There are a few ways to make sure you don’t make other people uncomfortable while you eat. If someone is making a lot of noise while you’re eating, it may be inappropriate to interrupt them. The best way to diffuse the situation is to ask the person to stop making noise. If you don’t like their noise, you can try to talk to them privately later. Explain that their noise has nothing to do with you as a person. Never try to embarrass anyone.
Smacking
There are many ways to make noise while eating. Smacking while eating is a cultural custom in some cuisines and is regarded as a compliment by some. However, it is considered bad manners at the dinner table. Here are some tips for eating quietly without making smacking noises. In addition, if you do happen to eat while chewing your food, make sure to eat slowly and quietly.
Crunching
While some Asian cultures discourage slurping while eating, many Western cultures actually prefer noisier mealtimes. The slurping action is paired with a richer flavor experience, and loud chewing can be distracting for others. However, western cultures tend to prefer noisy eateries – especially louder ones like Hard Rock Café. These restaurants play loud music, cut down on conversation, and have faster service.
Slurping
While Western cultures find burping while eating noisy food impolite, Asian cultures often consider it a sign of gratitude, complimenting the chef or restaurant. In China, burping is a sign of gratitude, but not necessarily bad manners. Burping during a meal is also considered rude in South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, which have no such prohibition. In Japan, a burp is seen as a sign of gratitude, though belching is another way to compliment the chef or host.
Slurping audibly
While slurping is acceptable in many cultures, it is not in the United States. It interrupts direct communication and interferes with a dinner table conversation. While it may seem like the opposite of bad manners in Japan or China, these cultures differ significantly in their history and communication practices. The Japanese are more likely to communicate through their bodies while they are eating. In contrast, the Americans make noises to indicate that they are satisfied with their meals.
Reaching over others’ plates
If you’re a westerner, reaching over another person’s plate is bad table etiquette. While it’s ok to nip at a bite of food, it’s rude to reach across another person’s plate. Instead, you should ask for their permission before reaching over and spearing the food. Likewise, it’s rude to lick someone’s finger while eating. Instead, wipe your fingers on a napkin and excuse yourself to wash your hands.
Slurping noodles
Despite the fact that slurping noodles while eating is considered “bad manners” in many countries, it is still quite common in Japan. While slurping noodles is not a violation of Japanese cultural norms, tourists and locals alike may feel uncomfortable if they hear people slurping their noodles. A new Japanese/English word, “noodle harassment”, has emerged in the controversy. Some people say that slurping is normal but others argue that it is not. The main problem with slurping noodles while eating is that it is not a sign of social class.
