Farting after eating?
We love traveling, because discovering new cultures involves a lot of food. While preparing for your vacation, also take a look at the eating habits of the country in question. They may well surprise you.
China
In China, it is absolutely not done to put your chopsticks upright in your food. Chinese people only do this during ceremonial meals, when they make offerings to the dead. Also, absolutely do not do these things with your chopsticks: wave them around, point at someone with them, use them upside down or tap them on the table. Simply put: behave normally with your chopsticks and just use them as eating utensils. Then nothing will go wrong.
Canada
In some Canadian cultures, farting after a meal is a sign of appreciation. Do check carefully which regions this applies to and where it does not. If you really plan to do this during your visit to Canada, first wait until you hear (or smell) someone else doing it. Modern Canadians are likely to be somewhat more relaxed about this gross tradition.
Thailand
We are used to eating with a knife and fork, just like in Thailand. However, it works slightly differently in this Asian country. We bring our food to our mouths with the fork, but in Thailand, locals consider this rude behavior. Use your fork to push the food onto your spoon and then bring it to your mouth.
Japan
For us, slurping is extremely rude, but the Japanese see it differently. Slurping is supposedly supposed to improve the flavor of the dish. It also makes hot food quicker to consume. In Japan, the same rule applies as in China: do not play with your chopsticks, and certainly do not put them upright in your food. Leaving leftovers is also disrespectful toward the chef.
Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu countries
In certain parts of these countries, eating with your left hand is taboo. The right hand is intended for picking up food and clean things. Your left hand, on the other hand, is used in the bathroom. In many Islamic countries, it is also not customary to ask your table companions to pass you something. The food on your side of the table is for you. The food on the other side is for the people sitting there.
South Korea
Are you dining with locals during a visit to South Korea? Then pay close attention. In South Korea, you may only start eating once the oldest person at the table has begun. But what if you do not know who the oldest person is? Or if there are twins at the table? Just ask.
Italy
Italy is one of the best countries for eating and drinking all day long. The pasta, pizzas and risottos are impossible to resist. Preferably all with a huge mountain of Parmesan on top. Just take note: this is absolutely not done with a seafood dish. So never ask the waiter to sprinkle cheese over your seafood pasta. You will be committing a mortal sin.
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