1. Tipping in Japan
If you’re used to tipping generously after a good meal, you might want to keep your wallet tucked away in Japan. Here, tipping is actually considered rude, almost like saying the staff needs extra encouragement to do their job properly shares NerdWallet.
Instead, good service is simply expected, and showing your appreciation is done by saying “gochisousama deshita” when you leave, which means “thank you for the meal.” In some places, if you leave money on the table, the waiter may even chase you down to return it. It’s definitely one of those moments where your good intentions could backfire fast. Always check if a service charge is included in the bill, because that’s usually the case. When in doubt, just pay the amount listed and offer a warm thank you adds Business Insider.
2. Asking for Salt and Pepper in Portugal
Imagine sitting down at a cozy restaurant in Portugal, loving the smell of your dish, but thinking it could use a little more seasoning. Be careful before you ask for salt and pepper, because it’s seen as an insult to the chef’s skills shares Dondoo.com.
The chef has already prepared the dish exactly how they believe it should taste. Asking for extra seasoning suggests they didn’t do a good enough job, and it could get you some serious side-eye or even a cold shoulder. It’s not a huge deal in tourist-heavy spots, but in more traditional restaurants, it can definitely ruffle feathers. Try to trust the process and savor the meal as it’s presented. You might even discover new flavors you would have missed otherwise says Mashed.
3. Using Your Left Hand in India
In India, your left hand is considered unclean, and that matters a lot when you’re eating. If you reach for naan or rice with your left hand, you might catch a few horrified looks from the locals.
The left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene, so eating with it, passing food, or even drinking with it can be considered very disrespectful. Even if you’re left-handed, it’s better to train yourself to use your right hand during meals. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference when showing respect for local customs. In more casual places, people might not say anything, but in more formal settings, it could even get you kicked out. It’s always safer to be mindful.
4. Refusing a Toast in Georgia
If you ever find yourself at a feast in Georgia, be prepared to toast — a lot. The toasts are led by the tamada, or toastmaster, and refusing to participate can be seen as extremely rude.
It’s not just a casual “cheers” either; it’s a deeply cultural tradition filled with meaning. Refusing to drink to a toast, even if you’re not much of a drinker, can really offend your hosts. If you can’t drink alcohol, it’s polite to at least raise your glass and take a small sip of water or juice. The important thing is joining in the spirit of the celebration. Otherwise, you might not get invited back — or worse, asked to leave.
5. Sticking Chopsticks Upright in Rice in China
You may not think twice about placing your chopsticks upright in your bowl when you’re pausing between bites, but in China, that’s a big no-no. It’s seen as incredibly bad luck because it resembles incense sticks used at funerals.
Not only could you freak out your dining companions, but you might even upset the restaurant owners. Instead, always lay your chopsticks neatly across your bowl or on the provided rest. Small missteps like this can really stick out in a culture where dining etiquette is taken seriously. Some high-end places might even refuse to serve you further if they think you’re being disrespectful. Better safe than sorry.
6. Cutting Pasta in Italy
If you’re sitting down to a beautiful plate of pasta in Italy, whatever you do, don’t reach for a knife to cut it. Italians are very passionate about their food, and cutting pasta is considered almost barbaric.
Long pasta like spaghetti should be twirled onto your fork — never hacked to pieces. If you start slicing away, expect some glares from the staff or even to be corrected. In really traditional places, making a mess of your pasta could be grounds for asking you to leave. To blend in, just twirl a few strands at a time against your plate or use a spoon if you must. You’ll enjoy your meal a lot more without the extra attention.
7. Eating Before a Toast in Russia
You might be starving by the time you sit down at a Russian dinner, but don’t even think about taking a bite before the first toast. In Russia, it’s customary to wait until someone proposes a toast before eating or drinking.
If you start nibbling early, it’s seen as incredibly disrespectful to your host. Food and drink are closely tied to hospitality and tradition there, and waiting shows your appreciation. Jumping ahead could leave you looking rude or even uncultured. In stricter environments, you could find yourself asked to leave. It’s best to take a deep breath and hold off — the toast usually comes pretty quickly.
8. Asking for Modifications in France
In France, chefs pride themselves on their menus, and dishes are often crafted with serious thought and artistry. Asking for a bunch of substitutions or modifications can come off as disrespectful and downright offensive.
While it’s common in the U.S. to tweak a dish to your liking, it’s not the norm in France. The chef’s vision is meant to be appreciated as-is. In some traditional French restaurants, asking for too many changes could actually get you refused service or, at the very least, a cold reception. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s better to choose something you can eat as prepared rather than trying to customize it. A little flexibility goes a long way.
