Traditional Japanese Lunch – Wonderfully Delicious!

I absolutely love cooking and eating all types of Asian cusines… and this got me thinking about the etiquette of table-food manners.   Through the years, I’ve been asked many questions from first-time travelers or  military families who have just arrived about recipes, do’s and don’ts, table manners, and protocol.   There’s a lot to remember and many Asians are quite forgiving when it comes to culinary customs among foriegners.   So let me share with you a some ground rules - that way you don’t feel like a “fish” out of water. 

• It’s impolite to eat or drink something while walking down the street. (Takes getting use to, but I learned)
• Do not bite, clean your fingernails or lick your fingers in front of others.  Also, blowing your nose at the table a no-no. 
• In restaurants or when visiting it’s customary to get a small, moist rolled-up towel (cold in summer, hot in winter) called an “oshibori” to wipe your hands with, not any other part of your body.  (Keep a small towel in your purse, if possible- napkins are not popular)
• It is impolite to pour your own drink when eating with others, you pour your friend’s drink and vice versa.
• If you don’t want any more alcohol, leave your glass full.  (Ask for a glass of water, drink that instead)
• It’s customary to say:  ”I-ta-da-ki-mas-u” before eating  (I gratefully receive)  and…
• “Go-chi-so-sama- desh-ita” (Thank you for the meal) after finishing the meal, especially if you’re being treated.
• When sharing a dish, place a fair amount on your own plate before eating it.
• Do not make “excessive” special requests in the preparation of your food and
• Do not eat too fast. (Japanese enjoy the taste, chews slowly, and converse – maybe that’s why they are so thin?)
• Do not use your chopsticks to skewer food, move dishes around, and NEVER dish out food to another using the same ends you just ate from–use the top ends.  (I usually keep plastic forks in my purse, just in case)
• Don’t use your chopsticks to point at somebody and don’t leave your chopsticks standing up out of your food, big time No-No
• It is normal in Japan to pick up your rice or miso soup bowl and hold it under your chin to keep stuff from falling.
• Traditional Japanese food is served on several small plates, and it’s normal to alternate between dishes instead of fully eating one dish after another.  (Plus you’ll get full faster and have enjoyed a little bit of everything!)
• Don’t take wads of napkins, sugar packs, or steal “souvenirs” when you leave a restaurant.
• Do not put soy sauce on your rice, it isn’t meant for that.  However more Japanese are aware of the Americans fasination with soy sauce and rice.
• Do not put sugar or cream in Japanese tea.  (Try it at first, then apologize for the add on if you must)
• There is no real custom like “help yourself“.   Wait until the host offers something.  If you act as host, you should anticipate your guest’s needs (cream/sugar, napkins, etc.).
• If you must use a toothpick, at least cover your mouth with your other hand.
• Be aware that in Japan it is normal to make slurping sounds when you’re eating hot noodles. 
• No tipping.  It’s not customary to tip in much of Southeast Asia, especially in Japan.  Good service is already included in the price  (wink,wink
• After eating, try to move all your dishes back to the same position they were at the start of the meal. This includes replacing the lids on dishes and putting your chopsticks on the chopstick holder or back into their paper slip.