These Dining Habits Are a Dead Giveaway That You’re an American Tourist
Dining abroad can often reveal the cultural differences between nations, especially when Americans dine in Europe. The habits ingrained in American dining culture become apparent in subtle, yet telling ways. If you’ve ever found yourself on vacation, such as in Portugal, you might have noticed these key differences. Here’s a breakdown of dining customs that mark you as an American tourist.
1. Don’t Expect an Early Bird Special
In the U.S., it’s common to dine as early as 4:30 p.m., often taking advantage of happy hour deals or early bird specials. However, in Europe, dinner is typically much later. For instance, in Portugal, it’s not unusual to sit down for a meal at 10:30 p.m. Adjusting to this shift in dining times can be challenging for Americans used to eating much earlier in the evening.
2. Servers Don’t Hover and They Don’t Make Small Talk
In Europe, servers don’t rely on tips as their primary income source, as they are paid a living wage. As a result, they don’t engage in small talk or frequently check on diners. Unlike in the U.S., where servers may visit your table every few minutes, in Europe, you’re expected to signal the server if you need assistance. The absence of the classic “Hi, I’m Mindy, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight” introduction can feel quite different for an American tourist.
3. Be Ready With Your Entire Order at Once
In American restaurants, it’s common to order drinks first, followed by appetizers, and finally, entrees. In Europe, when the server arrives to take your order, they expect to hear everything you want at once. This means you should be prepared to order your drinks, appetizers, and main course simultaneously, as the server may not return multiple times to take additional requests.
4. Don’t Assume Water Will Be Poured
In the United States, it’s almost automatic for a glass of water to appear on the table as soon as you’re seated. In Europe, water is treated as a commodity and is often served upon request—and for a price. In places like Portugal, ordering water will typically show up on your bill, and servers won’t refill your glass unless asked.
5. Urgency Isn’t Universal
In the U.S., servers often operate with a “turn ’em and burn ’em” mentality, where rotating tables quickly is the goal to earn more tips. In Europe, this urgency isn’t present, and the pace of the meal is more leisurely. You’ll likely have to ask for the check, as the server won’t rush you out the door. The slower pace allows diners to fully enjoy their meal and the company they’re with.
6. Tipping Is Different
Tipping customs vary across Europe, and in some countries, it’s customary to simply round up the bill or leave a few coins. While some servers might expect a higher tip from American tourists, it’s not offensive to leave a generous tip. In fact, over-tipping may result from the deeply ingrained American tradition of tipping based on service.
Conclusion
When dining abroad, particularly in Europe, understanding the cultural differences can enhance your experience and help you avoid standing out as an American tourist. By embracing the local dining customs—like eating later, not expecting frequent check-ins from servers, and adjusting your tipping habits—you can fully immerse yourself in the dining culture of your destination.