13 Different Etiquette Tips to Eat Around the World

India

When you eat a meal in India, you will not always have utensils, as Indians often expect you to eat with your hands. If you do eat with your hands, do so with your right hand, as the culture believes that the left hand is unclean.

Japan

Using chopsticks to eat in Japan is commonplace, but there are certain things you should not do when using them. Do not stand them vertically in your rice, for example, as the Japanese associate this with the dead. Also, do not use them to dip into shared dishes.

China

Many people assume that they need to leave a tip when they go for a restaurant meal. However, in some countries, tipping is not considered good etiquette. In China, many restaurants enforce a "no tipping" policy.

Thailand

When you eat at a restaurant in Thailand, wait staff will often provide you with a spoon and a fork by way of utensils. Make sure you do not just dig in with your spoon. Instead, push your food onto the spoon using the fork. Do not eat with the fork, as they consider this rude.

Italy

Italy is famous for its cuisine, particularly when it comes to dishes such as authentic pizza. However, if you are eating pizza or other dishes at a restaurant, avoid asking for extra cheese unless staff offers it to you, as they may consider this rude.

France

If you are dining with locals in France, they consider it unsophisticated to split the bill. Instead, one person should pay the bill in its entirety.

Korea

If you are dining with a group of people in Korea, do not begin eating until the eldest person has started his or her meal. Also, remain at the table until the eldest person has finished eating as a mark of respect.

 

Spain

When eating out in Spain, avoid placing your cutlery on your plate for any length of time, as this will indicate that you are finished. If you still want to eat but need to put your utensils down, put them to the side of the plate on the table.

Mexico

When eating in Mexico, aim to use your hands as often as you can. Some consider it pretentious and snobby if you eat with a knife and fork.

Chile

In sharp contrast to Mexico, always use utensils to eat your food when in Chile. There, people think it rude to eat food with your hands, even when consuming snacks such as fries.

Portugal

If you are eating at a restaurant in Portugal and there is no salt or pepper on the table, do without it. Never ask for these condiments if they are not already on the table, as the staff will consider this an insult to the chef's skills.

Russia

When you eat out in Russia, avoid putting your hands on your lap. There, people consider it good etiquette to rest your wrists on the table edge rather than out of sight on your lap.

 

 

Ethiopia

It is not good etiquette to use an individual plate for your food when you eat in Ethiopia. Instead, you should consume food from a shared plate and eat with your hands.
 

source:answers.com