Many people in the U.S. adore Mexican food and frequently include traditional dishes in their fan favorites. When it comes to dining, many folks in the U.S. have never been exposed to traditional Mexican Dining Etiquette. Where you may have adopted the food, incorporating the culture can also make the experience more authentic, especially if you visit Mexico. In an effort to help those looking to be more polite and apply the Mexican Dining Etiquette or simply want to learn more about experience, we at Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant would like to share some of the traditional Mexican Dining Etiquette.
Buen Provecho
Before you start eating, it is customary to wish other diners “buen provecho!”, which is usually prompted by the host. It generally means enjoy your meal as buen provecho is similar to the well-known French expression bon appetit. You should excuse yourself and again wish the other diners buen provecho too in the event that you have to leave the meal early. Similar to table manners of other countries including here, it is customary to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat as well. It is most important to wait until your host takes his or her first bite, however, if you are invited for dinner at home, then you can start eating.
Is Mexican Food Eaten with Hands?
With the exception of finger foods, like tacos or tortas, that can be eaten with your hands, even in restaurants, the utensils play a role. The knife remains in the right hand and the fork in the left as the Mexicans do not switch knives and forks. Across the right side of the plate, the knife and fork are laid parallel to each other once the meal is finished.
Hands Table Manners
Especially when not holding utensils, your hands are expected to be visible above the table all the time. You must not place your hands on your lap or use your mobile phone under the table with that being said. Never rest your elbows on the able and instead rest your wrists on top of the table.
Splitting the Restaurant Bill
Because one of the parties will usually treat the other, traditionally, Mexicans very rarely split the bill. You should pay for the bill if you were the one to invite a friend or business associate to a meal.
Is it Customary to Tip in Mexico?
When vising and dining in Mexico, the restaurant staff is usually tipped 10 to 15% of the bill, though it is to be expected foreign tourists tip on the higher end of the scale. In bars however the standard is 10%.
Is it Rude to Finish Your Plate?
Be sure to leave a little food left on the plate as you close in on finishing your food. Especially if it’s dinner at home, finishing all the food on your plate is somewhat rude.
What Being Late Says About You
Know that guests are usually expected to run about a half hour late for a party at a friend’s home should you be invited to come over a friend’s place. Arriving tardy to a social engagement is not considered excessively rude.
Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV & Henderson, NV)
Where these are just a few of the traditionally Mexican Dining Etiquette tips, there is plenty to learn about the culture especially where the delicious food is concerned. If you are craving Mexican Cuisine, don’t wait and come to lunch or dinner at Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant in Las Vegas, NV!
