Table manners differ around the world. If you visit a friend’s home for a meal, it’s good to know about the customs they follow.

If you are invited to a Moroccan’s home, bring a gift of sweet pastries, nuts, figs, dates, or flowers to the hostess. In many traditional homes, people often sit on the floor to eat a meal. Often, everyone shares food from the same 10 plate. The plate is put in the centre of the table. Usually, everyone also drinks water from the same glass. Only eat the food in front of you. Don’t reach across someone for food. It is common to use you your fingers and small pieces of bread to eat food. Use only your right hand to eat. Don’t say “no” to food. If the host of the meal offers you food or drink, take some and try a little. In many Moroccan homes, it is common to take off your shoes.

Tanzania is known for its fresh fish and spices. Don’t act scared if your meal comes with its head still on the plate. It is polite to try a bite of everything. In many Tanzania homes, people sit at a table on a small stools to eat. It is OK to eat with your right hand, using bread or chapati to pick up food. Everyone may take food from the same plate., but it is not usual for people to share drinks. You may compliment the cook on a delicious meal, but don’t exaggerate. In some parts of Tanzania, men and women still sit at different tables. Also remember: it is common to take off your shoes in the home, but it is rude to show the bottom of your foot.

(Adopted from Active Skills for Reading Intro by Neil J Anderson)