Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette


Seating

Who sits where? What sort of chairs and tables do you have? How do you sit?

 

Utensils

What utensils are used for eating?  Are there any rules about how to use the utensils?  What foods require utensils and what foods can be eaten with your hands?

 

Body Language

Are there any rules about posture? Are there any rules about chewing your food?

 

Conversation

What are acceptable topics at the dining table?

 

Noises

Is slurping allowed? How noisy can your chewing be?

 

Drinking

What are some common toasts? Are there any special rules about filling glasses?

 

Timing

When do you arrive at a home or restaurant? When do you sit down? Is there a particular order to what you drink or eat? When do you leave a home or restaurant? Are there any pre dining or post dining customs?

 

Home versus Restaurant

Are there different protocols between your etiquette at your host cultures home versus a restaurant?  If so then what are they?

 

Reciprocity

Do you tip? If you do tip then how much do you tip? If you are invited to dinner do you have to repay the host with a dinner.

 

Miscellaneous

Do you finish the plate or not? Are there any special hygiene issues?

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