10 Interesting Food Traditions From Around the World

Last updated on October 2, 2020 by Food Network Canada Editors

When it comes to food around the world, each culture has adopted their own traditions and etiquette, from never pouring your own drink in Korea to just putting mustard on your hot dog in Chicago. Before you set out on a worldwide tour, brush up on these interesting food traditions.

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Thailand: Don't Use a Fork

In <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/thai-recipes-to-make-at-home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thailand</a>, putting food to your mouth using a fork is considered to be rude. A fork can only be used to help food onto a spoon and should not be used for your meal. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/som-dtam-green-papaya-salad/14394/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Som Dtam Green Papaya Salad</a>
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Japan: Slurp Your Noodles

For all you loud eaters out there, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/japanese-inspired-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Japan</a> will welcome you with open arms. Slurping your noodles is not only acceptable in Japan, but also welcome. The Japanese believe it makes food taste better. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/10-minute-chicken-corn-and-kimchi-ramen/22662/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10-Minute Chicken, Corn and Kimchi Ramen</a>
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Ethiopia: Eat With Your Right Hand

Always use your right hand when eating Ethiopian food. Eating traditional cuisine requires scooping up Ethiopian wat onto <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quick-injera/23285/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">injera</a> with your hands — no utensils necessary! Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/ethiopian-mushroom-stir-fry/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vegetarian Mushroom Tibs</a>
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Chicago, United States: Just Mustard

It is unheard of to put anything but mustard on a Chicago hot dog — you will be exiled if you go against tradition! End of story.
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China: Proper Chopstick Etiquette

Proper chopstick etiquette is really important in <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/chinese-takeout-recipes-to-make-at-home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">China</a>. Never ever rest your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice or wave chopsticks at another person. Here are some <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-tasty-ways-use-leftover-rice/#!turkey-kale-and-brown-rice-soup-giada-e1566921958812" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy ways to use leftover rice</a>.
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Italy: Avoid Parmesan + Seafood

It was blasphemous back in the day to ask anyone to top a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giada-entertains/photos/best-fish-seafood-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">seafood dish with grated Parmesan</a> — ask any Italian! The act of mixing seafood and cheese was unheard of.
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China: Don't Pour Your Own Drink

In <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/korean-inspired-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Korean</a> culture, it is customary to never pour your own drink, it is proper etiquette to wait or request someone else pour it for you.
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Portugal: No Salt and Pepper

In <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/blog/portuguese-bbq-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Portugal</a>, asking for salt and pepper in a restaurant is a huge offense to the chef and their cooking abilities.
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Japan: Don't Rub Your Chopsticks Together

Many are guilty of this: rubbing wood chopsticks together to get rid of splinters. When in a sushi restaurant, this is highly offensive and suggests that they are using low-end chopsticks. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/california-rolls-with-brown-rice/14182/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">California Rolls With Brown Rice</a>
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Brazil: Always Use a Fork and Knife

In Brazil eating with your hands is not acceptable — and a fork and knife are a must. You must always use utensils even when eating a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-sandwich-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sandwich</a>!
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