Don’t Ask For Salt & Pepper In Portugal
Similar to asking for extra cheese in Italy, asking to pass the salt and pepper in Portugal is considered rude. The chef will take it as an insult that you feel the need to spice up their dish. If you’re eating local, you’ll probably not even think twice about adding salt or pepper to your dish – Portuguese food is known for its complex array of spices!
Chopsticks In Japan
While chopsticks are the utensil of choice in Japan, you should be careful how you use them and even how you place then when you’re done eating! Interestingly enough, placing your chopsticks sticking straight up, whether in a bowl of rice or sticking in a piece of food, is considered rude. In Japan, it is tradition to only stick chopsticks up when you’re at a funeral. Therefore, if you’re just at a restaurant, it’s best to simply lay your chopsticks to the side of your place when you’re done eating or taking a break in between bites.