Summer time is usually the period when many of us go abroad. Holidays provide an excellent opportunity to get to know cultures of other nations. Apart from sightseeing, admiring of landscapes and various sights, a contact with new cuisines is an important element of travelling. We learn about new flavours, combinations, cooking methods, as well as traditions at the table. It is worth to make sure that by mistake we do not commit a cultural faux pas.
In Great Britain, a very popular question is „How are you?”. It is asked very often, practically at every meeting involving friends or even strangers. In China, an equivalent of this universal question is „Chi le, mei you?”, which literally means „Have you already eaten?”. Here, the Chinese perfectly reflect on the importance of food in our daily lives. All over the world, food is treated not only as a physiological necessity, but also as a cultural and social event. Shared cooking and eating creates a special bond between people and is a very important and pleasant element of our lives. However, different nations have their own customs and traditions around the table.
As I mentioned before, a shared meal is a social event. The first element of a meeting is a greeting. Greetings and introductions are always tricky between the people of different nationalities. Each one of us has probably at least once considered – should I shake hands or go for a hug? Or maybe kiss on a cheek? But how many times – two or three? Which cheek should I start with: right or left? As we know, there is no single answer to this dilemma…
In Russia, a typical greeting is hands’ shaking, but not just in any way…You should literally try to squeeze the other person’s hand as hard as possible (at least to ‘crush’ their finger bones), whilst maintaining a constant eye contact. On the other hand, in the Arab countries, hands’ shaking is much weaker, but longer instead. Close acquaintances and friends often give each other a hug and kiss. In Hungary, the most popular greeting are two kisses, starting from the right cheek. However, when it is two men meeting for the first time, a regular handshake is perfectly enough. In Belgium, the rule is to kiss once on a cheek. Whilst the British stay only with their „Hello” or „How are you?”. Asian countries are even more conservative. In Japan, people prefer to bow rather than to give each other a hug or a kiss. The Chinese are very restrained and usually just nod their heads to greet each other or smile gently.
Let’s consider that we have succeeded in greeting the people you’ll share a meal with. We can now sigh with relief and take a seat at the table. But not so immediately, if we are in Greece or Egypt. In these countries we should wait until a concrete seat is pointed to us.
And now, a question arises if we present ourselves well at the table and how should we dress. When in Brazil, always go for an elegant outfit. Showing beautiful and elegant attire at the dinner is noticeable and recognisable. Plan your outfit carefully.
And are we too early or too late by any chance? In Mexico, you don’t need to rush at all. Try to arrive at least 30mins after the agreed time, because the host will still be probably preparing things for your visit.
Should we bring flowers or a gift, and if so what kind? Whilst in Bulgaria, never go for yellow flowers. They symbolise hatred. On the other hand, in Portugal, your hosts will be offended if the guests bring a bottle of wine.
And finally we can start eating. In Italy, you don’t need to wait for the others to start eating. Remember, however, to wait until everyone at the table will have their meals served on the plates.
In France, cutting of lettuce is untactful. Lettuce should be rolled and only eaten with fork. Another rule, also popular in other countries around Europe – always keep your hand at the table. Otherwise, the Frenchmen will think that you are playing with your partner under the table.
On the other hand, in the UK, bananas should be eaten using knife and fork. It is a tradition that has its roots in the XIXth century, when bananas were perceived an exclusive treat.
Speaking about the cutlery, it is worth mentioning India and the custom of eating only with your right hand. In this country, food is eaten only and solely using right hand or by placing it on bread. It is also very common for people to share food by reaching for it from another person’s plate.
Whilst eating potatoes in Germany, they should be crushed with a fork and it is not recommended to cut them with a knife. Germans like potatoes so much that this custom aims to spread the smell of potatoes around the room.
In Egypt, try not to add salt or pepper to your dishes. The host may feel offended, because they have tried to prepare dishes and served them in a way, they thought, they should be.
When toasting in Austria, try to look each person, that you tap your glass with, into their eyes.
In Tanzania drinking beer from a bottle is considered very offensive. Beer should always be poured into a glass. Remember, that in Tanzania the custom says that you should eat on a matt. Pay attention, however, not to show the bottoms of your feet, as that is considered to be rude.
One should also not underestimate the differences in behaviours at the table. In the Far East, burping is actually treated as a compliment for the host. In Japan, enthusiastic slurping is very welcome. However, in other countries, for example in Chile, we should eat very quietly and calmly. Any eating noises are untactful.
In Russia and China, you should leave a little bit of food on your plate. This means that the host was so generous, that they have provided enough refreshments. On the other hand, in India and in the Philippines, leaving food on your plate is considered to be rude and a waste. In France, you can expect constant pouring of wine, until you leave your glass nearly full. Whilst in China, do not even think about pouring yourself water. The host or another guest will do that for you. Similarly others will expect that you pour water for them.
There are many traditions at the table. The important thing is, however, to enjoy the shared meal, spend time in nice company and talk to each other. Even when we have a good contact with the other person, when we do commit a cultural faux pas, it is advisable to always apologise for your lack of knowledge, to politely come out of a difficult situation. There is nothing to fear, just have fun and enjoy the opportunity to experience new flavours and cuisines.
