How to Follow Food Etiquette in Singapore

Chinese, Indian and Malay are the three largest ethnic groups in Singapore. This is a country rich in customs and tradition. Among body language and communication, etiquette plays an important part in the culture of Singapore. Follow proper etiquette customs when dining in Singapore to show respect for the people of this wonderfully diverse country.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Do not expect to order alcohol with your meal when you dine with Malay people; it is prohibited. Drink tea, water or whatever drink your host is serving.

2. Eat food with your right hand. Keep your left hand placed in your lap throughout the entire meal. Eat food with your fingers or with the utensils provided.

3. Learn to eat with chopsticks when you dine with Singaporeans that are of the Chinese descent. Do not leave the chopsticks in your food when you are done eating. Set them on the side of your plate.

4. Order alcohol, if you desire, when you dine with Chinese. Wait to order until your host or others in your party order alcohol. Wait to drink your beverage until the host has taken a drink from her glass.

5. Use your thumb and pointer finger to eat your food. Do not let the food touch any part of your hand other than the fingers. Use the fingers on your right hand to tear breads into bite sized pieces.