When in Chicago – it helps to know how the world dines so you can keep your cool while you get your global grub on!
And Everything Nice….
I am at my best with food beautifully plated in front of me. I truly enjoy dinner parties and dining out. Over the last ten years my palate has become more global by dining at ethnic restaurants and meeting various people from different cultures. Dining Globally can be very different, fun, and educational. Over the years, I have become a little obsessed with learning about other cultures and their dining etiquette. If you are dining out at an ethnic restaurant or someone’s home, try to learn the dining traditions from their country. It’s so rewarding.
Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you are Dining Globally:
Chinese
- Never eat or take food before the eldest person (grandparents) at the table.
- Holding your bowl of rice or food is acceptable but palm the bowl from the bottom.
-Don’t let your thumb or fingers grip the lip of the bowl.
- Don’t mix your food up with your rice. Think of the white rice as a palate cleaner. It gets you ready for your next item.
- Don’t take more than one food item at a time.
Ethiopian
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Make sure everyone has injera (a sponge like bread that is use to pick up food)
- Don’t lick or suck on your fingers. Wipe your fingers instead.
- Never reach over someone else’s hand or arm to get some food.
- Try all dishes. Don’t assume that you have to eat only the entree you ordered – this is communal eating.
French
- A French dinner often consists of a salad with vinaigrette for the starter, main course, cheese course, dessert, and coffee.
- Bread is always laid on the tablecloth not on a bread plate unless it’s a formal affair.
- At the end of your meal use a piece of bread on your fork, as a means of cleaning the plate for the next course. This is done when eating at a friend’s house, otherwise in a more formal setting, each course is served on a new plate.
- When in doubt, follow the lead of your house. When the lady of the house puts her plate in your lap you do too.
- Put your good clothes on. The French version of casual to dress up but don’t overdress.
- Don’t cut your salad. Fold the lettuce on to the fork.
Indian
- Don’t ever ask for pork or beef…you won’t get it. All Indian will not serve beef or pork. Hindus believe that the cow is a sacred animal and Muslims believe that the pig is a filthy animal. So there you go.
- You can eat anything with your hand as long as it is not messy or wet. They believe that eating is a very sensual thing and should be experienced with all the senses.
- Be prepared to go out for after dinner drinks. You most likely will not find alcohol in an Indian restaurant and if they do, the bar is very minimal.
Italian
- Pick up cheese with your knife rather than your fingers.
- The host gives the first toast yet the honored guest returns the host with a toast later.
- Take a small amount of food so you can take the second helping that is guaranteed to be offered. It is ok to leave a small amount of food on your plate.
- If invited to a dinner party, bring wine or chocolate.
Japanese
- Try to eat all sushi pieces in one bite. Sushi is a wonderful work of art. You shouldn’t want to destroy the artwork.
- It is ok to drink your miso soup out of the bowl but eat the big pieces with the chopsticks.
- Serve each other when pouring alcoholic beverages. Never pour your own. And if someone wants to serve you more, quickly drink it down and hold towards that person. Don’t start drinking until everyone’s glass is poured.
- Never pour soy sauce on your white rice. Pour it in the small dish provided to you but never pour more than you will use. It is considered bad manners to waste soy sauce.
Polish
- If the host is wearing slippers, be prepared to take off you shoes.
- Always offer to help the host or hostess with anything. Out of politeness they won’t turn you down.
- Don’t ask for a tour of the house.
- Toasts will be made throughout the meal and made with vodka.
- Don’t come in your flyest clothes. Dress a little conservatively for this dinner.
Spanish
- Talk, Talk, Talk. Never let a meal go silent. Conversation is the heart of a good meal.
- The Spanish like to see your hands but keep your elbows off the table. Keep your hands visible when eating.
- You may use a small piece of bread to help push food on your fork but only do this when you are at a family affair, not in the restaurants.
- Cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife when you’re done eating.
Thai
- Thai food is to be shared. Take small portions
- Finish everything on your plate; it lets the host know you enjoyed the meal.
- Don’t look around for your knife. Your fork is your knife.
- You will rarely see chopsticks at a Thai restaurant for they do not eat with them. They will have chopsticks but you will have to ask. They have chopsticks for the people who think you are supposed to eat ALL Asian food with chopsticks.
Extra Tips:
When eating Chinese and Japanese food:
When eating soups and noodles it is ok to make some slurping noises. Eating noodles without sound in Japan and China is looked upon as weird.
Chopsticks are the main utensil used when eating Chinese and Japanese dishes. If you are getting something from a large dish, do not use the end that was in your mouth, use the top ends to push food onto your plate.
The best way to learn how to eat with chopsticks is to eat with them more often. Do it at home when you’re eating Asian dishes in the privacy of your own home. You will be a pro by the time you dine out.
Universal Tips on Etiquette
Wait to be seated when going to a dinner party. They may have a special seat for you. Once you’re seated, wait till the host gives you permission to begin eating.
French, Spanish, Polish and Jamaican (if formal) table manners are continental, meaning the fork is in the left hand and knife in the right while eating.
Break your bread into pieces before eating. You should never bite down into a piece of bread.
Always be on time if you’re going to a dinner party. No exceptions. If you know you’re going to be late, call as soon as possible.
Always take small amounts of food especially during a buffet.
Bilal
COULTRAIN/SEYMOUR LIBERTY
