Opportunities to experience cultural microcosms within our larger societal macrocosm are increasing as our neighborhoods and communities become more and more diverse.
One such microcosm is that of food. Though many cultural eateries may make accommodations to fit within the larger society they find themselves in, there are still great examples to learn about a culture’s food and even their etiquette in how to eat that food.
I love going to cultural eateries and asking their cross-cultural employees what their favorite dish is and/or what they personally recommend. Not only do I get to show a person that their opinion matters, but there is also a visible sense of pride that flows from these individuals. From this, I usually have a better experience both in continued interaction as well as in an amazing tasting food choice that I may not have tried otherwise.
Learning from these experiences also allows you to walk into the next situation better prepared and may even leave you impressing your cross-cultural hosts.
Trying another culture’s foods and learning their specific etiquette for how they eat such foods, can also be a great introduction for someone as they prepare for a cross-cultural trip or move.
As I’ve worked coaching people in their preparation for cross-cultural living, I have purposely scheduled lunches and dinners at cross-cultural eateries that help take my clients out of their comfort zone giving them unique experiences with different foods and the etiquette in which to eat. It’s proven to be a great learning opportunity and insightful for me to see areas in which they can grow and prepare.
What are some of your cross-cultural experiences with food and table etiquette?
Here is a great article that talks about this topic as well: https://www.cultursmag.com/food-and-table-etiquette-around-the-world/?vgo_ee=4cMTvexvZE9g8SoptvhtiVdG58cMfIJlWiSzvpDrTWc%3D
Traver Butcher
CEO/All Shores Consulting
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