Dining Taboos from Around the World

There are some basic table manners that we’ve been taught from childhood to observe when dining such as keeping elbows off the table. Dining is formal so table etiquette must be strictly observed. Some table manners are not universal and may vary based on the country and culture of the people. So for all our travel enthusiasts it is necessary to be familiar with these. After all, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Here are five dining taboos from around the world that are important to know.\r \r 1. China\r \r According to Chinese culture, long noodles are associated with long life which everyone desires. As such when served with noodles, it is dining etiquette not to allow the noodle to break. Cutting it means that you’re making life short and this will attract some negative attention. Tradition encourages people to slurp a bowl of long noodles on their birthday. Also, while having those noodles with chopsticks, it’s important to be aware of where the chopsticks are pointing. The chopsticks shouldn’t be pointed at another person as it is believed that it’s an omen that invites bad luck.\r \r 2. France and Russia\r \r A woman offering to pay for her half of the date is welcomed by many American men but the same can’t be said in France and Russia. They certainly don’t go Dutch. In most cases, women won’t even bring their wallets on a date and it is expected that the one paying would pay for it all. Also, it’s viewed as rude to get to someone’s house for dinner empty-handed. In France, if there are leftovers, don’t think of asking for a take away box as it is often seen as bad manners and a sign of pennilessness. Gradually, this is changing.\r \r 3. Italy\r \r Italians love cheese and it’s a key ingredient in many of their dishes; after all there’s nothing quite like Italian pizza. But just remember, in Italian cuisine, seafood is not paired with cheese. Also, never request additional cheese. It is considered disrespectful and rude to the chef to do so. That’s not all, the first time someone offers you food, you should always decline, according to proper traditional etiquette. You humbly consent when they insist once more and then you happily eat the food. At the dinner table, never hide your hands by folding them in your lap as this is offensive. Rather, rest your wrist on the table.\r \r 4. Chile\r \r Using our hands to eat may seem almost natural to many of us. We pick up French fries, pizza, biscuits and nuggets with our fingers and enjoy having it that way. After all, they are finger foods. Well that’s a no-no in Chile. Nothing is eaten by hand by Chileans. Instead, they grab utensils. This also means that licking your fingers while eating is frowned upon and considered vulgar.  So do they use the phrase, “finger licking good?”\r \r 5. Tanzania\r \r You will appreciate this Tanzanian eating habit if you struggle with punctuality. It is considered impolite to arrive for dinner too early or on time. Good guests arrive at least fifteen minutes late. Also, when deciding on what to wear for dinner do not pick up that short tight fitted black dress in the closet. Loose clothing is appropriate because in most cases, meals are served and eaten while sitting on the floor. While dining, only the right hand is used to eat or pass on food. To all of the left-handed folks, it may be uncomfortable but that’s the only way in their world.