How To Avoid Foot-In-Mouth Syndrome While Eating Abroad

Don't Pretend You Like Something if You Don't Like It.

Local friends or colleagues forcing you to try dried fish or some terribly stinky cheese? Be honest if you don't like it instead of saying something like, "Oh man, I love this! What is this called — dried fish? Awesome! Seriously, so good! Can't wait to eat it again!" Chances are, next time said friend or colleagues see you, they'll have a lifetime supply of it, all for you.

Don't Assume Anything.

Not all portion sizes around the world are the same as in the States. You don't want to be the one digging into a bowl of vegetables like a savage when it was meant to be for the whole table because you assumed it was your own personal bowl to devour.  

Know Your Customs.

Doggy-bagging food is not a thing that's done in most other countries around the world. We may love our doggy bags in the States, but elsewhere, a request to take the leftovers of your meal to-go will be met with some confusion and a funny glare.

Know Your Crowd.

When you're traveling, you're likely to constantly come across new groups of people. Try to keep the culinary rants about other countries to yourself or friends you know well, because you never know where everyone who is sitting with you is from. It will only make you seem all the more, er, American.