Learn How to Know Good Japanese Dining Etiquette

Japan is a country with a long and varying culture. The great mix of cultures is due to all of the different peoples that came through Japan until recent history when it became quite stable. Japan is a country of traditions. They can be seen in all areas of life. The essence of Japanese culture is based on their many traditions. In this article we will tell you about the many traditions in dining etiquette.

Get Free: Japanese Food Advice

First, it is customary to say "itadakimasu", {I receive} before eating your meal, and "gochisosama deshita" {It was a feast} after the meal. This is said either to your host or to the staff that serves you in the restaurant.

Second, the hot towel, this is used to wash the hands before the food is served. It is rude to use this towel to wash any other part of the body other than the hands.

How to: Find World Foods

Third, he use of bowls, the rice or soup is eaten by by picking up the bowl with your left hand and using the chopsticks with your right hand. If you are left-handed it is acceptable to do this in reverse. Bowls of soup such as noodle soup or Donburi may be lifted to your mouth but a bowl of rice may never be lifted your mouth. The contents must be eaten with chopsticks.

Fourth, soy sauce is not poured over your food as many Americans tend to due, but instead poured into a small dipping dish. The Japanese never lour soy sauce on their rice or soup.

Fifth, the Japanese use of chopsticks has specific customs also, never stab the food with a chopstick, never leave the chopsticks in a vertical position in the rice resembling incense that is burned to honor the dead and a Japanese person never chews on their chopsticks. Also never use your personal chopsticks to take food from a communal dish.

Sixth, when the Japanese share their food with each other they place the food on the other persons plate, they never pass it from one set of chopsticks to the other person"s.

Seventh, the Japanese believe you eat what you are given. Rice is always eaten till the bowl is empty. The Japanese do not take to picky eaters. Rarely will a Japanese ask for special requests when being served in a restaurant. It is most important that good manners are always observed, therefore, never ask for special selections from your host.

Lastly, when the Japanese drink alcohol in a social situation they never pour their own drink. Allof the guests are expected to keep each others glasses full. When someone offers to fill your glass hold your glass out with both hands.

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Food. For more information go to: http://www.bestworldfoods.com/japanese.html

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Learn How to Know Good Japanese Dining Etiquette