Dining cultures across the world heavily differ from one country to another. Recently, American tourists have been getting comments online about two common errors they tend to make while eating at European restaurants.
When trying to blend in abroad, adopting the local culinary culture is key. While some of us extensively read up on all things food-related before setting off on a vacation, others tend to go with the flow. This means, however, that it can take some time to get acquainted with the details. For example, getting to know the local dishes and recognising a tourist trap from a traditional gem of a restaurant can be tricky.
Don’t eat too early
Yet recently, two aspects of the European dining culture in particular have been highlighted by a number of ill-informed American tourists. Firstly, TikTok user @black_sherlock got an enormous amount of backlash when posting a video of him and his friends arriving at a restaurant in Porto to have dinner. While the TikToker was busy showing his followers the empty establishment, internet users were quick to reply that the timing of their dinner – being 6.00 pm – was “typically American”.
People who live in or have travelled to Europe and especially southern countries such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal, will know that dinner takes place late at night. This is especially true during the summer, as temperatures drop once the sun has set, thus making it easier to appreciate the food. In the comments section, many Europeans showed their disbelief over the fact that the TikToker and his friends went for dinner as early as they did.
@black_sherlock A family with a baby showed up as we were leaving 😅 #Porto #Portugal #Americansabroad ♬ Funny video "Carmen Prelude" Arranging weakness(836530) – yo suzuki(akisai)
“Way too early! Most Portuguese are just waking up from their afternoon nap,” one comment reads.
“Italy here. The only place where dinner is served at 6:00 is the hospital,” another TikTok user commented.
However, Canadians and Americans were quick to jump in and defend TikTok user @black_sherlock, saying it is a very common time for them to eat. Many people also pointed out that not all Europeans tend to eat as late. In Northern countries, it is more usual to dine early, leaving more time to digest before going to bed. Reading up before travelling could thus save you some confusion.
Don’t let your cutlery switch hands
Another difference between Americans and Europeans at the dining table is the way they treat their cutlery. In Europe, the fork is mostly held and kept in the left hand, while the right hand holds onto the knife. In the US, however, people tend to pass their cutlery between hands before and after cutting food.
When TikTok user @amygordy1 tried to adopt the European way of using cutlery, saying how hard it was and how it would be considered rude in the US, this sparked a lot of comments.
“It’s not the ‘European way’, it’s the correct way,” one user wrote.
“Americans Abroad is my fave nature program,” another person commented.
Once again, while she received a lot of negative comments, other TikTok users stepped up and came to her rescue. Because while the way people hold their cutlery could eventually be a way of knowing where they’re from, it shouldn’t be a reason to make hateful comments, in real life nor online.
