I love eating my way through a new city. But even with the best intentions — an open mind, a well-thumbed phrasebook and a hearty appetite — it’s surprisingly easy to slip up.
The truth is, even seasoned travelers commit faux pas when it comes to dining abroad. We don’t mean to be rude — we just carry our American dining habits with us. And while those habits feel totally normal at home, they can come across as clueless, inconsiderate or just plain odd overseas.
I talked to chefs and well-traveled food lovers about the biggest menu mistakes Americans make abroad — and how to eat better, smarter and more respectfully while exploring the world. Their stories are funny and humbling, and their advice might just help you avoid becoming the punchline in someone’s staff meal story. Because food is one of the most intimate and illuminating parts of travel.
1. When You Order Like The Chef Works For You
In the U.S., we’re used to being the boss at the table. Dressing on the side? No problem. Gluten-free, dairy-free, medium well? Done and done.
