The Do’s and Don’ts of Dining Etiquette: A Guide to Navigating Mealtime Mishaps

There are certain table manners that we ought to bear in mind to avoid being perceived as rude or disrespectful during mealtimes.

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Table manners are an important aspect of Vietnamese culture, and it’s essential to be mindful of certain etiquette rules when sharing a meal with others. Here are some tips to ensure you make a good impression and avoid any cultural faux pas during mealtimes.

1Leg Shaking

Avoid shaking your leg or thigh while eating, as it is considered impolite. This action can cause the table to shake, which may be annoying to those around you.

Leg Shaking

It’s best to refrain from this habit not just during meals but at all times, as it can be quite off-putting and irritating to those sitting across from you.

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2Making Noises While Eating

Not just in Vietnam but also in many other cultures, people find it unpleasant to hear loud slurping or chewing noises. Be mindful of this and try to eat quietly, without opening your mouth while chewing.

Avoid making loud chewing noises

By eating gracefully and quietly, you will create a more elegant and refined image for yourself.

3Sticking Chopsticks in Rice

It is considered disrespectful to stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This action is reserved for rice offerings to the gods and ancestors. Doing so is believed to bring bad luck and is frowned upon.

4Stirring Food

Stirring or digging through your food to find the best pieces is considered rude and disrespectful to those around you. Instead, try to observe and use your chopsticks to pick the food you want without causing a fuss.

5Toothpicking

Toothpicking without covering your mouth is not only unsightly but also impolite. If you need to use a toothpick, find a discreet place and cover your mouth to avoid causing any offense.

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6Knocking on Bowls with Chopsticks

Knocking on bowls with chopsticks or using them to make loud noises is considered disruptive and impolite. In Vietnamese culture, this action is associated with beggars and is believed to bring bad luck and poverty.

However, in Western culture, it is common to knock on a glass with a spoon to get everyone’s attention or to make an announcement.

7Scooping Rice Once

It is considered disrespectful to scoop rice only once when serving yourself. The saying goes, “Once for the gods, twice for yourself.” It is believed that a bowl of rice scooped once is meant for the deceased, so it is avoided.

Additionally, avoid scooping a full bowl with a peak, as it resembles a bowl of rice for offerings.

8Using Your Phone at the Table

Using your phone at the table is considered rude and impolite. When you’re invited to a meal or a gathering, it’s expected that you engage in conversation with those around you, not be on your phone. Also, putting your phone on the table can be disruptive, as incoming messages or calls can interrupt the flow of conversation.

9Placing Your Hands Under the Table

It is considered impolite to place your hands under the table while eating, as it may make others feel uneasy. Those dining with you should be able to see that you are fully engaged in the meal and not doing anything else.

If you need to eat with one hand, keep the other hand visible on the table.

10Eating Before the Host

It is customary to wait for the host to start eating before you begin your meal. In some places, it is also common to invite others to eat before starting yourself. While some hosts may encourage guests to start first as a sign of hospitality, it is still respectful to wait for their lead.

Additionally, children should wait for adults to begin eating before they start their meal.

11Leaving the Last Bite

In Japan, it is customary to finish your entire meal as a sign of respect to the person who prepared it. In some European countries, like Denmark, the last bites are either shared among everyone or given to the eldest as a sign of respect.

In Vietnam, it is considered polite to offer the last bite to women, children, or the eldest person at the table.

While modern lifestyles may have relaxed some of these strict rituals, it is important to remember that adhering to these table manners will ensure you leave a positive impression and avoid any cultural misunderstandings.

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