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.
1 Leg 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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2 Making 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.
3 Sticking 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.
4 Stirring 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.
5 Toothpicking
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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6 Knocking 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.
7 Scooping 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.
8 Using 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.
9 Placing 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.
10 Eating 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.
11 Leaving 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.