Pass Food From Chopsticks To Chopsticks

During Japanese funeral rites, bones are passed from one set of chopsticks to another. Due to this, passing food from chopsticks is usually considered rude in Japan.

_{Passing food from chopsticks is usually considered rude in Japan}

2. Do Not Flip A Fish.

This custom is followed in China. Flipping a whole fish after eating one side of it is said to bring bad luck. If you really feel like eating the other side of the fish, then you can remove its bones and can continue eating the fish meat.

_{Flipping a fish while eating is considered bad in China}

3. Do Not Order Cappuccino After A Meal

Before planning a trip to Italy, make yourself familiar with this quirky food tradition. Italians never consume milk-based beverage after their meals as milk halts digestion. So make sure that you order your cappuccino prior to the meal.

_{People in Italy does not consume beverage after their meals}

4. Don't Use Fork

According to Thai etiquettes, the fork is used to put food onto the spoon. However, putting a fork in the mouth is not considered as a good thing in Thailand.

_{Fork in the mouth is not considered as a good thing in Thailand.}

5. Don't Use Your Left Hand For Eating.

This eating etiquette hails from Arabic countries. If you happen to visit an Arabic country, make sure that you eat your meal with only right hand. The left hand is strictly not allowed because it is used in toilet duties and is often considered unclean.

_{Eating food with left hand is strictly not allowed in Arabic countries}

6. Never Be Punctual

Punctuality is often considered as a good quality, but in Tanzania, showing up on time is considered as an insult to the host. You should be at least 20 minutes late for your lunch or dinner.

_{In Tanzania, showing up on time is considered as an insult to the host}

7. Don't Expect A Full Cup Of Tea.

This eating etiquette is followed in Kazakhstan. If your Kazakh host serves you half cup of tea, then don't feel bad as it's a good sign. Whereas, a full cup of tea is a sign that they might want you to leave.

(Also Read: Children's Health: 6 Everyday Food Habits Children Should Follow)

_{In Kazakh if host serves you half cup of tea, it's a good sign.}

So if you are planning to visit any one of these countries, make sure that you follow these eating rules religiously.

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