Most countries have their own unique customs and traditions when it comes to food and take them pretty seriously. This may apply to the way food is eaten, prepared, or even served. What is considered rude in one part of the world might be encouraged in the other. So, if you want to avoid some strange looks from the locals on your next trip, check out some of the most interesting food customs around the world below.
Italy
One of the most interesting food customs in Italy is related to cheese. While Italians use cheese in many dishes, they would never put it on a fish and consider it atrocity.
Bonus custom: Don’t ask for parmesan on your pizza in Italy as Italians view it as an even worse addition to this iconic meal than pineapple.
Japan
Slurping is frowned upon in most countries and gets viewed as sign of bad table manners. But not in Japan. In Japan, slurping is encouraged and shows that you are enjoying your meal.
Portugal
You won’t see salt and pepper shakers in a lot of restaurants in Portugal. This is because salting your food or adding pepper to it is considered an insult to chef’s cooking ability.
South Korea
South Koreans highly respect their elders and make efforts to show it even when they sit down for a meal. Everyone waits for the oldest person at the table to take his bite first as a sign of respect and only then they start eating as well.
Thailand
If you eat everything but soup with a fork, you will be in for a surprise if you visit Thailand. The custom in this Asian country is to eat everything with a spoon. The fork in used only to push food to the spoon not in your mouth.
Chile
Speaking about cutlery. In Chile, you should be using fork or spoon at all times since eating with your hands is considered extremely rude. This even applies to food like pizza and French fries.
Middle East
Hands are also play part of food customs in Middle East. In the countries belonging to this region, it is fine eating with hands but only if you use your right hand.
