By Lynn Schnaiberg

When in Rome...well, we’ll trust you know the rest. But what you probably don’t know are the following guidelines for eating like a local and avoiding gastronomic goofs when you’re halfway around the world. Read on, hale traveler, and then go forth and chow.

Far East
Slurping your soup in China is an expression of approval for the tastiness of the bowl’s contents. Bonus: Burping is encouraged too. So there, Mom.

Don’t look for fish on menus in Mongolia. Most Mongolians believe that eating fish brings illness and bad luck. The menu is more likely to read lamb, lamb, and lamb—with perhaps mutton thrown in for variety; all washed down with koumiss. (Since you asked, fermented mare’s or camel’s milk.)

In rule-bound Japan, you’re pretty much doomed to make at least a few cultural missteps. But here’s one major no-no: sticking your chopsticks vertically into your rice bowl. It’s a symbol of death used only in funeral ceremonies.

South and Southeast Asia
You may be inclined to share bites of your meal with friends, but don’t offer food or drink to a Nepalese after tasting it yourself. That would be an act of jutho, a concept of impurity that is highly offensive to Eastern sensibilities.

If you’re going out to eat with a South Korean, don’t plan on going Dutch; it’s just not done. Decide whether you’ll play host or guest ahead of time.

It may be obvious to some, but it’s worth reinforcing: Avoid burger joints in India unless you’re in the mood for ground lamb. Cows are sacred and, as such, their flesh is not flame-broiled, steam-cooked, or combined with special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a sesame-seed bun. When traveling abroad, sometimes you just can’t have it your way.

Middle East
In Oman, be sure to accept any refreshments offered by a host. But if you’ve had more than you can bear, gently sway your cup from left to right to indicate that you don’t want more.

Though you’ll probably be tempted, resist the urge to accept food the first time it’s offered at a party or other social gathering in Syria. It’s polite to decline at least once before finally digging in.

When in Iran, and in fact much of the Middle East, be aware of your feet when sitting. Showing the soles of your shoes in public is one of the worst insults around these parts.

You may feel fine talking to strangers in Tajikistan, but you might be better off not drinking with them. Local moonshine has been linked to quite a few cases of alcohol poisoning. Lemonade, anyone?

Europe and Russia
When entering a tapas bar in Spain, don’t be alarmed to see folks throwing olive pits, toothpicks, used napkins, and other sundry items onto the floor. Wading through trash en route to the bar is perfectly normal; it all gets swept up at the end of the night.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Bologna, Italy, don’t be surprised if an oversize shot glass of grappa shows up at your table unrequested. It’s just assumed that, of course, you’ll want to end the meal with what it essentially a glass of paint thinner. Bottoms up.

If you care to take your Scotch as those who produce it do, skip the ice. Scots drink their whisky at room temperature with some water swirled in.

Be prepared: Russians are legendary for long-winded toasts, which can go on for a half-hour or more. And remember, it’s considered rude not to join in.

Strolling past pubs in Wales, you’re likely to see signs declaring "We Serve Brains." In this case the reference is not to some gastronomic delight made out of gray matter, but rather a popular local beer.

There are some culinary goodies out there that you better try while you can, since you’re not likely to find them back home. In Senegal, be sure to taste bissap, a sweetened drink made of hibiscus flowers. In Finland, sip cloudberry liqueur. In the Perigord region of France, gorge on truffles. And in Mexico, the adventurous should sample the Oaxacan delicacy chapulines, fried grasshoppers flavored with fresh lime juice, chili, and salt.

Australia and South Pacific
In most villages in Fiji you’ll run across rituals built around the national drink, yaqona, the juice, such as it is, of kava root. The beverage looks (and some say tastes) like dirty water; expect your lips to go numb.

Africa
Eating with your hands is expected in Ethiopia. Most meals are served with injera, a flat bread with a spongy texture. Simply tear off some injera, wrap it around your main course, and voila, meal and eating implement in one tasty bundle.

While we’re on the subject of hands, eating with the left hand is taboo in many Asian and African countries. The left hand is generally used to take care of outputs, the right for inputs. Even if you’re a leftie, learn to adapt or risk serious offense to locals.

In Mali, you might find yourself befuddled when your waiter brings your drink with the coaster on top of the glass rather than under it. Coasters here are used to protect your drink from flies, not to protect the table.

Central and South America
When in the Bolivian backcountry, pour some of your drink onto the ground in an offering to Pachamama, Inca goddess of the earth. Then you may freely imbibe.

Lynn Schnaiberg, a Chicago-based writer, is a regular contributor to iExplore.