Dining Etiquettes across Various Cultures of the World
What do you know about dining etiquettes of Germany? Or for that matter Japan? How do you know you aren’t offending your client from Turkey with a random, thoughtless gesture? Or maybe, you are showing disrespect to a friend from China by your conduct during dinner?
Well, it’s best to know what to do and what not to do when dining with friends, business partners or clients from different countries of the world. It will save you a whole lot of embarrassment and make a good impression on the other person as well.
German Dining Etiquettes
The first thing you need to know when dining with a German group or family is that it is impolite sit down at the table unless you are directed to your seat by the host. Same goes for when it’s time to begin a meal. You are expected to wait for a signal from the host before you start digging in.
At the table you hold the fork and knife in a continental manner – the first in the left and the second in your right hand. However as a mark of respect and compliment to the chef, you should cut the food with your fork. It shows that the food has been expertly cooked and is tender and flavorsome. You should try and have a little of everything that is served to you. Once you are done with your meal, lay the fork and knife parallel to each other across the plate’s right hand side.
Japanese Dining Etiquettes
Japanese dining etiquettes dictate that at a table the conversation should not be loud or boisterous. That is not to say that you have your meal in silence; you can make conversation but in gentle, subdued tones. The guest of honor is asked to sit at the centre of the table and it is only correct for him to start eating first.
When using chopsticks, never point them or wave them in the air or at other people at the table. It’s impolite to stand the chopsticks in your food. Place them on the bowl or on the chopstick rest provided.
Turkish Dining Etiquettes
Unlike a Japanese gathering where conversations are muted, Turkish meals abound with loud and animated conversations. The guest of honor or the head of the family is served first. However, if you are the guest of honor, it’s considered very polite to insist that the senior most member at the table is served before you.
Do not hesitate to ask for seconds or thirds since Turkish believe that asking for more is the highest possible compliment to the cook. Finally, if you are at a restaurant, Turkish rules dictate that the person who asked you out pay for the meal.
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