12 Unexpected Etiquette Rules from Around the World

Summary

This video explores 12 unexpected food etiquette rules from around the world, highlighting the cultural nuances that shape dining experiences. From the Thai preference for spoons over forks to the Chinese belief that a clean teapot has 'soul,' these rules challenge common Western dining practices. The video also covers fascinating practices like not finishing your plate in China, avoiding salt in Portugal, and the art of toasting in Georgia. Viewers are invited to discover unique customs, ensuring they respect local traditions when traveling and dining abroad.

Takeaways

• 😀 Forks are not used for eating in Thailand; they are only used to push food onto a spoon.
• 😀 In China, finishing your plate is impolite; it signals the host hasn't served enough food.
• 😀 In Ethiopia, it's common to share food from one large plate without using individual plates.
• 😀 Asking for extra cheese in Italy may insult the chef, as it implies dissatisfaction with their preparation.
• 😀 In Portugal, asking for salt and pepper is seen as an insult to the chef’s seasoning.
• 😀 In Japan, it’s rude to stick chopsticks vertically into rice, as this resembles a funeral tradition.
• 😀 In the Middle East, India, and parts of Africa, the left hand is considered unclean and should not be used for eating.
• 😀 In Georgia, toasts are an important tradition, and you must drink the entire glass after someone finishes their speech.
• 😀 In Japan, never refill your own drink; it’s customary to refill the drink of the person next to you.
• 😀 In Italy, cappuccinos are considered a breakfast drink, and drinking one in the afternoon is considered unusual.
• 😀 In Kazakhstan, offering a half-filled cup of tea indicates that the host wants to keep you around longer.
• 😀 In China, teapots are never washed with dish soap, as the resulting plaque is considered to give the teapot a ‘soul’.

Q & A

Why is it considered impolite to use a fork in Thailand?

In Thailand, using a fork to eat is seen as bad form. While forks are used to push food onto a spoon, you should not eat directly from the fork. A spoon is traditionally used to eat rice, which is served on plates, not bowls.

What should you do in China if you want to show appreciation for a meal?

In China, finishing all the food on your plate is considered impolite because it suggests that the host did not provide enough food. To compliment the chef, leave some food on your plate, and belching is also acceptable to show that you enjoyed the meal.

How do meals typically work in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, meals are commonly shared from a large serving plate at the center of the table. It's considered wasteful to have a personal plate. Only eat from the portion nearest to you, and meat dishes are typically eaten last.

Why is asking for extra cheese considered rude in Italy?

In Italy, asking for extra cheese on dishes like pasta or pizza is seen as insulting to the chef, as it suggests that the dish was not prepared to your liking. Italians take pride in their culinary traditions and believe that their dishes are perfected as they are.

What is the etiquette around using salt and pepper in Portugal?

In Portugal, asking for salt and pepper is considered impolite, as it may offend the cook. Local dishes are usually perfectly seasoned, and the addition of extra spices can be seen as a criticism of the chef's cooking.

What chopstick etiquette should you follow in Japan?

In Japan, it's considered disrespectful to stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this mimics a funeral tradition. Instead, you should place your chopsticks parallel to the edge of the table when not in use.

Why should you avoid using your left hand to eat in the Middle East?

In many countries in the Middle East, India, and some parts of Africa, the left hand is considered unclean because it is traditionally used for personal hygiene after using the restroom. Therefore, it's important to use your right hand for eating and socializing.

What is the wine etiquette in Georgia?

In Georgia, wine drinking is an important social ritual. You should wait for someone to finish their long, heartfelt toast before drinking, and once you start, you must drink the entire glass in one go. Sipping slowly is considered improper.

What is the tradition regarding refilling glasses in Japan?

In Japan, you should never refill your own glass. It's customary to pour drinks for others at the table, and they will return the favor. Doing otherwise might earn you disapproving looks from your dining companions.

Why should you avoid drinking cappuccino after noon in Italy?

In Italy, cappuccino is considered a breakfast drink, often consumed to substitute for a light meal. Drinking it after noon is thought to upset your stomach, and locals may view it as a sign that you're a tourist.

What does receiving half a cup of tea mean in Kazakhstan?

In Kazakhstan, if you're offered half a cup of tea, it signifies that your host wants to keep the conversation going and doesn't want you to leave just yet. A full cup, however, indicates that it's time to wrap up your visit.

Why is it important not to wash a teapot in China with dish soap?

In China, especially during tea ceremonies, washing a teapot with dish soap is seen as disrespectful. The buildup of tea residue gives the teapot its 'soul,' and using chemicals to clean it would destroy that essence, which is deeply tied to the culture and tradition.