In a world map recently released by Remitly, a platform for sending money abroad, we get a captivating insight into culinary traditions and table etiquettes in various countries. From the ideal time to enjoy a cappuccino in Italy to the rituals surrounding beer drinking in Kenya or Peru, this map reveals a range of practices often unknown to travelers. Let’s take a look at some examples here to avoid making unintentional missteps at the table.
How was this culinary world map created?
Remitly experts studied food and drink rules around the world by examining Google search results for search terms “good table manners in (name of country)” in 180 countries, then searching through hundreds of cultural guides and local tips on forums like Reddit. Countries for which there was insufficient data to analyze were excluded from the research.
So, they have created a practical resource for anyone traveling or going to live abroad. Of course, these rules are not always to be taken literally: you will see that some of them are eccentric and sometimes unknown to residents. However, the card remains very useful for avoiding mistakes and can save you from embarrassing situations. Here are some examples:
- Etiquette varies in each country
- Social and cultural norms regarding food vary greatly from country to country. For example, some cultures have a specific order in which people sit to eat, and others may consider eating with cutlery rather than hands rude. Here are some interesting examples:
In Italy, drinking a cappuccino after 11 a.m. can be seen as a lack of good manners. It’s just like putting ketchup in pasta or on a pizza: some Italians will take this as a real offense. Indeed, they consider cappuccino too sweet and too heavy to be consumed after a meal. To avoid attracting attention, opt for a simple espresso.
In the United States, pizza is not eaten with utensils. But in Colombia and Venezuela, it is rude to eat with your hands. Even when eating fruit, Venezuelans use utensils. In Bahrain and many countries with Arab culture, it is important to handle dishes and food with the right hand.
In Asia, there are specific cultural rules in each country regarding food. For example, it is not considered good practice to mix wasabi with soy sauce when eating sushi in Japan. In South Korea, it is rude to drink alcohol in front of an elderly person without turning your head as a sign of respect. And in Uzbekistan, sweet dishes are served at the beginning of the meal rather than at the end.
In South America, Chileans must ask for the bill, otherwise the waiter will not bring it. In Suriname, there are no fixed meal times. And in Brazil, an ancient belief prohibits mixing milk and mango.
Focus on Europe
When it comes to eating, drinking and good table manners, France is pretty well placed. Remitly could have mentioned the bread that must not be turned or the hands that must remain on the table, but ultimately chose to insist that it is rude in France to cut your salad with a knife. The rules of decorum that apply here are also present in other European countries, and the map mentions the following examples:
In Austria, you must not cross your arms when toasting. In Hungary, it is rude to use bread to clean your plate. In Slovenia, it is best not to talk about work during a meal. For their part, Croatians love spending time in cafes, and expect you to spend at least half an hour over coffee on a date.
Alcohol abroad
Depending on the country, norms and customs relating to alcohol consumption may vary. In some countries, these rules are limited to simple traditions, while other countries have stricter official rules. It is therefore important to know them so as not to find yourself in a delicate situation. For example, a license is required to consume alcohol at home in the UAE (you can consume alcohol without a license in restaurants). In Peru, beer is often consumed in groups in a single shared glass. In Kenya, some beers are drunk warm, and in the Philippines it is common to make an offering before drinking alcohol, pouring a little of the drink on the ground.
A surprising piece of information is revealed to us by the map: it is illegal to be drunk in a pub in the UK. Indeed, a law from the Licensing Act of 1872 still in force stipulates that any person found drunk in a licensed establishment is liable to a fine. Rest assured: if you happen to drink one pint too many on the other side of the Channel, there is little chance that you will be penalized.
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