Did You Know About These Interesting Food Customs From Around The World?

Anushka was surprised at her son's newfound interest - eating with a spoon and fork. During their first few weeks in the United States, he had been eating with his hands, as was the custom back in India. Later, she found out that her son's friends at school had teased him when they saw him eating with his hands.

What is considered to be an acceptable food custom in one country or culture may not be the same in another country. Do you love cheese in your seafood? You might not want to try it in Italy, as it is considered extremely rude.

Here are some strange and interesting food customs around the world:

The Middle East: Never use your left hand while eating

Planning a trip to the Middle East? Well, make sure you do not eat with your left hand while you are there. This is primarily because people in the region associate the left hand with other functions such as washing, bathing, and using the restroom. So, if you reach out for food or eat with your left hand, it might seem disrespectful and unhygienic.

Thailand: Do not use a fork to push food into your mouth

Thailand offers a variety of delicious cuisines. One is spoilt for choice when it comes to the vast array of food items that are found in almost every nook and corner in Thailand. Just remember one thing - in this country, it is considered rude to use a fork to put food into your mouth. The people here believe that the fork must be used only to push food into the spoon. You can then use the spoon to eat the food.

Japan: Slurp to show you loved the meal

Often, in many countries, making sounds while eating is considered ill-mannered. And slurping is a big NO. However, in Japan, slurping noodles and soup is considered acceptable, but many believe it improves its flavor. Additionally, it is meant to express that the dish is being enjoyed immensely.

Italy: Don't pair fish with cheese

The Italians are known for their love of food and are famed for their cheese like parmesan cheese and mozzarella. However, don't ever try to mix cheese and seafood, while you are there. Why? It is considered a culinary disaster in Italy.

South Korea: The eldest takes the first bite

In South Korea, when people assemble for a meal, they wait for the eldest person at the table to eat first, before the others join in. This is believed to be a great sign of respect for the elders.

China: Follow the chopstick rules

Do you love to eat with chopsticks? Are you eager to test your chopstick skills on your next visit to China? Just remember not to leave your chopsticks upright in a bowl. This is considered to be offensive as this is a common practice during funerals when the Chinese make offerings to the departed. It is also considered rude to place your chopsticks pointing in someone's direction.

India: The clean plate

In India, an empty plate means that you have enjoyed the food that has been served. It also shows that you honor your host by expressing that the food was tasty. However, in China, it is regarded that your host did not serve you enough food.

Britain: Teatime every time

The British are known for their love of tea, and the customs that accompany the beverage. To begin with, when stirring tea, one should take utmost care to ensure the spoon does not touch the sides of the cup. The spoon should also not be left in the cup after stirring and must be placed on the saucer.

Chile: No hands policy

In Chile, people try to eat almost everything with a fork, spoon, and knife. Even if the food involves items that can be enjoyed more with the hands like chicken drumsticks and wings, it is customary to use a fork and a knife. Here, people believe that food should never be eaten with one's hands.

Egypt and Portugal: No asking for salt and pepper, please

Many a time, your little one may have asked for a little bit of salt or pepper when eating out. However, in Egypt and Portugal, asking for salt and pepper is seen as a huge insult to whoever cooked the food.

There you are. Now that you know ten interesting food customs around the world, be sure to remember them to avoid offending a country's culture.