Rude or Acceptable? Table Manners Around the World

I have a subscription to Daily Passport and sometimes I get some interesting emails. I read this one and I was like omg, I have to share it.

Many countries have different standards of etiquette; from hand gestures to tipping. What is polite in the United States may be considered rude in another country (and vice versa). This is true about table manners, too. 

The article shared that some gestures in America might be taboo but may be acceptable and even encouraged and viewed as a compliment in another country.

Let me share the American Etiquette rules that you should definitely not follow when traveling to certain countries! Please feel free to reply to this thread with comments on your opinion on each etiquette.

Burping: RUDE or ACCEPTABLE?

If you burp at the dinner table in America, chances are people are going to give you disapproving glances because most Americans view burping as rude, but in some places, burping is a sign that you feel deeply satisfied and enjoyed the meal!

Burping is viewed as a compliment in places such as China, Taiwan, Turkey, Egypt, and other regions of the Middle East. A loud belch shows you feel especially satisfied. Burping is encouraged or at the very least acceptable.

Some etiquette experts believe you should burp to allow other diners to know how much you enjoyed the food while other experts say you should burp within earshot of the host to show your appreciation for their hospitality. Some experts say this tradition varies by region. In some countries like India, you should not burp unless you are familiar with the host and can be certain that they won't get upset.

Slurping: RUDE or ACCEPTABLE?

Just like burping, from a young age, many Americans are taught that it is rude to slurp at the table but in parts of Asia, like Japan, slurping is a symbolic gesture that not only shows delight but is thought to enhance the flavor. The article shared that the act of loud noodle slurping dates back to the Edo period from 1603 to 1868. Historical, am I right? Apparently, there is science behind slurping your noodles because when you take in oxygen as you eat, you can produce stronger flavors plus slurping in air cools down the noodles.

While slurping is something that can be commonly heard in ramen shops across Japan, some foreigners are not used to the custom. There is a concept called nu-hara (noodle harassment) which takes the view that noodle slurping is both offensive and a form of harassment to other guests. Also, whether you enjoy the sound of slurping or not, it is customary to thank the chef afterward by saying gochisōsama deshita,” which means “thank you for the feast.”

Eating with your hands: RUDE or ACCEPTABLE?

Some countries encourage their diners to eat with their hands rather than using utensils. In Ethiopia, for example, meals are traditionally served atop a larger platter of injera (spongy flatbread). Diners are expected to break off a bit of injera and scoop up the food with their hand. In Ethiopia, you want to make sure you always use your right hand as right hands are meant for eating and left hands are meant for matters related to personal hygiene!

Eating with your hands is also common in India and other countries in South Asia. These countries use naan or roti (Indian flatbreads) to scoop up traditional cuisine. If there is no bread available, you can still scoop up all the curry-coated rice using your fingertips. Much like in Ethiopia, use your right hand to eat. Eating with your hands is tied to Ayurvedic teachings, which claim that using the fingers helps activate the body's digestive system.

What are some etiquette rules you’ve heard of in your country or other countries? Are there any that you follow—or used to follow—and why?

Kleinman, B. (2025, May 30). The one American etiquette rule you can ignore overseas. Daily Passport. Retrieved from https://dailypassport.com/american-etiquette-rule-you-can-ignore-overseas/