Sipping and afternoon cappuccino: an expert helps you navigate the world's eating habits

The rules vary from culture to culture.

“Eating rules are particularly varied between cultures,” points out Ágnes Veszelszki. The most obvious example is perhaps belching: at the European table, it is an unforgivable indecency. In some Asian cultures, it is a sign of satisfaction – and even an accepted form of expression of appreciation for the host and the chef. The situation is similar with slurping: in Japan, it is completely natural – and even expected – to slurp soup loudly, especially types rich in noodles. In Europe, the same thing immediately provokes disapproving looks. A single manifestation, yet two separate worlds.

A country's gastronomic pride can also give rise to rules that are strange, even unusual, for other nations. For example, Italians are not only proud of their culinary traditions, but they often expect tourists to follow them: cappuccino is a breakfast drink – it is not appropriate to order it after an afternoon meal, because the milk in it makes digestion difficult. Long pasta must not be broken before cooking or cut after cooking; no cheese, not even Parmesan, is added to fish dishes; we should not order pineapple or chicken with pizza, and ketchup with pasta. All this nicely illustrates the general principle that Ágnes Veszelszki directly states: “When abroad, we should respect the eating habits of the given country and adapt to them.”

Hospitality as an honor

In the best case, welcoming a guest is not a social obligation, but a real honor. In Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, for example, hospitality has a completely different logic than what we are used to in Europe. “Hospitality in these regions is not an obligation, but an honor. That is why they treat the guest with particular attention,” explains Ágnes Veszelszki. This heightened attention also expects attention from the guest in return. A good example of this is an invitation to Arabic coffee, which is not appropriate to refuse – the gesture is based on friendship, and refusal can easily be seen as an insult.

When we sit down on foreign ground

What should we do if we find ourselves at the table of an unfamiliar culture and have no idea about the local customs? The answer is surprisingly simple: listen. “It’s worth following the others, even the host,” advises the expert. If everyone around us is eating in silence, we shouldn’t be the one who forces conversation with loud voices. We can also learn from others how to eat unfamiliar dishes and use cutlery – this is one of the safest ways to avoid getting into an awkward situation.

The delicate issue of alcohol

Few topics in a foreign culture are as sensitive as the consumption of alcoholic beverages – and here, lack of information can lead to serious discomfort.

In Muslim countries, where alcohol is prohibited, don't even try to order an alcoholic beverage in a public place. "Don't be violent if you're warned about the ban," emphasizes Ágnes Veszelszki. In traditional wine-producing countries, on the other hand, wine is a treasure that is carefully guarded: don't ask for it in a good place, and don't put ice cubes in your wine. The exception is the rosé spritz, which is fashionable in the French, and ice is definitely a must.

As a guest, it's worth following a simple rule: only order alcoholic beverages if the host has done so. And no matter how good the company, always be careful not to drink too much.

Read our other expert article on the topic:

One table, many traditions

In today's world, more and more religions, cultures, and diets are sitting at the same table. The situation is not an obstacle, but an opportunity – if both parties approach the situation with a similar attitude.

The formula works in two directions. "Guests should adapt to the host, but a good host also does everything to make their guests feel as comfortable as possible," says the researcher. A considerate host thinks ahead about food sensitivities, pays attention to seating arrangements, and takes into account the different habits of guests. Ultimately, the recipe applies to all situations: "With attentiveness, openness to others, and attention, many difficult situations can be resolved."

What happens if we make a mistake?

No matter how much we prepare, sometimes we accidentally break a rule. In such cases, the worst thing we can do is to get caught up in the awkward moment. "If it's an accidental mistake, don't make a big deal out of it," says Ágnes Veszelszki. If the mistake can be fixed, fix it - and then move on as quickly as possible. A natural, calm attitude is often worth more than any apology.

Charming oddities around the table

Among dining traditions, there are some that bring a smile to our faces at first glance, but there is a beautiful thought behind them. According to superstition, thirteen guests cannot sit at one table. In England, they found an elegant solution to this: on this occasion, a teddy bear is placed as the fourteenth guest. But there is also a quiet, yet apt custom: there should be no clock in the dining room. The thought behind it is simple, logical and infinitely kind: the passage of time should not remind us that a meal spent in good company will eventually end.

Rules vary from culture to culture, expectations differ, and what is natural at home may cause friction elsewhere. Yet the essence of good manners—whether at an omakase table in Tokyo or a catering service in Cairo—is always the same: paying attention to the other person, adapting to the situation, and making sure everyone at the table has a good time.