Is it rude to finish your food in Japan?
Not finishing one's meal is not considered impolite in Japan, but rather is taken as a signal to the host that one does not wish to be served another helping. Conversely, finishing one's meal completely, especially the rice, indicates that one is satisfied and therefore does not wish to be served any more.
Traditionally, you should leave a bite on your plate to convey that you enjoyed the meal and were served enough to be satisfied. Today, diners (and especially children) shouldn't be excepted to join the #CleanPlateClub or feel bad if they finish their meal. Instead, just eat until you're full.
Blowing your nose at the table, burping and audible munching are considered bad manners in Japan. On the other hand, it is considered good style to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.
This is the case in China. It's considered rude to eat everything on your plate because doing so implies that you're still hungry, even if you're not. That means that the host hasn't done a satisfactory job of providing enough food and can make them feel bad.
Loud slurping may be rude in the U.S., but in Japan it is considered rude not to slurp. Oh, and don't forget to use your chopsticks to get the noodles into your mouth. It is also acceptable to bring your small bowl of food close to your face to eat, instead of bending your head down to get closer to your plate.
A meal begins once the main guest, family member or waitress makes a gesture to start eating. This usually comes in the form of gratitude, such as the term “ itadakimasu”, which means, “I gratefully receive”. To finish the meal, one might say “gochisosama deshita”, which means, “thank you for the meal”.
China: Don't finish what you're served
According to HuffPost, falling back on what Mom and Dad always taught you and finishing off every last crumb is a major faux pas in China. Cleaning your plate suggests you're still hungry, and it implies your host didn't give you enough food.
A There is a saying in samurai tradition that mentally prepared the samurai warrior for war: "eat fast, defecate quickly and dress quickly." This tradition seemed to have carried over to the Japanese military where meals were said to have been consumed in a hurry.
Leave a little.
In China, leave some food on your plate – it's rude to clean your plate, like you're telling your host that he or she did not provide you enough.
Always leave food on your plate in China.
That's not so in China. Finishing your plate when dining at someone's home in China suggests the food wasn't filling enough, and that your host was skimping on the portion size. Always leave behind a little food to show the host that their meal was filling and satisfying.
Is it rude to have leftovers in Japan?
No Leftovers is Basic Etiquette. For your food, only order the amount that you're able to finish. Finishing your plate is considered an act of gratitude towards the ingredients and the people that made your meal.
- Never raise your food above your mouth. ...
- Never rest your chopsticks on your bowl. ...
- Never use your hand to catch falling food. ...
- Slurping is a sign of appreciation! ...
- Eat your soup with chopsticks. ...
- Return all your dishes to how they were at the start of the meal once you're done.
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Eating with your hands is the norm in some countries of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. It might seem strange for westerners who are used to using utensils, but usually once a visitor tries “hand eating” they really enjoy it and say that the food tastes better!
One of the first things you'll hear in any discussion of Japanese table manners is that it's customary, and even polite, to audibly slurp your noodles as you eat them. It doesn't matter if it's ramen, soba, or udon. Japanese-style noodles are meant to be slurped, with the sound showing that you're enjoying the meal.
"Itadakimasu" is an essential phrase in your Japanese vocabulary. It's often translated as "I humbly receive," but in a mealtime setting, it's compared to "Let's eat," "Bon appétit," or "Thanks for the food." Some even liken it to the religious tradition of saying grace before eating.
Others are manner rules universal: don't speak with your mouth full, and close your mouth while you are chewing. What's special for Japanese food is perhaps the use of chopsticks.
No Leftovers is Basic Etiquette. For your food, only order the amount that you're able to finish. Finishing your plate is considered an act of gratitude towards the ingredients and the people that made your meal.
Clean your plate.
Finishing everything on your plate is a compliment to the chef; it shows you enjoyed your meal. So, when eating sushi it's okay to be part of the Clean Plate Club.
Always leave food on your plate in China.
That's not so in China. Finishing your plate when dining at someone's home in China suggests the food wasn't filling enough, and that your host was skimping on the portion size. Always leave behind a little food to show the host that their meal was filling and satisfying.