What are the different eating styles?

So much for a cup of tea…

In both Britain and USA, when you’re invited for a high tea, don’t ever forget these teaspoon rules. For a start, it’s of course okay to stir up that sugar lump into your tea, but remember to stir without touching the sides of the cup. That’s right no loud clinking! Don’t leave your spoon in the cup after you’re done stirring. Wait, there’s more! Remember to place the spoon on the saucer in the same direction as the handle of the cup. But if you’re smart, you’d just drink a fruit juice instead!

The art of using chopsticks

The Japanese are just as particular about how you use chopsticks as the British worry about the teaspoons. Never stick your chopsticks upright in the rice bowl. It’s convenient, we know, but it’s considered bad manners because it resembles the ceremonial offering to the dead. You don’t want to create an awkward situation like that, do you?

And hey, don’t wave your chopsticks at someone while you’re talking or pull the dish close to you with it or place them on the table pointing towards someone. Just check out some ‘how to use chopsticks’ before you head out! But when it comes to drinking soup, slurp away like a champ, because that’s considered as a big compliment.

Raising a toast

When you’re in Norway and get invited to attend either a business lunch or a business dinner, go for the latter – because the lunches are all about discussions and dinners focus on socializing. When you want to raise a toast to someone, make sure you look the person in the eye and say “Skal!”, nod and then lower the glass!

Tackling a taco

In Mexico, it’s not considered good table manners to eat a taco with a fork and spoon. But then, who would really eat a taco, like that? And here’s another thing if you catch the eye of someone eating, it doesn’t matter even if it’s a stranger, just say “Provecho!” which means “Enjoy!”

One plate for everyone

The Ethiopians are big believers of avoiding waste. So when you’re invited to a dinner or lunch at someone’s place, be prepared to eat food from a single big plate. And don’t look around for spoons and forks – eating with your hand is cool here. If all the mouthwatering stuff is on the other end of the plate, too bad! It’s not, considered good manners to reach out and grab food like that! And don’t be surprised when someone puts food in your mouth – it’s their way of showing respect to their guest. Best of all, expect some good coffee after the meal!

And in China…

When was the last time Mom appreciated you for belching in front of the guests at home? But chances are that when you’re invited for dinner in a Chinese family and you belch loudly after a meal, it’ll be considered a big compliment to the hosts. But when you’re eating fish, remember never to flip it to eat the other side. It’s considered a bad omen, similar to capsizing a boat!

Picture Credit : Google

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