As you know, all countries of the world are distinguished by their traditions, including culinary ones. Its view of many things makes each nationality unique. And sometimes you wonder why there are such customs beyond the seas-oceans?
What can be unusual in serving dishes, setting the table and, in general, in dining etiquette? And what you should know before traveling to these countries, because non-observance of the traditions of table etiquette can greatly offend or anger the indigenous people.
France
French cuisine is a source of pride for the inhabitants of this country. Therefore, the most important rule at the table: there is a dish in the form in which it is served to you, without adding salt or seasoning, and all food should be eaten to the last crumb.
A lunchtime meal is a good reason for the French to make and discuss difficult decisions, so business lunches, cocktails, breakfasts and dinners are not uncommon here. They also talk a lot about art, travel and sightseeing, books read and events attended. But talking about money at the table is bad form.
For an invited dinner, it is customary to be a little late and bring with you elite wine with chocolate or flowers. Keeping your hands under the table is considered ugly – the French will think that you are hiding something from them.
Dessert in France is served without hot drinks, but if alcohol is offered at the end of the meal, this is a sign that it is time for guests to disperse.
Italy
Arriving in Italy, the country of pizza, pasta, delicious bruschetta and fragrant desserts, do not offend the chef with your request to serve sauce with the dish. Doing so will show that their food is bland or not tasty enough to be eaten just like that. Touchy Italian chefs will not tolerate criticism – do not hesitate, the dish served is a masterpiece from the chef’s point of view!
Also, do not risk asking parmesan for pizza or pasta – any Italian thinks the combination of these ingredients is wrong. As well as drinking cappuccino not for breakfast – except in the morning, you will not order this drink anywhere else until the next day.
Germany
Pedantic Germans love order, punctuality and discipline in everything. Any business for a resident of Germany is planned in advance and subject to a clear plan and rules.
Not to wish everyone a good meal at the table is the height of bad manners. You can start a meal only when all the dishes for each participant have been brought out on the table.
It is indecent to be late for lunch, since the whole day of the Germans is scheduled by the minute. In principle, this is not so difficult, since all daily meals are held at the same time. It is customary to bring flowers or sweets to guests by invitation, but the alcohol brought will offend the owner, who usually has a good supply of wines in the arsenal for his guests.
Japan
Japan is rich in culinary traditions and culture. The Japanese are very sensitive to everything related to table behavior, and do not understand the liberties.
Chopsticks should never be left in the plate – this gesture is only permissible at a funeral dinner. Put them on a special stand, which must be served with a meal. Also, you cannot poke chopsticks into food when choosing your order.
It is customary in Japan to serve warm hand towels to guests before meals, and it is unacceptable to wipe other parts of the body with them. All those present before the start of the meal should wish you bon appetite.
In Japan, you cannot sit cross-legged – by doing so, you show your disinterest in conversations at the table. But chomping in this country is very necessary – for the chef it is a sign that the dish is great!
England
The British are distinguished by their stiffness and thoroughness in observing any traditions. The rules of any etiquette are especially important, because Great Britain is a country of ladies and gentlemen.
For starters, there is no lively conversation at the table during a meal in England. It is customary to voice your dialogues very quietly, without disturbing others to enjoy the taste of food. If there is a stranger at the table, it is not allowed to address him before introducing each other to mutual acquaintances. As well as starting conversations about business until all the ordered food is brought in.
The British hold their hands exclusively under the table, without extending their elbows and not putting them on the table. Posture should be level. A dress code is required for any appearance at the table in this country.
It is not customary to put cutlery next to the plates, since special stands are not served for them – the British keep forks and spoons in the plate all the time. Eating a whole sandwich is considered bad form. Correctly break off pieces of bread for one bite, only then spread one with butter or jam and eat. Smoking at the table is strictly prohibited.
Holy in England – an invitation to tea. In no case should you ignore him, the inviter can be greatly offended.
China
Most of the Chinese table manners have to do with chopsticks. Do not touch the pointed ends until you have finished your meal. You cannot lay them crosswise and drop them on the floor – the sound of the falling sticks can wake up the sleeping spirits of the ancestors.
Chinese noodles, despite their length, cannot be cut – this is an encroachment on their own longevity, since it is the length of many ingredients in China that symbolizes longevity.
If you are invited to a restaurant and treated to an unusual exotic dish, you should eat at least a small piece through force. And if fish is served, do not turn it upside down – this way you accidentally wish a shipwreck to the fisherman who caught it. Leave the bottom of the fish intact or remove the ridge and then select the flesh.