Traveling is not only about new places, but also new gastronomic experiences. However, abroad you may encounter unexpected rules of behavior at the table. For example, in Japan, tipping is considered an insult and in China loud slurping is welcome, while in Italy an after-dinner cappuccino is bad taste. The ignorance of local traditions can lead to an awkward situation, or even spoil the impression of the dinner.
In this sense, restaurant etiquette is like collecting coins. For example, if you have an old coin, it is not enough just to find it in your wallet - it is important to know what it is worth, what its features are, and whether it is rare. Someone might ask “how much is a 1939 nickel worth today”, and without knowledge, it's easy to either cheap or overvalue a find. So too with the rules of behavior at the table: what is considered normal in one country may look strange or even rude in another.
Fortunately, in numismatics there is Coin ID Scanner, which helps collectors quickly determine the value of coins. But there is no universal “scanner” of restaurant etiquette - it remains only to study traditions before traveling. So, right now we are going to see unusual rules of behavior at the table in different countries, so that your dinner in any corner of the world goes without surprises.
Essential Dining Etiquette Rules Around the World
Dining abroad is more than just enjoying great food - it is about respecting local customs. A small mistake at the table can quickly turn an enjoyable meal into an awkward experience. Every culture has its own unspoken rules, from calling a waiter to handling utensils, that might surprise travelers.
Calling the Waiter: The Do’s and Don’ts
Ways of getting the waiter's attention vary greatly from culture to culture. In France, waving or beckoning to the waiter is considered impolite; instead, you should make eye contact and nod slightly. In Japan, where waiters don't hang around tables, they are politely beckoned with sumimasen.
In Spain, a simple “perdón” or a raised hand is enough, but shouting “garçon” in a French restaurant - as shown in old movies - is completely unacceptable. In the U.S., servers often peek into the restaurant, and a polite “excuse me” is fine. The best way to handle it? Observe how the locals do it - in many countries, snapping fingers or impatient gestures may seem disrespectful.
Cutlery Rules: Knife, Fork, or Chopsticks?
Table manners go beyond ordering. In France, Germany and the UK, the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right throughout the meal. While Americans often slice their food first and then move the fork to their right hand - a small but noticeable difference.
In Asia, the use of chopsticks also comes with strict etiquette. In Japan and China, sticking them vertically into a bowl of rice is a serious misstep, as it resembles a funeral ritual. Passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another is also discouraged, as it mimics the practice of cremation.
Some cultures refuse to use utensils at all. In India, Ethiopia and some Middle Eastern countries, it is customary to eat with the hands, but always with the right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. So if in doubt, just follow the locals' example or ask cautiously.
Food Traditions: When and How to Eat
Beyond table manners, each country has its own food customs that can surprise visitors. In Italy, ordering a cappuccino after a meal immediately marks you as a tourist - Italians believe milk-based coffee is strictly for breakfast, preferring espresso later in the day.
In Russia, soup is served steaming hot, but blowing on it is considered impolite. Instead, stirring it gently is the proper way to cool it down. Leaving an empty bread basket can also signal that you're still hungry.
Traveling to India? Be mindful of spice levels. Locals may assume you can handle intense heat, so if you're not used to it, be sure to ask for “less spicy.” Meanwhile, in Mexico, tacos are meant to be eaten with your hands - using a fork and knife looks odd, and drenching them in salsa until everything spills out is a clear sign you’re unfamiliar with the dish.
A little cultural awareness goes a long way in making dining abroad a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether it’s calling the waiter, handling cutlery, or following local food traditions, understanding these small details helps travelers avoid awkward moments and fully enjoy the flavors of a new country.
Surprising Dining Traditions Around the World
Dining abroad isn’t just about savoring new flavors—it’s about diving into unique cultural rituals that might leave you surprised or amused. Here are some surprising dining customs that can make you rethink the way we eat.
China: Slurping and Burping Are Compliments!
In China, slurping your noodles or letting out a burp after a meal isn’t rude, it is actually a compliment, as it “shows” the chef that you truly enjoyed the meal. While this might seem shocking to Western diners, it is considered as a gesture of appreciation in Chinese dining culture.
