Mealtime Culture in Taiwan
♫ Thursday, October 7th, 2010
Mealtime culture represents another face by which a country shows itself to the world. Mealtime also has many rules and traditions. Almost all dishes are eaten with the help of special chopsticks, though many restaurants have European dinner-sets and everyone may use them. After the dinner you should not leave chopsticks in food or leave them in a cup. It is allowed to hold plate close to your face and eat.
In Taiwan this is not considered as etiquette violation. Nevertheless, you are not recommended to tap on dishes or glasses with chopsticks or dinner-sets. In Taiwan any child is punished for such action. You should not direct a spout at someone. However, you may put the bones near your plate on a table-cloth – a dirty table-cloth means you liked dishes. The size of portions is usually big, that is why it is recommended to order one portion for several people.
As a token of gratitude for wine or tea you may knock three times at the table with your long finger. This is a certain form of the tradition imitation to bow three times as a token of gratitude to a respected person. For example, you may reject this or that dish or drink, but in general you are recommended to follow host’s instructions.
Traditionally, a Taiwan toast is made via glass lift holding it with both hands and inviting a friend to drink. Herewith a friend holds a glass with both hands too. Then, both people drink the wine looking in the face of each other. It is very important to drink for a friend as it is considered as the evidence of your friendship. Summarizing, mealtime culture in Taiwan has its peculiarities. You should know some details in order to be accepted in Taiwan society.
