Etiquette at the dinner table in other cultures is not always easy. In Europe, people have been taught that it is important to choose the right glass and the right fork, and to look each other in the eye when making a toast. In Asia, things are often completely different. For example, I've learnt that in China you can't place the teapot so that the spout points towards someone in the party.
More labelling rules
On Aftonbladet you can now learn even more rules of etiquette. I France apparently you are not supposed to cut the salad with a knife and fork, in the Venezuela it's good to be late for dinner, and in the Taiwan it is considered a compliment if you burp after your meal. Have you learned any etiquette rules at the dinner table while travelling, or have you ever made a mistake?
Lennart says:
When you eat soup and drink Sakè in Japan, you have to slurp loudly, I learnt!
I hope it was right!
03 February 2014 - 22:52
BP says:
Yes, you;-) If you cut potatoes with a knife in Germany you will be lynched!
Oooops, it's always good to memorise before going to another country. They say you should take the custom where you come from....
03 February 2014 - 23:55
Mrs Christine says:
In Bali, you don't eat with a knife because it is considered rude/unfriendly to have a knife lying on the table. You are seen at the dinner table as friends and then nothing threatening should be there, so fork and spoon is what applies. (However, you usually get a knife for the food in restaurants now because of the increasing rate of tourism). But fun anyway.
🙂
04 February 2014 - 2:56
Marina says:
If you just avoid putting the chopsticks in the food (meaning death), I don't think there is that much etiquette in the Chinese food world. At least not if you see what it looks like after they have finished eating...;)
04 February 2014 - 4:30
admin says:
Lennart, interesting! Yes, you always hope you get it right!
😉
BP, is that true? But what about.... huur do you do then...?
Christine, of course it is becoming more and more international all over the world. But interesting, I only knew that people usually eat with a spoon and fork, not that a knife was considered bad.
Marina, the chopsticks thing was in Aftonbladet too! Haha, no, you may have a point there...
04 February 2014 - 8:09