In India, you should always eat with your left hand.
FALSE. The left hand is considered "unclean" because it is the hand that is used when using the restroom, washing one's feet, etc.
In Ethiopia, you should never turn down a cup of coffee.
TRUE! It is considered rude to refuse.
In Thailand, it is not customary to eat from a fork.
TRUE! You should use the fork to push food onto your spoon and eat from the spoon.
In Germany, you should always smash your potatoes with a fork.
TRUE! Never cut potatoes with a knife. Using a knife means you don't think the potatoes were cooked thoroughly and is an insult to the chef.
In Chile, you should not use your hands to eat - not even if it's French fries!
TRUE!
In Japan, if you don’t slurp when eating your udon or noodles, people may think you don’t like the food.
TRUE! So get those lips a’smackin’!
In Korea, if you are offered a plate, do not accept it with both hands.
FALSE! You should always accept it with both hands. Make sure to hold the food firmly and with both hands, because it shows respect and gratitude.
In Italy, you shouldn't add parmesan cheese to your pizza.
TRUE! Parmesan's flavor is considered too strong and will overwhelm the taste of the pizza.
In France, you should eat your bread before the rest of the food arrives.
FALSE! You should use bread to soak up the sauce and flavor left by the food on the plate after eating..
If you drop bread on the ground in Afghanistan, you should never pick it up!
FALSE! After picking up the bread, you should kiss it and put it to your forehead, before putting the bread back down somewhere other than the floor.
In Cambodia, you should slurp and lip-smack loudly while eating.
TRUE! This is a sign that you are enjoying your meal.
In Japan, tipping is frowned upon.
TRUE! They feel that you are already paying for good service, so tips are not left.
Do not show up on time in Venezuela!
TRUE! It is considered rude to arrive on time. Arriving on time is seen as greedy or impatient. Arrive 15 minutes late and you will be "right on time."
In Japan, chopsticks are never placed upright in a bowl of rice.
TRUE! It is considered bad luck. Always leave your chopsticks resting flat over your bowl or by the side of your plate.
If you are dining in Korea, don't eat until the oldest person in your party begins eating.
TRUE! This is a matter of respect.
In Korean culture, only the names of the dead are to be written down in red.
TRUE! Writing the name of a living person in red is considered extremely poor form. If you’re going to South Korea, it’s best to leave your red pens and markers
Don't ask for the salt or pepper in Portugal!
TRUE! In Portugal, asking for salt or pepper is considered an offense to the chef.
In Egypt, there is a specific protocol to serving drinks.
TRUE! You cannot refill your own glass. You must wait for someone else to do that for you.
In China, making a mess on the table around your plate is very rude.
FALSE! Making a mess around your plate signifies that you have enjoyed your meal.
It Italy, it is ok to order a cappuccino or mocaccino after dinner.
FALSE! The only acceptable drink to order after dinner is an espresso, because Italians see coffee as a digestive and not a dessert.
In Kenya, drinks are always served along with the meal.
FALSE! Drinks are served after the meals in Kenya because they feel it is impolite to drink and eat at the same time.
When dining at a restaurant with friends, splitting the bill is very polite in France.
FALSE! When making dinner plans, either know you’ll be paying for the meal yourself, or invite someone who will.
In China, don't leave behind a clean plate.
TRUE! Leaving a bit of food on your plate is a sign that you are full and that you have been provided with more than enough food.
Instead of putting their lost baby teeth under their pillows in order to get paid, children in Greece instead throw their teeth onto the roofs of their houses and make a wish.
TRUE! Even though it sounds a little unsual
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