Dining Rules from All over the World

Did you know that in China, belching at the table is considered a sign of respect for the cook, and that when you go to visit someone in Bulgaria, you must never bring them yellow flowers? Or that in Russia, it is rude to keep your hands in your lap during a meal? Every country comes up with its own etiquette at the table. If you have the opportunity to travel to one of these areas, you should know in advance what the locals consider proper table manners, so as to show respect for your hosts.

Here are some of the countries with unique table manners that you should know about.

Russia

If you are ever at the table with Russia people, make sure you never keep your hands in your lap or put them under the table, as it is consider very rude. According to the Russian standards of good behavior, the wrists must always be placed on the table.

Portugal

Portugal is also recognized as a culture with unusual table rules. If you go to Portugal and have lunch at a restaurant, you should not ever ask for salt and pepper, if they are not already on the table. Requesting these spices is deemed offensive to the culinary skills of the chef. So you’d better bring your own and sneak it onto your food. 

France

In France, bread is not an appetizer or snack, but it is considered an eating instrument, just like cutlery. Even if you are served with cutlery at the table, bread should be used to push food from the plate into the fork or spoon.

Also, if you go out with a Frenchman for dinner, you must either offer to pay the entire bill, or not pay for anything at all.You should never suggestto split it because that is lacking in elegance.

Thailand

In Thailand it is rude to eat with a fork. Although it is already on the table, among other pieces of cutlery, the fork should only be used for pushing food from the plate into the spoon. Although part of the Asian continent, Thais do not usually use any chopsticks, as they consider their use a lack of taste and class.

Bulgaria

If you are invited to eat in Bulgaria and want to make a nice gesture, offering a bouquet of flowers can turn into a real disaster if you choose yellow flowers. For Bulgarians, yellow symbolizes hostility or hatred and this is certainly not the message you want to convey when being invited to someone’s house for dinner. 

China

China has some of the most controversial and bizarre rules of etiquette at the table. Two signs that show respect for the host are... belching and a messy table. According to Chinese culture, when a person burps after eating itis a sign he is full and a compliment to the chef.

As you can see, in many foreign countries it can be very easy to get into trouble while having a simple lunch or dinner. Our advice is that, before you go on holiday, you should try to find out as much as possible about the customs in that country. You can find a lot of information online, or you can ask your travel agent or friends. Don’t think for a second that the locals will go easy on you, just because you’re not from around there.