Fun fact: At a formal Chinese banquet, it’s actually polite to leave a little food on your plate. It signals that you were served generously and don’t want to appear greedy.
Georgia: A Toast You Can’t Refuse
In Georgia, toasting is a usual ritual! The host, or tamada, gives long, poetic toasts throughout the meal, and refusing to participate is considered extremely rude. It’s a celebration of life, hospitality, and wine, so be prepared for a feast of both food and words.
Pro tip: If you are invited to a supra (a traditional Georgian feast), get ready to listen to heartfelt toasts before taking your drink (it is a traditional way of honoring guests and showing respect).
Spain: Dining Starts When You’d Normally Be Sleeping
In Spain, dinner is served late (very late). While most Western countries start dinner at around 6 or 7 PM, Spaniards typically begin their evening meals at 9 or 10 PM. Some restaurants might not even open until then, so showing up at 7 PM will likely leave you staring at an empty restaurant.
Lifehack: If you are dining in Spain, be prepared for long, leisurely meals. Dinner is less about eating a quick meal and more about spending quality time with family and friends, so expect the meal to stretch over several hours.
Tipping Around the World: How Much and Where?
Tipping is one of the most confusing aspects of restaurant etiquette when traveling. In some countries, tipping is an expected part of the dining experience, while in others, leaving extra money on the table might actually be seen as offensive or unnecessary. To avoid awkward moments, you need to know where tipping is the norm and how much to leave.
Where Tipping is Expected
In many countries, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service and is considered a social obligation rather than an optional gesture.
United States: Tipping is essential. Waitstaff often earn lower wages with the expectation that tips will supplement their income. The standard tip is 15 - 20% of the bill, and leaving without tipping is considered rude.
Canada: Similar to the U.S., tipping 15 - 20% is expected in restaurants.
Mexico: Tipping is also customary, usually around 10 - 15%. Some tourist-heavy places might include a service charge, so always check the bill.
Turkey: Leaving a 5 - 10% tip is considered polite, and handing it directly to the server rather than leaving it on the table is customary.
Where Tipping is Optional or Minimal
In some countries, the service charge is included in the bill, which means tipping might not be expected (or only for exceptional service). In France, a "service compris" (service included) is often part of the price, though locals may leave an extra 5–10% if the service was particularly good. In Germany, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip of 5–10% is the standard way to show appreciation. Meanwhile, in Italy, you will often see a "coperto" (cover charge) added to the bill, so tipping beyond a few extra euros isn’t really necessary unless the service was outstanding. These practices highlight how tipping customs can vary across cultures, and each country offers its own attitude to showing gratitude for good service.
Where Tipping is Uncommon or Discouraged
In some cultures, tipping is not only unnecessary, but it can also be considered rude. In Japan, for example, tipping is seen as unnecessary, and some waiters may even refuse to accept a tip. Service is considered part of the job, so offering money could confuse or even embarrass the staff. South Korea follows a similar attitude, where tipping is not expected, though some high-end restaurants might include a service charge. In China, while tipping is gradually becoming more common in tourist-heavy areas, it is still not a standard practice in most local eateries. This cultural difference highlights the diverse ways hospitality is understood around the world.
To make it even easier, here’s a quick reference table for tipping customs around the world:
Country | Tip expected? | How to leave it? |
USA | 15–20% | Add to bill or leave cash |
France | 5–10% (sometimes included) | Check the bill; leave extra if desired |
Germany | 5–10% | Round up the bill or hand to the waiter |
Japan | No tipping | Considered rude |
Italy | 1–2 euros | Leave on the table if not included |
Turkey | 5–10% | Hand to the server |
Tip: If you're ever unsure whether to tip, observe what locals do or politely ask the waiter. It’s always better to check than to assume.
The Culinary Road without Mistakes
Traveling is more than just seeing something new, it's also about immersing yourself in unique gastronomic traditions. Understanding these traditions helps you avoid awkward situations and enjoy every moment at the table. So, know the nuances of table behavior to make your trip both delicious and comfortable!