9. Leaving Food on Your Plate in India
In many parts of India, leaving food on your plate can suggest that you didn’t enjoy the meal — which is a huge insult to your host or the restaurant. Unlike in some cultures where clearing your plate can mean you’re still hungry, in India, finishing your food shows you’re satisfied.
It’s a small but important gesture of respect for the person who prepared the meal. Leaving even a little bit behind could come across as wasteful or rude. Of course, it’s better not to over-serve yourself either, so try to take only what you can reasonably eat. Some high-end establishments or family-style dinners may take serious offense. When in doubt, smaller portions are your friend.
10. Drinking Before the Elders in South Korea
Dining in South Korea comes with a lot of unspoken rules, especially when alcohol is involved. If you’re offered a drink, you need to wait for the eldest person at the table to start drinking first.
If you jump the gun and take a sip before they do, it’s a major faux pas. Respect for age and hierarchy is a big deal in Korean culture. In some cases, being seen as disrespectful could lead to a very awkward moment or even being asked to leave a more traditional establishment. It’s smart to watch and mirror what others are doing. Plus, it’s a nice way to show respect without needing to speak the language perfectly.
11. Eating in Public in the United Arab Emirates During Ramadan
If you’re visiting the UAE during Ramadan, be extremely cautious about eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, and eating in front of those who are fasting is considered extremely disrespectful.
In fact, in many places, it’s not just frowned upon — it’s illegal. Restaurants may even refuse service or kick you out if you’re seen eating openly during the fast. Some places will have designated dining areas covered from public view for non-Muslims. Always check local rules and be respectful of the holiday. It’s about showing courtesy during a sacred time.
12. Touching Communal Food with Your Hands in the Middle East
In many Middle Eastern countries, communal dishes are part of the dining experience. But if you reach in with your bare hands without using bread or a utensil, you might get some very disapproving looks.
It’s considered unsanitary and disrespectful, especially when others are sharing the same dish. Even if you’re used to casual finger food back home, stick to using the proper method at the table. Touching shared food with your fingers can offend the staff and fellow diners alike. In stricter establishments, you could even be asked to leave. It’s a simple habit to break for a much smoother dining experience.
13. Turning Down Coffee in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, coffee isn’t just a drink — it’s a deeply respected social ritual. If someone offers you coffee, especially as part of a coffee ceremony, refusing it can be considered extremely rude.
Even if you don’t drink coffee, it’s polite to accept a small cup and take at least a sip. The ceremony is about friendship, hospitality, and respect. Turning down coffee can feel like turning down the person’s goodwill entirely. If you really can’t drink it, explain kindly, but know it might still be taken personally. When in doubt, accept with a smile and enjoy the moment.
14. Bringing Your Own Food to a Restaurant in Australia
You might think it’s harmless to bring your own snack or drink into a restaurant, but in Australia, that’s a major faux pas. Unless it’s a BYO (Bring Your Own) establishment that specifically allows it, bringing outside food is seen as disrespectful.
Restaurant owners see it as a slap in the face to their offerings. In many places, staff won’t hesitate to ask you to leave if you’re caught munching on something you brought yourself. Even carrying an open drink inside can be frowned upon. Always check the restaurant’s policy first if you’re unsure. When in doubt, just enjoy what’s on the menu.
15. Splitting the Bill in China
In China, dining out is often seen as an opportunity for one person to treat the group, not to nickel-and-dime every item. If you suggest splitting the bill evenly, you might embarrass your host or the group.
Traditionally, the person who extends the invitation covers the entire bill. Arguing too much over the check or insisting on paying your own way can come across as petty. If you want to offer, do so politely, but don’t push it. A better approach is to graciously accept this time and return the favor another day. Otherwise, you might come off as stingy — or worse, disrespectful.
16. Sitting Before Being Invited in Egypt
In Egypt, seating arrangements are taken seriously, especially in formal settings. Sitting down at a dining table before being invited to do so can be seen as highly disrespectful.
Hosts typically assign seats, and it’s polite to wait for them to indicate where you should sit. Jumping the gun could create an awkward atmosphere or offend the host’s sense of hospitality. In traditional restaurants, this rule can sometimes apply too, particularly during special events. You don’t want to be the person creating a fuss over something so easy to avoid. When in doubt, just stand and wait for guidance — it shows patience and respect.