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You’ve just landed in a new country, your stomach is rumbling, and you’re ready to dive into the local cuisine. But wait—before you settle in at that charming little bistro or trendy cafe, there are a few restaurant missteps you’ll want to avoid.
From accidentally ordering a dish you didn’t mean to, to committing a faux pas without realizing it, the dining scene abroad can be a little more complex than you might expect.
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Don’t worry, though; we’re here to guide you through these common restaurant mistakes with a healthy dose of humor and a sprinkle of good advice.
Let’s get you eating like a local (without any awkward moments)!
1. Not Asking for the Local Specialties
You’re sitting down at a local restaurant in a foreign city, eagerly flipping through the menu, when you realize—you have no idea what half of these items are. Instead of guessing wildly and ordering the same safe, familiar dish you could get back home, take a minute to ask the server for recommendations.
They’ll likely point you to the local specialties, the dishes that will have you wondering why you haven’t been eating this way your whole life. In some countries, it’s all about embracing the flavors you can’t get anywhere else, like a plate of fresh pasta in Italy or a sizzling hot pot in China. So, skip the international chain comfort food and dive into something that will truly make your taste buds sing. The experience is always worth it.
2. Underestimating Portion Sizes
You’ve heard that French portions are smaller, so you expect to be politely offered a teeny tiny serving of something that looks more like an appetizer than a main course. But then—surprise! The plate arrives, and it’s enough to feed a small army. Many countries have hearty portions, especially when it comes to traditional meals.
So, when you’re at a local spot, don’t be fooled by the simple presentation or small price tag. It’s better to pace yourself and ask if the portions are large before ordering. In some places, you’ll find yourself dining on more food than you can handle—and no one wants to deal with the awkwardness of leaving half a plate behind, especially when it’s an unspoken rule to finish what you started!
3. Ignoring the Etiquette of Sharing
Dining out in many parts of the world isn’t just about eating—it’s about sharing. From tapas in Spain to dim sum in Hong Kong, meals are often meant to be enjoyed together, with everyone sampling a little bit of everything. If you’ve ever gone out to eat with friends and found yourself quietly battling for the last piece of fried chicken, imagine what happens when you’re in a culture that thrives on sharing.
It’s easy to make a misstep by not offering your food to others or grabbing the last bit of something for yourself. Be mindful of local customs: in many places, it’s seen as rude to dive in too quickly or to hoard a dish for yourself. The more you embrace the communal dining experience, the more you’ll find your meal becoming a lively conversation, and who doesn’t love that?
4. Over-Complicating Your Order
You’re in a new country, and you’re excited to try something different—but sometimes that excitement can get the best of you. You start giving the waiter a long list of substitutions, extra requests, and “modifications” to your meal.
While your heart is in the right place, the reality is that many local restaurants don’t have the same flexibility as the ones back home. Asking for changes or trying to reorder a dish in a completely different way might confuse the kitchen staff, or worse, leave you with something completely unrecognizable.
It’s better to go with the flow and trust that the chef knows best when it comes to preparing their local dishes. Plus, you’re in their country, after all—embrace the experience and leave the food as intended!
5. Not Considering Local Dining Times
In some countries, it’s normal to eat dinner at 8 p.m. In others, you might be left standing in front of a locked restaurant door if you show up before 9:30 p.m. (yes, I’m looking at you, Spain).
Many countries have specific dining times, and eating out during off hours can leave you either scrambling for an open restaurant or awkwardly dining in an empty room. Before you head out, it’s a good idea to check the local eating habits of the area.
In Italy, for example, dinner typically starts around 7:30 p.m., and anything earlier might be considered too soon. Understanding the rhythm of a culture’s dining times will help you avoid those awkward moments when you’re hungry but the kitchen is still gearing up for the evening crowd.
6. Expecting Fast Service
You’ve had a long day, your feet are aching from all that sightseeing, and you’re craving a quick meal to refuel. But here’s the thing: that fast-paced, hustle-and-bustle dining style you’re used to back home might not be the norm in the country you’re visiting.
In many places, dining is a more leisurely affair—think leisurely strolls to your table, long conversations over appetizers, and the unhurried presentation of your main course. While it might feel like you’re being left to stew in your own hunger, the slow pace is part of the experience.
Relax and soak in the ambiance—it’s not just about the food, but the whole experience. Who knows? You might even find that it’s a welcome change from the rush of everyday life.
Final Words
Dining out in a foreign country can be a delightful adventure if you avoid a few simple mistakes. Embrace the local customs, be open to new flavors, and remember that it’s not just about filling your stomach—it’s about soaking up the culture.
Whether you’re indulging in a dish you’ve never heard of, or laughing with locals over shared plates, dining is one of the best ways to connect with a new place. Keep these tips in mind, and your next meal abroad will be as memorable as the sights you came to see!