Table etiquette of the world: 12 rules that will come in handy when travelling

Every country in the world has its own cultural and historical characteristics. In particular, the norms, habits and manners of behaviour at the table are also formed taking into account the traditions of the country, which you should know about in advance before travelling.

How to behave at the table with dignity while travelling abroad? TheTravel offers to familiarize yourself with the table etiquette of 12 countries.

Australia

In this country, it is not customary to combine food with work-related conversations. The only exception may be special dinner meetings. In general, Australians are very friendly and prefer to create a friendly atmosphere, so violations of the basic rules of etiquette will not offend them.

France

The French require manners and keeping your elbows on the table. In addition, when a bun is served with a dish, it should be broken with your hands and never cut with a knife.

South Korea

Korea is known for its respect for elders, so if you are going to have dinner with locals, don't forget to take into account the hierarchy. Thus, do not sit down until the elders are seated and do not start eating until they start.

Middle East

In the Middle East and India, the right hand is considered clean, while the left hand is used for toilet use. Therefore, you should eat with your right hand.

China

It is common to hear that leaving food on the plate is a sign of disrespect and a signal that the food was not tasty. However, these rules do not apply in China. Here, a clean plate is a sign of disrespect. This means that the person is still hungry. Even if they are not, it will mean that the host has failed to provide the guest with delicious food.

Italy

In Italy, you can find many variations of pizza for every taste. However, do not add seasonings to it. This way you can distort its meaning as it should remain simple. Moreover, don't even think about asking for pineapple on your pizza.

Japan

Everyone knows the calm and reserved temperament of the Japanese. It is evident even in food, but with the only exception: when eating noodles. You need to eat noodles loudly and with a lot of noise to make it clear how well the dish was cooked.

Spain

While in China you have to leave food on the plate, it's the other way around in Spain. Of course, you may not be physically able to eat the whole dish, but the locals will consider it a waste.

India

In addition to the fact that you should eat with your right hand in India, you should also use bread as a utensil.

England

The likelihood that you will be able to eat in the company of a monarch is extremely low. However, if you do get this unique opportunity, keep in mind that you should not sit down before the royal person and start eating before the sovereign. In addition, when the King or Queen of England stops eating, you should also stop, even if you are very hungry.

Islamic countries

The holy Islamic month of Ramadan forces tourists to eat only halal food along with the locals. That is, food that does not contain alcohol and pork. In addition, during this time, they eat and drink only before sunrise and after sunset, and restaurants close their doors during the day. In addition, in some countries (Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan), it is acceptable to eat in public during Ramadan.

Georgia

This country has delicious national food and a wide selection of alcohol. During a hearty meal, it is customary to drink wine or chacha, a local very strong alcohol. However, it is impolite to drink out of turn. You must make a toast first and only then drink the alcohol to the bottom.