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Vietnamese people are well-known for their gentle, friendly, and warmhearted personalities. Therefore, family bonding activities such as having meals together are also extremely important to them.
For Vietnamese people, cuisine is not only used in meals but it also conveys traditions and cultural values. However, beyond the delicious dishes, there is a deep-rooted culture and set of customs that conduct Vietnamese meals.
Simple meal but certain things should be avoided
Let's explore with Asia King Travel to understand some of taboos in the Vietnamese meals and avoid embarrassing situations that may occur. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these insights will help you navigate a Vietnamese dining table with grace and respect.
In Vietnamese dining culture, following certain rules is essential to show respect and politeness. One important rule is to avoid tapping your chopsticks, bowls, or spoons while eating. Some people believe that tapping chopsticks and bowls is similar to tapping a gong, which is thought to symbolize the calling of the deceased.
Avoid tapping chopsticks while eating
Also, when you knock on the bowl, it not only creates annoying noise for others but is also seen as disrespectful. In addition, the sound of knocking bowls is also used to call animals to feed them. Remember, it's best to avoid tapping chopsticks, bowls, or spoons as it is considered taboo and not a good practice.
In Vietnamese culture, linking chopsticks when serving each other food is considered taboo. Some people believe that if two people join chopsticks together, it can lead to conflicts between them.
Some locals believe that in certain regions, it is bad luck to link chopsticks together. This belief stems from the practice of using chopsticks to pass the ashes of the deceased.
Instead, you can either place the food into their bowl or hold out the bowl for someone else to put the food in.
In Vietnamese households, there is usually an altar for worshipping ancestors, which includes incense bowls. Sticking chopsticks into a rice bowl is akin to placing incense sticks into the censer on the altar when offering rice to the deceased.
It is not allowed to stick chopsticks into a meal while eating
Traditionally, it is believed that inserting chopsticks this way creates a connection with the dead, similar to burning incense. Instead, you can place the chopsticks horizontally across the top of the bowl or neatly beside the bowl.
Respecting and showing courtesy to those with elders is a cherished part of Vietnamese culture, especially during meals. Normally, we wait for the elders or the host (if you're a guest) to invite everyone to begin eating. This gesture reflects your respect for the elderly people.
Having a meal with all family members creates a sense of sharing
Read more: Vietnam Culinary Tour 12 days
In some countries like South Korea, making noise while eating signifies that the food is delicious and you are enjoying it. However, this behavior should not be applied in Vietnam, as Vietnamese people consider it extremely impolite and lacking in refinement.
Vietnamese people might not say anything directly, especially if you are not very close or they want to be polite, but important to be aware of this custom to avoid offending anyone when dining with Vietnamese hosts.
Vietnamese people are well-known for their gentle, friendly, and warm personalities. When you finish eating, you should not stand up while everyone is still eating but sit patiently until everyone has done. This shows respect for everyone at the table, as well as showing that you are patiently waiting for them to finish eating, so you don't need to rush.
If there is an urgent need to leave first, you should politely inform everyone and ask permission to leave the table.
This is also one of the behaviors that should not be done but often goes unnoticed by people. When eating, many people arbitrarily cross their chopsticks and place them on the table.
Limit doing these things during meals to avoid being reminded
People often see this as an act of protest and rejection of sharing a meal. Therefore, when using chopsticks, arrange them neatly to avoid misunderstandings.
Scooping rice once is considered a taboo during meals. Because people often think of a once-scooped bowl of rice for the deceased. In addition, scooping rice three times is also said to stir rice for animals to eat. Therefore, when scooping rice, scoop it twice. Avoid scooping a bowl full of rice because it looks very similar to a bowl of rice offerings.
For Vietnamese people, it is considered a very delicate action to use separate chopsticks to pick up food from a shared plate and choose a delicious piece. They perceive the actions as a selfish individual who prioritizes their interests without considering the well-being of others. If you choose the food, it's best to wait for everyone else to finish or simply choose another dish instead of picking it.
Nowadays, many people have the habit of using their phones while eating. This is a bad habit, often causing a loss of sympathy with the other person. Eating together means we care about each other and share our mealtime.
Using the phone while eating can cause stomach pain
So, if you're going out to eat or drink, try to limit using your phone.
It's considered taboo and impolite to shake your thighs during meals. According to physiognomy, this action is a sign of poverty. People who frequently shake their legs are often seen as restless or fidgety and may have trouble saving money or acquiring wealth.
Culture is an indispensable part of people around the world, including Vietnam. Learning and respecting the unique cultures of other countries is extremely necessary before you visit.
In this blog, Asia King shared some helpful tips on what to avoid during Vietnamese meals. If you're interested in traveling, feel free to reach out to us for an amazing experience exploring Vietnam.
Read more: Vietnam tour 9-day
