9 Extraordinary Food Etiquette Rules from Around the World (2024)

Mind your manners - because your usual eating habits in other cultures may need adjustment. For example, the way you approach and/or consume food and drink may offend locals in another country. For example, did you know that it is rude to ask for salt and pepper in Portugal? So to eat like a local in different countries (as real travelers should do) – here are some fascinating food etiquette rules from different foo cultures that you can take with you on your next trip.

Food etiquette rules all travelers should know

Italy – Don't mix seafood and cheese

You read that correctly. It's important to avoid asking for cheese with your frutti di mare (seafood pasta) or any other seafood dish. It is considered very rude by locals; they believe that these two were never meant to get married because they compete with each other's tastes.

Second, never ask for Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on an Italian pizza. Why? Because the chef has created a masterful, flavorful pizza with his own hands – and every ingredient has a purpose. Whoever needs to hear this: There is such a thing as "too cheesy."

The last rules of Italian dining etiquette to remember are: never drink a cappuccino after a meal (the milk stops your digestion), never ask for ketchup (save it for fries elsewhere) and don't ask for chicken with pasta (the textures are too similar).

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Thailand - Don't put a fork in your mouth

We know what you're thinking...surely not? This is one of the most difficult food etiquette rules to get used to, especially for Westerners. Because the proper way to eat in Thailand is to transfer food from your fork to a spoon and then into your mouth. Or eat with chopsticks or just a spoon (which is sometimes easier said than done). If you overcome this unique eating habit, you'll find street food vendors handing you an extra-large portion of pad thai next time.

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Middle East - Eat only with your right hand

When visiting the Middle East, it is important to think before you eat. This is because in Islamic cultures, people's left hands are traditionally used in the bathroom and are therefore considered unclean. That said, focus on passing plates and using your right hand (only) when using utensils and eating Middle Eastern foods.

China - Leave some food on your plate

If you grew up in a Western culture, you may have been told to eat all the food on your plate because it's polite. If you try to do this in China, your host will know you haven't been helped enough. So they will continue to provide you with delicious Chinese food for days! Don't forget to leave a small amount of food in China.

You should also never turn over a fish, as this symbolizes the capsizing of a boat. Instead, if a whole fish is served: eat one side, then pull out the leg and continue eating. Finally, never stick your chopsticks vertically into rice (this is reminiscent of a funerary practice of sticking burning incense into rice) and is highly inappropriate.

South Korea - Respect your elders

South Korean culture cares about age. Simply put, the elderly deserve more respect because they have a higher social rank. And then there are the food etiquette rules to keep in mind during your dining experiences in South Korea. You are not allowed to eat until the eldest has sat down; give plates and pour drinks to the eldest first with both hands; and you guessed it, you have to wait until the oldest starts eating before you start. Finally, it's always good nutritional etiquette to eat at the same pace as others - so be careful if you're eating quickly!

India - Leave an empty plate

One of my personal favorite rules of food etiquette: make sure you leave an empty plate when in India. It is polite to appreciate all dishes as they have been prepared with the utmost care by your hosts. It is also good dining etiquette to wash and dry hands before meals, compliment the host after eating, and wait for the eldest to stand up before leaving the table.

Chile - Don't use your hands!

It's true. In Chile, it is considered poor cultural food etiquette to eat with your hands. Even with a sandwich, fries or pizza. Don't forget to pack a trusty knife and fork. Oh, and try to avoid touching the table with your hands.

Egypt and Portugal - Don't ask for salt and pepper

It's easy to instinctively reach for salt and pepper. Especially for westerners. However, in the food cultures of both Egypt and Portugal, it is considered poor food etiquette because it tells the cook that their food is not seasoned well enough. That's okay, it helps you focus on the beauty of the dish.

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EN - Don't rattle your spoon while stirring tea

Get ready for onetypically BritishTea etiquette rule. Try not to rattle your spoon against the side of a cup of tea, as the rattling sound is perceived as wrong by some. It is also rude to chew or talk with your mouth open.

Did you like these unique food etiquette rules? Let us know which one you want to use first in the comments below!