Virginia Cunningham is a writer and world traveler who enjoys
traveling with her family to experience different cultures, cuisine and music.
Whenever she is visiting a country with which she is unfamiliar, she makes sure
to brush up on that country’s etiquette.
Please enjoy her guest post: Tips When Dining Abroad.
Please enjoy her guest post: Tips When Dining Abroad.
Tips for Dining Abroad
Getting around a foreign land can be challenging as is, and
when you add dining into the mix, it can altogether be an entertaining or
problematic experience. To ensure that your stay in a country is as savory as
the food you’ll be eating, here are some tips to consider when dining abroad.
Don’t be afraid to tell your waiter or waitress that you don’t
understand the menu. Ask him or her what they would suggest for you to try.
This will ensure you get a chance to try the restaurant’s specialties and that you
won’t be staring with a lost look at the menu for too long.
Perhaps you see other patrons digging into what looks to be a
delectable dish – don’t be afraid to ask the waiter or the patrons themselves
what they are having and that you’d like to try that dish as well.
Scout out popular
eateries, dishes or holes-in-the-wall before going on your trip so that you
are prepared once you reach your destination. Some sites even help you do research on a location based on specific
topics such as “nightlife” and “foodies,” so that exploring what a town has to
offer is easy and enjoyable.
Learn some key words
beforehand. If you’re pescatarian and refuse to eat any other type of meat,
you will definitely want to learn how to say “fish” in the country’s native
language. Furthermore, bring a handy dictionary along with you, either
physically or via a smartphone app, so as to not stumble around for choice
words when ordering.
Even if you do stumble and totally butcher the name of a meal,
never fear! Most places will be understanding that you are a tourist and would
be more than happy to assist you in getting you to learn more about their
country and cuisine.
If all else fails and your adventurous palate has gotten the
best of you, simply smile and point to what you want to try.
When traveling and eating abroad, it is also important to be wary of how your food is cooked. If
it’s raw or looks undercooked at all, you may want to avoid it altogether -
while the locals may have the stomach to enjoy such foods, just be aware that
your body may not be as well-equipped. The same idea goes for drinking water –
you may not be able to stomach tap water like the locals, so bottled water is the best option.
When going on a trip abroad, it is important to realize that
there will be customs that are different
from the ones you are be accustomed to, especially when it comes to table
manners. For instance, the following are examples of international dining etiquette:
Japan:
During funerals, the deceased’s rice bowl is placed atop the
coffin with chopsticks sticking upright in the rice – thus, never place your chopsticks upright
when eating! Instead, place them flat and parallel to the table.
Middle East, India,
Africa:
Eat with your right hand
only, because the left hand is considered to be used only for other bodily
purposes. That is, unless you are left hand dominant, in which case, don’t use
your right hand for eating.
China:
Don’t flip a fish
around once you’ve finished eating one side of it – it is considered bad luck.
Instead, don’t eat the bottom part at all (as the most superstitious would
follow) or you can pick behind the bone to get to the meat.
Chile:
It is rude to eat with
your hands. Use a fork and knife instead, even when eating fries.
Moreover, while it is considered polite to finish all of the
food on your plate in many Asian countries as a sign that the food was
appreciated, in the Middle East, it is best if you don’t finish everything on
your plate as this is a sign of the host’s abundance of goods.
Thus, it is important to research etiquette before you travel
abroad. Also take cues from the locals
as to what is acceptable when it comes to dining out.
If all else fails, talk to a local who is willing to teach you
the ropes – you may even make a new friend!
Bon appetit!
Handy tips! I haven't travelled abroad, but at some point I will, and there are things I'll have to know in advance...
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