Uniquely Different

No human can live without eatung -that’s for sure. But how people eat varies from place to place. What is a 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.

Kuwait

Hanging out with friends is a common thing here. In Kuwait, you’re not supposed to eat at the same table 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 other countries.

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.

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.

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.

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 plent of cola or other fizzy drinks to show your full appreciation for the meal.

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!

China

Our 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 embarrasement, always leave some rice on your plate at the end of the meal to indicated that you have enjoyed you meal, but that you are indeed full.

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 sharing in this country, and also in other Arab countries.