Etiquette while dining is an important way to show respect for your host and for those present at the table too. Often times, you can give offense and not even know it because travelers can be unfamiliar with local customs. To help you prepare to be a gracious guest, here is a handy guide to help you navigate dining etiquette wherever you in the world.
Italy
Do follow the lead of your host- they are the first to sit, eat, give a toast, and even when it’s time to get up at the end
Do give a toast later in the meal
Do leave some food on your plate at the end
Do hold your knife in the right hand and fork in the left
Don’t keep your hands in your lap or rest elbows on the table
Colombia
Do wait to be seated by your host
Do pass all dishes to the left
Do rest your wrists on the table when not holding silverware
Do put your utensils horizontally across the plate so they are parallel
Don’t switch around knives and forks in your hands- keep them in the same hand
Don’t use a toothpick
France
Do you use the fork in the left hand and knife in the right hand
Do finish your entire plate
Do leave your wine glass full if you want no more
Do cross your fork over your knife if you are not done eating
Don’t start chowing down until the host says “bon appetite”
Don’t put your elbows in the table- keep your hands out of your lap at all times
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Morocco
Do sit around the table on the carpet
Do eat the food closest to you from the communal plate- no reaching around
Do use a piece of bread or thumb and first two fingers of your right hand to scoop food
Do take any choice cuts offered to the guest by the host
Do use the wash basin to wash hands and dry them in the towel provided
Don’t lick your fingers or put your hand in your mouth- everyone is eating from communal dishes
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Russia
Do wait for the host to tell you to start eating
Do hold any forks in the left hand and knife in the right
Do pour drinks for any women next to you or wait until any men next you a drink
Do keep hands above the table- but no elbows
Do take second helpings when offered
Do use bread to soak up sauces
Do leave a little food on your plate
Don’t get up until the host says it’s ok to leave
India
Do sit on the rug on the floor around a table
Do wash your hands before and after
Do use only your right hand
Do use flatbreads to scoop food
Do follow the cues of the oldest person to sit and also when to start eating
Do eat with your hands
Don’t waste food- it’s a sign of disrespect
Japan
Do drink from the soup bowl and bring up towards your mouth- spoons are not common
Do sit on cushions on the floor to eat
Do eat sashimi and sushi by first dipping in soy sauce and eat in one bite
Do say “I gratefully receive this meal” before and thank them after
Don’t pass food using your chopsticks
Don’t leave a tip if at a restaurant
Don’t cross, lick, or stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl- this is rude
Everyone enjoys relaxing, eating good food, and good company- just simply smile and thank your hosts for the meal. If all else fails, look to the host- they will be able to help you of you get lost. Now armed with rules for dining etiquette from around the world, you can dine without fear and enjoy that local dish you’ve always wanted to try or go on that tour that brings you to a local’s home for a meal.