Japanese eating rules

In any country, there are principles in its own culinary culture. Same with Japan.

Oct 26, 2022 - 14:01
Feb 16, 2024 - 11:03
Japanese eating rules

Pay attention to these actions if you do not want Japanese people to look at you with discrimination and discomfort.

  • In Japanese culture, don't stick your chopsticks in a bowl of rice.
  • Don't stick your chopsticks upright in the middle of a bowl of rice because the Japanese only do that for the dead
  • Do not stab or poke your chopsticks into food. Use chopsticks to pick up food slowly and gently
  • Don't rub your chopsticks together because it means they're cheap. Don't put your chopsticks on top of the bowl. In Vietnam this is normal, but not in Japan.
  • Put your chopsticks on the chopsticks.
  • Do not use the chopsticks you are using to pick up other people's food
  • If you want to serve food to others at the table, change the tip of your chopsticks before serving. It is best to get a new pair of chopsticks to pick up food for others.
  • Put chopsticks on the chopstick holder
  • Do not place your chopsticks on anyone sitting on the same plate
  • Keep your hands on the table, not on your thighs/legs
  • When chewing, chew gently, avoid making loud sounds
  • Do not blow your nose in public, especially at the dinner table. That's why people wear masks when they have a cold/flu
  • Eat all the food you put in the bowl whether you like it or not. Don't leave excess. If you can't eat much, pay attention to get the right amount of food from the beginning.
  • Please bring the rice bowl to the level of your mouth and eat, don't bring it too low or too high
  • Remember to put the bowls, plates, chopsticks, and lids back in the same place they were before eating.
  • Don't pour soy sauce directly on rice, sushi or sashimi. Put the soy sauce in a small bowl and dip the food in it.
  • Don't bite your food in half when you eat it. Japanese food is made with small pieces, so eat it with one bite.

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