Basic rules of dining etiquette in Turkey

Basic dining etiquette rules to follow in Turkey

When visiting Turkey, you cannot avoid visiting the local restaurants. At seaside resorts and in large cities, they understand that tourists do not adhere to the rules of etiquette. But even if you plan to stay at a hotel with a buffet, you should not offend the locals and throw away food. It is enough to put on the plate exactly as much food as you can eat at a time. Those who are going to visit a local resident or are planning a trip to an expensive restaurant without a buffet need to know much more rules.

At the Turkish table: etiquette rules for those visiting

Turks are very hospitable people. Therefore, you can receive an invitation to visit within a few days after meeting. Don't miss out on dining with a real Turkish family. It is enough to follow the simplest rules. However, residents of big cities are quite Europeanized and usually do not take flaws in a guest’s behavior as a personal insult.

1. Greetings.

Men shake hands with each other, a woman just needs to nod her head. Hugs and kisses on the cheek are only acceptable between close friends. If there is a child in the house, you can kiss him on the forehead.

2. At the table.

Asking for more is a big compliment for the owner of the house. In rural areas, people are used to eating quickly. Turks in big cities eat slowly and spend time talking with guests.

3. Cultural refusal of the supplement.

Any direct refusal of food is considered disrespect for the work of the housewife, an expression of disdain. If there is really a lot of food, then you can simply ask for tea. When the time comes to go home, you need to thank the owners of the house and be sure to note the dishes you liked.

How to behave in a Turkish restaurant

Dinner in a public place is usually paid for by the person who initiated the meeting. In all other cases, everyone pays for themselves. It is worth notifying the waiter in advance about the planned payment method. You can also see how Turks hide the bill in a restaurant under the table and count the money there. This behavior is considered acceptable only if the initiator of the meeting pays for the entire company.

Other tips to help you feel relaxed in any Turkish restaurant:

• refusing a chef's compliment is rude. Even if you don’t feel like eating anymore, you can try a small piece of the gift (usually baklava);
• no need to bargain. Bargaining in Turkey is only appropriate on the market. In response to a request to reduce the price, the waiter may throw out the phrase “This is not the Grand Bazaar.”
• Turks welcome tips: if you liked the service, do not forget to thank the waiter.

To avoid getting into trouble at the Turkish table, it is enough to be modest and polite. The Turks are quite good-natured and forgive foreign guests for their lack of knowledge of etiquette.