Think of dining etiquette, and the first thing that comes to mind is probably something about keeping your elbows off the tabletop, or maybe not chewing with your mouth open. But if you were to take a look at dining traditions all around the globe, you’d soon find that different countries and cultures have amassed all manner of rules and recommendations when it comes to taking your seat at the dinner table. Now, a fascinating new analysis has compiled some of the world’s most interesting food and drink etiquette—from strange local laws and dining regulations to delicious dishes and traditions passed down over generations.

Remitly, a global money transfer service, conducted a comprehensive study on global food and drink etiquette. They analyzed data from Google, Reddit, and travel guides from 180 countries. Their findings were compiled into a global analysis with a world map, showcasing the diverse range of food and drink customs across the globe.

In fact, some parts of Europe were quite dry. For example, the Netherlands, with its strong Protestant tradition, had a very low alcohol consumption rate. The Netherlands, along with other countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland, were known for their abstinence from alcohol.

This cultural nuance is not just about etiquette; it’s about understanding the deeper meaning and significance of food and its role in social interactions. Food is not merely a physical necessity; it’s a powerful symbol of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. For instance, in many African countries, food is often prepared and served in a communal setting, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared experience.

South America is a continent rich in cultural diversity, with each country boasting its own unique traditions and customs.

In addition to etiquette rules, some of the analysis focused on local delicacies, which included a cow’s stomach (Namibia), a jellied “souse” loaf made with pig’s ears, feet, tongues, and tails (Barbados), cooked snakes (the Democratic Republic of the Congo), and a bush fruit known as atanga, which is boiled and then layered on baguettes (Gabon). And on the subject of bread, tradition dictates that anyone who drops a piece of bread into the melted cheese while enjoying a traditional fondue in Switzerland has to pay a forfeit. Many of the findings of the analysis might seem strange to those of us who don’t live in these countries; the researchers involved in the work were aiming to help anyone who is planning to move to or travel in an unfamiliar country by unearthing some of the rules and etiquette expectations they might well encounter while dining there. Ultimately, having some idea of what to expect when you get to your destination—no matter how bizarre it might sound—will give you a welcome head start when it comes to fitting in with your hosts at dinner time.

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