Uniquely Different

No human can live without eating – that’s for sure. But how people eat varies from place to place. What is in common thing to do in a place or a country, sometimes, is considered weird in other! You’d better equip yourself with the knowledge of table manners in other countries…just in case you may visit them one day. =)

1. France

In restaurants in France, asking a chef for ketchup would be an insult – it means you don’t like the food. If you really like the food, you may compliment the chef.

2. Kuwait

Hanging out with friends is a common thing here. In Kuwait, you’re not supposed to eat at the same table with a dinner with a member of the opposite sex in public unless they are family. This is disrespectful and rude in their culture and will probably get the offenders escorted out. Well, not only in Kuwait, this rule is also applied in some Arab others countries.

3. Tanzania

It is rude to show up early at dinner, try to be 15-30 minutes later than expected. When eating on a mat or carpet, do not expose the sole of your feet, it is considered very rude.

4. China

Out mothers always tell us to finish our meal until the last bit. But in China, it is considered rude to finish everything you are given to eat. Doing so is an indication that the host has not provided you with enough food to eat. To avoid such embarrassment, always leave some rice on your plate at the end of the meal to indicate that you have enjoyed your meal, but that you are indeed full.

5. Japan

Slurping your food in front of others is a no-no here in Indonesia. But if you do it in Japan, it means that you compliment the chef on the delicious meal. It means you like your food so much, you can’t wait to get it into your mouth.

6. Egypt

While burping in most of the Western world is considered rude and ill-mannered, in Egypt it is the highest compliment a guest can pay to remark on the quality of the food. When taking a holiday in Egypt, be sure to gulp down plenty of cola or other fizzy drinks to show your full appreciation for the meal.

7. Yemen

In Yemen, it is customary to eat together from one big plate at dinner or at a wedding reception. It doesn’t mean that they don’t have more plates or food. It symbolizes the togetherness and the sharing in this country, and also in other Arab countries.

8. Poland

If you’re eating a whole baked fish in Poland, don’t flip it over. There’s an old wives’ tale in Poland that says flipping over a fish on a plate will flip over the fisherman’s boat in the water. Talk about being superstitious! =)