How to Follow Peruvian Table Manners

Most of the table manners in Peru follow the European standard for table manners. There are some distinct Peruvian customs however, so it pays to know and to follow them when dining at someone's home or in a restaurant.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Say "buen provecho" when you leave a table or join one. This means "bon appetit" in Spanish and is a customary salute.

2. Follow Continental etiquette when holding utensils. The fork goes in the left hand and the knife goes in the right. Don't switch your utensils between hands.

3. Keep both hands above the table during a meal. Unlike in the U.S., it is considered impolite to rest your hand in your lap.

4. Wait until everyone has been served a drink and a toast has been made before drinking. The customary toast in Peru is "salud!"

5. Try to finish all of the food you have been served. If you must leave something uneaten, offer a considerate explanation like, "The food was so delicious that I have totally stuffed myself."

6. Stand up if you are a man and a lady leaves the table. You should also stand when the lady returns to the table.

Tips & Warnings

• Ceviche is a common Peruvian dish particularly on the coast. Consisting of seafood marinated in lemon or lime juice, it is acceptable manners to pour the leftover liquid into a shot glass and drink it after the ceviche has been eaten. The Peruvians call this "leche de tigre" of "tiger's milk."
• If you invite someone to have drinks or eat dinner with you, it's expected that you will pay, particularly if you are at an expensive restaurant. If your guest insists on helping with the bill, that's fine, but don't ask for it.
• When eating at a casual restaurant, you may be seated at a shared table with other guests. This is common.
• Don't be surprised if you see guinea pig on the menu. This is a traditional Peruvian dish that is eaten in many regions.
• Dinner is served much later than in the U.S. In restaurants, dinner service may begin at 8:30 p.m., but dinner is usually served around 10:00 p.m. in private homes.
• Don't show up on time for a dinner invitation in someone's home. You are not expected until 30 minutes after the invitation indicates.
• Don't show up without a hostess gift if you are invited to someone's home. A cake dessert, or "paneton," is a common gift to bring, as are wine and chocolate.