Tuesday, October 29, 2019

FOOD TRIVIA: Food and Drink Traditions Around the World

   UNUSUAL FOOD AND DRINK TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

In FRANCE, it is considered rude to cut the lettuce in a salad; salads are meant to be folded over and eaten with a fork. If you are drinking wine, your glass will always be refilled. If you do not want anymore, leave your glass almost full.

In ENGLAND, bananas are to be eaten with a knife and fork; a custom which dates back to the 1800’s when bananas were seen as an exotic treat.

GERMANS do not cut their potatoes or dumplings with a knife. This would suggest that they are not completely done.

In JAPAN and KOREA tipping after a meal is offensive since it is seen as begging.

Drinking beer from a bottle is considered rude in TANZANIA. It should always be poured in a glass.

You must wait for everyone to be served before you start eating in ITALY except when you are served pasta. This you can start eating as soon as it is served to you.

Bringing wine to your host/ hostess in PORTUGAL is considered insulting.

Do not salt your food in EGYPT since the person who prepared it will be insulted because he/she prepared it the way they intended it to taste.

In RUSSIA and CHINA you must leave a small amount of food on your plate to let the host know that he/she is generous and has provided an adequate amount of food.  However, in INDIA and the PHILIPPINES, not clearing you plate is considered rude and wasteful.

In JAPAN, when eating ramen, you are expected to “slurp” loudly to show enjoyment but, in a more practical way, to cool the noodles as you eat them, as well.

In AUSTRIA, one must make eye contact with every person you “clink” glasses with when making a toast.