FoodLovers take note: Different eating habits from around the world (2)

Posted on 04/20/2022 by FTB

A month ago, we wrote our first blog about different eating habits around the world. We continued our research and found even more distinct eating habits.These various customs might sometimes make us feel out of place or come across as unintentionally unpleasant. Strange, on the other hand, is only a matter of perspective, isn't it? So Food Lovers take note, don't forget to take these eating habits into account when you go abroad.

DINNER TIME?

Dinner may not be what you and I are used to. The expression dinner may refer to lunch as some of us know it, depending on where you are in England. The evening meal is also called tea or supper, depending on what time it is eaten. Supper may then be a lighter meal served later in the evening. So, if your British colleague invites you out to supper, be sure to inquire about the time of day. In several regions of the world, the phrase dinner refers to the largest and most important meal of the day, whether it is served at noon or in the evening. In Russia, however, lunch is the major and heaviest meal. Dinners are often lighter, consisting of small bread, meats, and vegetables. After supper, tea is generally provided. Oh, and don't forget, that if you're drinking vodka in Russia, don't add any mixers or ice. Mixing vodka with anything else is said to degrade the alcohol's purity.
PLEASE SLURP AND BURP

In America, slurping while eating is often seen as rude and unmannered. In Japan, they believe that slurping noodles and soup improves the taste. It is also done to indicate that the food is well appreciated. If you are a beginner, expect to cough and choke a lot on your first attempts. In addition, in America, it is not appreciated if you burp, whereas in China burping is a sign of satisfaction with a meal, and it is considered a compliment to the cook.
ELDERS FIRST

When eating with a group of people in South Korea, Korean dining etiquette demands that people sit at the table according to their social status. The closer you sit to the door, the younger or lower in rank you are, and only after your elders have sat down. As one might expect, this also applies when visiting a significant other's or a friend's family - rank relates to social status as well as rank in a professional context. After that, once you've taken a seat at the table, it's critical to wait until the oldest person begins to eat. After then, the rest may begin. These customs are a display of respect for those who are older and more important.