Dining Etiquette
• If invited to a home you will most likely have to remove your shoes. Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.
• Dress conservatively.
• Arrive approximately 15 minutes later than the stipulated time when invited to dinner or a small gathering.
• You may arrive up to one hour later than the stipulated time when invited to a party.
• Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
• In more rural areas, it is still common to eat meals from a knee-high round table while sitting on the floor.
• Many people in urban areas do not use eating utensils, although more westernized families do.
• When in doubt, watch what others are doing and emulate their behaviour.
• Guests are served first. Then the oldest, continuing in some rough approximation of age order until the youngest is served.
• Do not start eating until the oldest person at the table begins.
• You will be urged to take second and even third helpings. Saying "I'm full" will be taken as a polite gesture and not accepted at face value.
• Eat only with the right hand.