13 Things to Never Say About Food When Visiting New Cultures
Travel is a world of flavor, texture, and culinary experience and you never know what you might discover. How you talk about the food is how you show your respect for the culture and tradition of the country you’re a guest in. Food is often tied to identity and heritage, so communication is important for a good experience.
These phrases may not all seem intentionally offensive, but due to varying cultural customs, they can be misinterpreted, and lead to strained conversations. Steer clear of these and show as much respect as you can for any culture you find yourself immersed in.
“This Tastes Weird”
Food preferences are deeply personal and often cultural. What might be unusual to you is someone else’s daily dish. You might want to avoid declaring something weird and try redirecting your curiosity to the ingredients of the dish or its role in local cuisine. Your interest might also open a door for your hosts to share their culture with you.
“I Can Fix This at Home”
If you’re an experienced chef, claiming you can do anything better than the traditional dish can seem arrogant, and disrespectful. Local cooking has it’s own effort and tradition, so it’s important to recognize and appreciate that. There is so much a compliment can do to show that you appreciate the unique flavors and techniques in the dish.
“It’s Kind of Like [Another Food] That We Have Back Home”
Of course, it’s easy to draw parallels to what we know, but that can detract from the cultural importance of the local food. Try to think of each dish on its own merits, apart from anything else. It enables you to experience and know the culture as it is, and not through your own experiences.
“Isn’t This Unhealthy?”
Food is always a celebration, and there are all sorts of dishes prepared for special occasions that carry an importance that transcends dietary concerns. So it’s better to enjoy the meal without passing judgment on its nutritional value.
“Do You Have Something More Familiar to Me?”
If you’re not used to the local food, asking for something else might offend your hosts. Trying things that are brought proud by the locals is part of the adventure. If you’re a bit apprehensive about delving into dishes you’ve never heard of before, you might try something a little less daunting, or get your hosts to suggest something for beginners.
I Had Read Online That This Was Usually Cooked Differently
The preparation of a dish based on something that you’ve read is a delicate thing to criticize. Culinary practices vary from one family to another, or from one region to another. Inquiring about the cooking methods and history will yield you more reward, and you may get to know the regional variation — and personal touches — in the recipes.
“Why Is This So Spicy?”
Spices are a relative thing, and different cultures have different thresholds for them. You could ask about the seasoning instead of how spicy. Some chefs are very proud of their blend of spices and may be happy to talk about what they decided to use.
“Can I Have a Fork?”
It’s okay to ask for utensils if you are really struggling, but it’s polite to try and eat with the traditional eating tools first. Even if it’s fork, chopsticks, your hands, or special spoon, using local utensils gives you closer dining experience, as well as respect the local cultural practices.
“How Can You Eat This?”
If you’re having a hard time enjoying a particular dish, focus on the parts of the meal you enjoyed. If you can’t find something positive to say, it’s better to say nothing negative and politely refuse further servings. This way you show respect for the preparation done by your hosts and at the same time you don’t ruin the dinner atmosphere.
“I Only Eat Organic”
Organic food may be your thing but that’s not the case in every culture. It may make your hosts feel inadequate if they can’t offer organic options by stating these preferences. Don’t worry about it, instead relish the freshness and local sources of the food you’re served.
“It’d Be Better With Some [Insert Unrelated Condiment]”
Adding something to a dish can come across as rude and insensitive. Suggesting that it might need a change is also disrespectful. It’s best to try and enjoy the meal as it is presented.
I Wonder if It’s Supposed to Be Cold
Cultural differences in food temperature preferences can be huge. If a dish seems to be served at a surprising temperature, that may be part of the local eating experience. Perhaps it can be an education into other cuisines.
“This Is Too Bland for Me”
Not all cuisines rely on powerful flavors or spices, and everyone’s taste differs. Instead of calling something bland, ask about the traditional spices or flavorings they use for their food.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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