1When you travel abroad, food is often the first door into a new culture.
2In Japan, sticking chopsticks upright in rice reminds people of funeral ceremonies.
3Visitors should also avoid passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another.
4In India, many families eat with their right hand, because the left is considered unclean.
5Meanwhile, in France, bread is placed directly on the table rather than on a plate.
6French diners also keep both hands visible above the table during the entire meal.
7In Thailand, the spoon is the main utensil, and the fork only pushes food.
8Italians rarely order cappuccino after lunch, since milk is thought to disturb digestion.
9In many Middle Eastern homes, refusing a second serving can quietly offend the host.
10These customs may seem small, but they carry centuries of history and belief.
11Learning them shows respect, and it often turns strangers into welcoming dinner companions.
12So before your next trip, read about the local table, not just the sights.