The Customs Of The Art Of Eating

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Individual cultures around the world are distinguished by their own eating habitswhich are the result of differences in the lifestyle of people around the world. The variety is so great, and the peoples adhere so strictly to the etiquette of the table to which they are accustomed, that comic situations often arise. Sometimes misunderstandings are so serious that a high dose of diplomacy is needed to smooth out the unpleasant impression that guests leave due to ignorance.

Let's focus on some eating habits in different parts of the worldwhich are not only curious but give valuable information about the art of eating in different cultures. It may be useful one day.

We will start with the utensils that are used in different places. In this respect, each nation has its own style, but the differences in their use are really huge. At one table they will use only with the left hand, on the other with the right, somewhere you can use both, and elsewhere you can eat without utensils at all. The confusion is great, but some rules can be remembered because they are interesting.

In Chile you will eat without utensils. You should not shake hands at the table, because it is indecent.

In Ethiopia, they eat in common dishes. There they use only their right hand.

In China and Japan, they use the well-known chopsticks when eating, but sticking them in a bowl of rice is an insult to the hosts. It is not customary to cross them, they are left parallel in the plate when not in use. These utensils, which are unusual for Europeans, are held only with the right hand and no dining room should be pointed at them.

In the Middle East, India and the African continent, it is also eaten only with the right hand. The left one is for hygiene and should not be used when eating.

In Ethiopia, people feed each other with their hands. The food is placed in the center of the circle formed by the seated company. The host takes the dish by hand and puts it in the mouth of the person next to him. He in turn does the same with his neighbor and so on until everyone in the circle gets their first bite. Then the ritual is repeated many times until the meal is over.

If you are served soup in Japan, you can feel free to itch. And the stronger, the better. Here it is considered rude, but in the Land of the Rising Sun it is a compliment to the hostess. Means that the dish is delicious.

In the Philippines, you should not finish eating. If you do not leave a bite of it, then you want more and you will fall asleep.

The Mongols also have a strange ritual for us. The woman serves the first bite to her husband. The meal ends when you place your hand on your bowl or plate. He will not be considered rude there, as he is in Europe.

In Tanzania, you will offend the hosts if you smell your food. Do not go to dinner on time, you will get away with the good tone. A delay of a quarter or half an hour is a sign of good manners.

In France, it is rude to salt your food before you try it, you will offend the chef. You should not cut your salad.

In Portugal, it is not customary to ask for salt or pepper to season food, the cook will be offended that you are challenging his skills.

In Italy, it is a sin to sprinkle seafood with Parmesan. You will be showered with criticism.

In Afghanistan, if you drop bread on the ground, you have to pick it up and kiss it as a sign of respect.

In most European countries, the hands are placed on the table during meals, but without leaning on the elbows. In the UK, however, this is only done during meals. When not eating, your hands should be on your lap.

It is not easy to remember everyone quirks of nutrition around the world, but the desire to respect the traditions of the hosts will be noticed and appreciated.