10 Strange Rules About Food in Other Countries That Brits Find Bizarre

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10 Strange Rules About Food in Other Countries That Brits Find Bizarre

Heading into different countries can feel like stepping into a new world, especially when it comes to food rules. What might be normal for us could be totally bizarre elsewhere! So, let’s take a light-hearted look at some weird and wonderful food rules from around the globe that might just make Brits do a double-take.

1. No Milk in Coffee After 11 AM (Italy)

In Italy, adding milk to your coffee after 11 in the morning is seen as a bit strange. Italians love their coffee strong and believe that drinking milky coffee later in the day can mess with your digestion. So, if you’re in Italy and crave a latte or cappuccino, make sure to order it in the morning. Post-11 AM, it’s all about espresso or black coffee. This rule is all about keeping that stomach in good shape and enjoying the rich taste of pure Italian coffee.

2. Strict Cheese Laws (France)

France takes its cheese seriously. Very seriously. They have laws that protect the traditional ways of making cheeses. This means that certain cheeses have to be made in specific ways and places to carry their names. If you try to make a protected French cheese and don’t follow the traditional recipe or methods, it’s actually illegal. So, if you’re a cheese maker in France, you better know your stuff and respect the cheese laws!

3. No Ketchup Allowed in School Cafeterias (France)

In France, some school cafeterias have a rule that might shock the ketchup lovers: no ketchup on the table, except when it’s fries day (usually on Friday!)! The idea is to encourage kids to taste the food as it is, without drowning it in ketchup. France prides itself on its culinary culture and wants the younger generation to appreciate and savor the flavors of French cooking from an early age. So, save that ketchup bottle for fry-day!

4. Don’t Eat Bread Before Your Meal (Spain)

Heading to Spain? Remember, the bread on your table isn’t for snacking before your meal arrives. In Spain, bread is considered part of the main meal, meant to be eaten along with your plate of food, often to scoop up sauce or complement the dish. Eating it before the meal is considered a bit impatient and can spoil your appetite. So, hold off on tearing into that bread basket until your main course arrives.

5. Chewing Gum Is Banned (Singapore)

Singapore is known for its cleanliness, and one of the ways it maintains this is by banning chewing gum. You can’t buy it, and you better think twice before bringing some into the country, as you could face a hefty fine. The ban was introduced to keep public spaces clean and prevent the sticky mess that discarded gum can create. So, if you’re visiting Singapore, enjoy fresh breath in other ways!

6. No Ice in Drinks (Germany)

In Germany, don’t expect to find a lot of ice in your drink. Germans generally prefer their beverages at room temperature, believing it better for digestion and overall health. Adding ice is thought to water down the drink and blunt the flavors. So, when you order a soda or a cocktail, don’t be surprised if it comes with little to no ice. It’s just the German way!

7. You Can’t Cut Pasta With a Knife (Italy)

In Italy, cutting your pasta with a knife is not just frowned upon; it’s a major dining no-no. The proper way to enjoy pasta is to use your fork to twirl and scoop up the strands. Cutting pasta is seen as an insult to the chef’s intention for how the dish should be eaten. If you find the pasta too long to manage, just keep twirling until you get the hang of it!

8. Fish on Fridays Is Still a Law (Vatican City)

In Vatican City, eating fish on Fridays isn’t just a tradition; it’s a law. This practice stems from the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays as a form of penance. Although it’s more relaxed in many parts of the world, in Vatican City, it’s still taken very seriously. So, if you’re visiting on a Friday, expect to see a lot of fish on the menu.

9. Peanut Butter Is Nearly Non-Existent (France & Italy)

Peanut butter might be a staple in British or American pantries, but in France and Italy, it’s almost unheard of. It’s not that it’s illegal, but locals find the idea of peanut butter a bit weird and are not fans of the texture or taste. They much prefer to stick to their traditional spreads like Nutella or local jams. So, if you’re a peanut butter lover, you might want to pack your own jar!

10. No Wasting Rice (China & Japan)

In both China and Japan, rice is a staple food, and leaving it uneaten on your plate is considered disrespectful. It’s seen as a slight to the host and the effort that went into preparing your meal. Plus, in many Asian cultures, wasting food is generally looked down upon due to historical hardships. So, make sure to finish off all the rice you’ve taken to show respect and appreciation for your meal.