6 Tips for Eating in Different Cultures
Before you embark on your next great adventure, consider researching about the local fare of your host country. There are several more universal tips for eating in different cultures. Some people will be highly offended if you don't eat everything that is offered to you, and others will simply leave you alone. When traveling and tasting; two of my favorite things to do in the world, abide by some guidelines to help you and your stomach assimilate to the next meal.
Try local dishes in the host country
If you don't get it at home, try it. If you do get it at home, try it anyway. Eating pizza in Italy or Argentina is way different from eating it from Domino's. Sweets and candies around the world could totally compete with candies in American markets if others didn't have such a monopoly. When in your new temporary home, ask the locals what's a traditional dish. Even if you don't like it, you can say you've tried something new. You may be horrified or delighted, but you won't know until you order and taste.
Ask about the Bottled Water
If you order water from a restaurant in the United States, chances are you'll get tap water with ice in a glass unless you request sparkling water. In other countries, you may not get ice, you may get bottled water, and it most likely won't be free. Ask ahead.
Eat Smaller Portions when Dining with Locals
If you are staying at someone's home or are dining with the locals, always eat smaller portions. American restaurant portions typically can feed 2 or even 3 people, but portions are smaller in other countries. Plus, many hosts feel it is a sign of their superb hospitality by stuffing you. They may even feel they aren't being hospitable if they don't offer you the best and the most grub. So, do yourself and your intestines a favor by sticking to smaller portions at the beginning. Plus, you may want to save room for some delicious, life-changing desserts.
Always Bring Snacks
We didn't bring snacks one time when we first arrived to Argentina and all the local businesses were closed for mid-day siesta. Do not make the mistake of having absolutely nothing on hand. Plus, some countries eat extremely late, like 9 or 10pm, so if you're an early eater like me, you'll need to graze on something way before then. Purchase some traditional snacks from the local market or store and have the added bonus of trying something new and different.
Prepared with Pepto
No matter where I go, I always, I repeat, always, bring stomach relief. There will be occasions where you're stomach isn't used to something local, and you don't want to spoil your bus trip, flight, or time in a place with a stomach ache. Exploring a city isn't the best time to get sick, so pack a few tablets in your purse or pocket before you head out for the day.
Allergy Alibi
I refuse to eat pig products. I simply will not eat them, but there were times that my hosts offered it to me. If you refuse to eat something, you can simply tell your host that you have an allergy to the food instead of entering a diatribe about your personal preferences for or against a food. No one cares. Letting someone know that you have an allergy is a simple way to communicate with your host about the food you will not eat.
Food and memories are linked when you think back to your trip. Do you think you'll remember the beef you had in Brazil or the gelato you licked in Rome? Of course. The food, the tastes, the experience with others is all important when you think of the memories you make. By following these simple guidelines for dining and interacting with locals, you are sure to be a perfect guest at your next meal. Happy guests, happy hosts, and happy tummies equal a wonderful travel experience.
Try local dishes in the host country
If you don't get it at home, try it. If you do get it at home, try it anyway. Eating pizza in Italy or Argentina is way different from eating it from Domino's. Sweets and candies around the world could totally compete with candies in American markets if others didn't have such a monopoly. When in your new temporary home, ask the locals what's a traditional dish. Even if you don't like it, you can say you've tried something new. You may be horrified or delighted, but you won't know until you order and taste.
Ask about the Bottled Water
If you order water from a restaurant in the United States, chances are you'll get tap water with ice in a glass unless you request sparkling water. In other countries, you may not get ice, you may get bottled water, and it most likely won't be free. Ask ahead.
Eat Smaller Portions when Dining with Locals
If you are staying at someone's home or are dining with the locals, always eat smaller portions. American restaurant portions typically can feed 2 or even 3 people, but portions are smaller in other countries. Plus, many hosts feel it is a sign of their superb hospitality by stuffing you. They may even feel they aren't being hospitable if they don't offer you the best and the most grub. So, do yourself and your intestines a favor by sticking to smaller portions at the beginning. Plus, you may want to save room for some delicious, life-changing desserts.
Always Bring Snacks
We didn't bring snacks one time when we first arrived to Argentina and all the local businesses were closed for mid-day siesta. Do not make the mistake of having absolutely nothing on hand. Plus, some countries eat extremely late, like 9 or 10pm, so if you're an early eater like me, you'll need to graze on something way before then. Purchase some traditional snacks from the local market or store and have the added bonus of trying something new and different.
Prepared with Pepto
No matter where I go, I always, I repeat, always, bring stomach relief. There will be occasions where you're stomach isn't used to something local, and you don't want to spoil your bus trip, flight, or time in a place with a stomach ache. Exploring a city isn't the best time to get sick, so pack a few tablets in your purse or pocket before you head out for the day.
Allergy Alibi
I refuse to eat pig products. I simply will not eat them, but there were times that my hosts offered it to me. If you refuse to eat something, you can simply tell your host that you have an allergy to the food instead of entering a diatribe about your personal preferences for or against a food. No one cares. Letting someone know that you have an allergy is a simple way to communicate with your host about the food you will not eat.
Food and memories are linked when you think back to your trip. Do you think you'll remember the beef you had in Brazil or the gelato you licked in Rome? Of course. The food, the tastes, the experience with others is all important when you think of the memories you make. By following these simple guidelines for dining and interacting with locals, you are sure to be a perfect guest at your next meal. Happy guests, happy hosts, and happy tummies equal a wonderful travel experience.
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