One of the best ways to experience a new country is through its cuisine. Pasta in Italy, tacos in Mexico, sushi in Japan — need we say more? The food of a place often consists of recipes handed down through generations and it makes use of the ingredients indigenous to that area. Because these dishes are such a part of the culture, you can almost taste the sense of pride in each mouthful.
Experiencing the rich flavors and trying new things is definitely a part of the adventure, but there are a few things to be mindful of when eating out abroad.
It’s All in the Timing
Europeans like to do life a little slower, This means, it is perfectly normal to eat supper around 8 p.m. or even 9 p.m., especially in the summer months when the sun sets later. If you’re making dinner reservations, aim for later in the evening, otherwise the wait staff may think you’re doing a late lunch.
Same Same But Different
With so many countries and cultures, it can be confusing as to who eats what. Brush up a little on where you’re headed so that you don’t ask for tapas in Mexico or guacamole in Spain.
The Language of Kindness
Chances are high that English is not the first language of the people who will be serving you. And so, it is expected that they’ll make a few grammatical and pronunciation errors. Instead of correcting them, appreciate that they are trying to speak to you in your language.
