The diversity of cultures around the world reflects a great diversity of customs and traditions related to food.
Some of these customs may seem strange to people who are not familiar with them, but understanding and respecting them is an essential part of the experience of traveling and interacting with new cultures.
In this article, we will explore some of the strangest food customs around the world and highlight how to respect these customs and how to adapt to them with understanding and respect.
1. Eating with your hands in Islamic countries:
In India, eating with two hands is a common and accepted custom, and using the right hand in particular is considered correct.
To adapt to this habit, you must remember to use only the right hand for food and avoid using the left hand, but this custom is not only in India but in many Asian countries such as Pakistan and Malaysia, and the matter is also strongly present in many Arab and Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Yemen, where it is considered a tradition. The mission in Islamic countries is within the teachings of the Islamic religion
2. Eating pork in the Western world:
In some cultures, such as Islam and Judaism, eating pork is considered haram and forbidden. Therefore, people who eat pork in the Western world must be aware of the values and beliefs of others and respect them.
However, on the other hand, many countries love pork, make many shapes of it, include it in many foods, and add alcohol to it in cooking, such as the countries of Europe and America.
3. Eating insects in some East Asian cultures:
In some countries such as Thailand, China, and Cambodia, eating insects is considered a delicious delicacy. Many delicious and even expensive dishes are served in major restaurants and hotels. There are some Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, where some Bedouin residents eat locusts during the migration season.
4. Use of sticks in Japan & china:
In Japan, chopsticks are used to eat instead of a fork and spoon. You should practice using chopsticks correctly and avoid placing them vertically in the food or presenting them to the other person.
in China Just keep in mind not to put your chopsticks in a bowl upright. Given that the Chinese customarily make offerings to the deceased at funerals, this is regarded as rude. Moreover, pointing with your chopsticks at someone else is impolite.
5. fork in Thailand
Thailand has a wide range of delicious food options. When it comes to the wide variety of foods that can be found in practically every region of Thailand, one is spoiled for choice. Just keep in mind that using a fork to place food in your mouth is frowned upon in this nation. These people think that the fork should only be used to put food into the spoon. After that, you can eat the meal with a spoon.
6. conflict between India & china about the empty dish
An empty plate is a sign that you have eaten the meal that has been served in India. By mentioning how good the dinner was, you also demonstrate your respect for your host. But in China, it's considered that you weren't given enough food by your host.
7. Various rituals around tea:
In some cultures, such as Japan, China, and Morocco, preparing and drinking tea is considered a ritual. Any tourist must learn this ritual and participate in it with all respect for the local culture. There are many forms of preparing tea, some of which are boiled, some of which add some flavors to it, such as fruits, and the strangest thing is adding some milk.
8. Respecting the big people in Korea
When gathering for a meal, South Koreans customarily wait for the oldest person at the table to finish before allowing the others to join in. This is seen as a very respectful gesture toward the elderly.
In short, experiencing the strangest food customs around the world is an important part of the experience of traveling and interacting with new cultures. Through respect and understanding of other people's customs and traditions, people can gain the trust and respect of the communities they visit and better interact with them.