Cultural Table Manners - Global Eating Etiquette - Refinery29

Skip navigation!ADVERTISEMENTStory from Food & Drinks7 Surprising Table Faux Pas You Shouldn’t MakeZoe BainLast Updated June 18, 2016, 5:00 PM ADVERTISEMENTSee All SlidesBegin SlideshowThis story was originally published June 19, 2015.Have you ever been scolded for eating with your elbows on the table, forgetting to put your napkin on your lap, or burping during a meal? We can all relate to the universal ideal that as we grow up, we're exposed to certain eating habits and rules of etiquette that shape how we enjoy food.But while one child is learnining not to burp stateside, another child across the globe might be learning the opposite. Part of what makes food culture unique, in addition to different ingredients, cuisines, and customs, are eating guidelines, which vary from country to country.We asked Refinery29 staffers to share some of their own cultural quirks or things they've learned while traveling. Ahead, find surprising table dos and don'ts from seven different countries that might contradict what you were taught as a kid.Begin Slideshow ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT Shopping19 Unique Advent Calendars You’ll Want To Gift Everyone (& ...by Venus WongFriendshipCooking Clubs Are Helping Us Make Friends As AdultsIn a park in London last month, over 200 people gathered each with a homebaked cake in hand, ready to share their creation and feast on as many others as tby Tanyel MustafaMercado8 Bottles From Latine Winemakers That Taste Like Summer Feelsby Raquel ReichardUnbotheredRegina Hall Talks Food, Family & Finding Healing At The CookoutIn the words of The Fresh Prince [Will Smith] and DJ Jazzy Jeff, it’s officially “summer, summer, summertime.” And for award-winning actress Regina Hby Dontaira TerrellMost WantedThe Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks For Dry January Sipping (& Beyond)by Olivia HarrisonSomos LatineHow Brazilian Women Challenged Slavery and Patriarchy Through FoodIn the quaint district of Milho Verde, it’s impossible to go without hearing about Geralda Francisca dos Santos and her biscoito de polvilho (a cassava fby Beatriz MirandaValentine's DayThe 27 Best Online Bakeries With The Sweetest Valentine’s D...by Brianna ArpsMost Wanted20 Valentine’s Gifts Under $25 That Are Seriously Crush-Worthyby Victoria MontaltiFood & DrinksWe Found The Best Meal Delivery Service Deals So You Don’t ...At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the edby Alexandra PolkTaking CareFinding Out I’m Celiac Means Longing For The Foods I’ve LostWhen Kirsten Roberston, 27, found out she had celiac disease six years ago, she decided to indulge in one final gluten-loaded meal. “It was my last suppeby Tanyel MustafaSomos LatineAs a Xicanx Vegan, I’m Dismantling a Cruel & Racist Food Sy...Growing up in Texas in the 1970s, I spent long periods away from my mother. My parents divorced when I was 4 years old, so my mom raised my sisters and me by Lauren T. Ornelas...With A Bow 20235 Best Wine Advent Calendars For Spreading Holiday “Cheers!...Advent calendar culture is flourishing. From classic chocolate truffles to luxury skincare, adorable cat toys, and more — you can count down the holidaysby Alexandra PolkADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT