As an Indian who has eaten with my hand my entire life, this is godsend as I will be going to Europe and I would need to train myself to eat with cutlery. Thanks.
You know, I was wondering about that because I was told in India you eat with your fingers because it starts the metabolic process of breaking down the food. That’s interesting that you brought that up. Thank you.
lol USA 🇺🇸 @who cares” the Brits are so pompous enjoy your vacation. Do not worry about your cutlery ❤🙏 enjoy life and live it to the best that you can🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😎😎😎😎🥰🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸‼️‼️‼️‼️
As a child my father instructed me in the eating of pea's. "Use it as a fork not a shovel" were his pearls of wisdom 😊 He was a stevedore at the London docks so he knew a lot about etiquette !
It's amazing how all of this is learned unconsciously: I never realized that i had adopted the "zig-zag" style of eating until well into adulthood, and that no one had ever taught me to do so. What strikes me now, though, is that if using the "American" style of *place setting* (which is also important), that it actually makes less sense to switch utensils in your hand than it does to simply keep the knife and/or spoon to the right and the forks to the left, just like you laid them out.
blind girl here. because of the inability to watch and copy others, I ate by grabbing the fork with my whole hand like a 4-year-old until today. Long story short thanks for this in-depth description of how to hold it properly. Everyone always just said hold it like a pencil, but as a blind girl I don't write in print. Once again I cannot thank you enough for helping me look a little more civilized
My grandmother taught me etiquette rules. I’m glad to say she would give you a passing grade 😂. I’m left handed so when I asked my grandmother she told me to use the Continental style (which was more British than Continental) which I use today and so do my kids, my wife still uses the zigzag style. Even my kids are surprised at how many adults don’t know some basic dining etiquette.
It's good to hear confirmed that using the fork with the tines facing upwards is perfectly accepted etiquette in most parts, because it just makes sense. One can certainly do it with grace, so the shovel comparisons are rubbish.
Been watching Raphael since 2019 (and buying from you), I just have to say that I still prefer video done by you. It‘s just a type of personal charisma which I truly admire!❤
I was taught to use utensils the European way and that was proper etiquette. You know which hand to use by the placement of the utensils on a properly set table. I was always told that forks were popular in Europe first before coming to America. And when they came, the people here didn’t know how to use them. So being Americans, we came up with our own way of using them.
Yes I think you are correct there. The states were colonies for a long time and had basic agrarian economies whereas Europe was heavily urbanised and more sophisicated. Many things in the modern US are based on practises which were deemed old fashioned in Europe. The use of language illustrates this, such as faucet a word long out of use in Britain and there are many other examples.
I'm from the US, but one side of my family did Zig-Zag, the other did Continental. I spent my whole life confused but this finally makes it clear in my mind 🤣 Thank you
Yeah, I remember that old movie. I’ve watched it with my dad on TV when I was little. That little cultural trivia in that Spy Movie stuck to me, even when for a long time I forgot it’s title.
I was amazed to see our use of the zigzag method wasn't just something we used in our family. Sorry to say it didn't really stick with our kids, but at least we tried.
I’m American, but with the exception of when I was very young, I’ve always used the European style with cutlery. Especially and without exception in nicer restaurants. I wish more people could pay attention to these things. It seems so crude to me when people have eating styles like animals. The one dining protocol that I still struggle with to this day, is to not slightly lean in or over when bringing food to my mouth. With large single pieces of food such as fish, meat, or larger vegetables, this isn’t very difficult. But with food like rice, peas, or anything with a sauce that could drip, I’m always afraid that I won’t be able to keep the balance, and will drop food or drip something on my clothing or into my lap. So I lean slightly forward so that if this happens, it happens over my plate.
To be completely honest, while I know not bending to your food is the rule, I think you're in the right. Eating should be polite, but it needn't be a display of dexterial agility. Not to mention that eating that way is an easy way to get sauce on your dress shirt or trousers. So long as you aren't hunching and are merely tilting, I think it's A-okay.
Don’t entirely agree with 36:54. In Italy they have a saying for using bread to pick up the left over sauce, it’s called fare la scarpetta. It symbolizes that the food was so good that you need to get the last bit and it’s a compliment to the chef
Thank you so much for making this video! There wasn't much new information for me regarding table etiquette, but I really appreciated that you brought up the topic of the left/right non-dominant/dominant hand for the fork and the knife. In my life, multiple people have actually corrected and commented aloud on my etiquette since I use the fork in my right hand and the knife in the left - ironically the the act of calling a person out for this is extremely bad manners in my opinion and much more of a faux pas. Nontheless, these confrontations have made me insecure, especially in restaurant settings with new people. I am mostly right handed, yet I find this "opposite way" comes much more natural to me, could possible be since my left hand is more agile and stronger. I feel that this piece of table etiquette only exists because in the past using the left hand was deemed sinful and there's absolutely no logical reason for it, yet I find it hard to make my stance if I am confronted about it. Now I have at least something to back it up. This is my personal hill I'm going to die on - and may that death come with my knife in my leftie and the fork in my righty!
You're absolutely right that it's rude for people to point that out. There's a difference between etiquette and politeness - etiquette is the rules, and politeness is the fundamental way we treat others. There are too many who know the rules of etiquette but don't have the basic politeness to know not to make others feel bad for their breaches of the rules. It also demonstrates a lack of awareness on their part that some folk have different body idiosyncrasies, and that trumps rules of etiquette. If I were in your shoes, I'd just tell them that "my hands just don't work that way," or that this is "how I'm comfortable eating." Polite yet straight to the point and non-explanatory.
As a lefty, I would appreciate someone switching the silverware. I didn't even know that was allowed. I just adapted and worked around the right-handed prejudice.
Information like this just not widely enough taught / available. I learned so many things I do (or should do 🤦♂) unconsciously on this video. Thanks for posting!
Excellent video! I wanted and needed to learn how to use silverware for social occasions. Thank you, Sven, for an informative and yet easy-to-understand presentation. You have no doubt helped many people with information very important important to social life.
As always, great video! I'm not sure many people really use the Zig-zag style. And I suspect a lot of Americans use a hybrid style where they don't do the fork down facing European thing but they also don''t switch hands to eat their food. At the end, everyone probably mishmashes and that's how the world works. ;-)
Great video. Please do more about table etiquette, the different knives, forks and spoons, and the differences between US and other countries (in special, Germany and Austria)
I had a friend from Canada once who would do that thing where he would cut up all the food first then put down the knife and eat with his fork. I live in the UK so it was the first time I've seen that
I've done that on occasion - but only if the food is served too hot. I especially do this at home when the meats have just come off the stove. Having sensory sensitivities, there're situations where, by the time everyone else has eaten, I'm just getting started after my food is no longer piping hot. It's not something I'm proud of, but the alternative is to have everyone else wait on me as I begin my dinner.
@@themoderndandy713 I appreciate this and the fact you've been open about it, thank you. I think guidelines around etiquette always come with caveats, either explicitly stated or implied, that sometimes we can't follow the guidelines to the letter for all kinds of reasons, and we just try to be as polite as we can given the circumstances using common sense, and in your case for instance it's very clear you're being considerate of other people and thinking of them
First we address the issue of the napkin, where it is placed.....on the lap or around the collar? Then in order the purpose of the utensils, and their order of use on the table.
Here in India, there is a different etiquette for eating Food with Hand and Fingers 🖐🏻, various cutleries and heavy after work cleaning those cutlery! Who cleans the dishes ? Machines ?
In many local, but excellent, restaurants in France and Switzerland, maybe other countries, you keep the same knife and fork for each course. I’ve never figured out how you are supposed to know but if I guess wrong the server either frowns and takes my knife and fork off the plate and puts it on the table or vice versa.
You briefly touched on this after I was thinking it, but I’d love to see a video on cultural etiquette in some other countries besides Europe and the United States. For example, I’ve been to both Japan and China a few times, and there are etiquettes when using chopsticks, such as where to rest them during or after meals. Or slurping soups in Japan is considered good form, and actually serves to cool the soup when you bring it into your mouth. Or in India, most food as I understand it is eaten with your hands. But only with one particular hand, because generally speaking in Indian restrooms there is no toilet paper, and you use your other hand for that “business”. As a person who loves to travel and enjoys experiencing other cultures, I also love learning about all of these etiquettes and putting them into practice when I travel. Also, and may have been covered in another etiquette video of yours, but I absolutely despise cell phones in restaurants. I don’t even think they are necessary to have in your pocket, much less to pull them out and use them. I always leave my phone in my car when going into a restaurant. The experience is for the food and the company. Not for distractions like that. A few months back I was in a very nice restaurant, and a table of around 5 people across from me all had their cell phone flashlights on looking at their raised menus. It was incredibly distracting and rude seeing these 4-5 lights essentially aimed at my face. I occasionally looked over at the group, hoping they would see my distraction and turn these off, but it never worked. I may expect that of people in a low-end restaurant, but not a nicer and more expensive one.
@@Egilhelmson I'm sure there are and I could find some. Raphael just does a really good job with his videos, that it would be nice to see from him. That's all.
I've heard complaints from some people in the fine dining industry that when the lighting is too dim, as is a bit of a trend, one needs to use their flashlights to see the menu - particularly if they have poor eyesight. This is especially true in corner tables. I use my cell phone quite a bit in restaurants, but I'm a solo diner. At the very least, if I get a phone call, I take it outside if possible. I take quite a bit of pleasure from eating an elegant dinner out while watching some RU-vid (with Bluetooth earbuds in, of course). When with company, though, the phone goes in my pocket for all but brief instances of sharing my poetry or pictures.
@@themoderndandy713 Well, I suppose I’m a bit of a traditionalist, but I just feel that lights of any kind shouldn’t be taken out in a restaurant. Be they from a cell phone or otherwise. Most nice restaurants have subdued lighting, and that should be expected. But if you are having trouble seeing the menu, simply tell your server and have them help you. But I’d still never bring my cell phone into a restaurant, or pull out a flashlight. That’s essentially telling the owners that you’re displeased with their lighting in the establishment, and rude.
@@cgimovieman I can see and appreciate your point. However, I have a couple of thoughts. Letting owners know that you're displeased with something in their restaurant is something most owners should not only accept but appreciate - only through being kindly told our mistakes can we improve. If enough people are using their flashlights to see the menus, the owners might get the hint and up the lighting to a dim-yet-tolerable level. It's better for the restaurant than leaving a negative review on Yelp. Also, I'm not quite sure how the waiter could help much beyond reading off everything in the menu, which is quite cumbersome. I can see, though, how bright lights could be distracting in a dim restaurant. It drives me a bit mad when someone in the audience has their phone out at the opera - even on minimal lighting in the orchestra section below.
I will and has always been eating food with the fork in my right hand. I cut with my left. Sometimes depending on the food, I eat with a spoon because it's easier than using the fork (food falling off). 🤪
Would love to see more videos like this. Also a video on all the different silverware pieces and how to use them would be great. I love all the videos you produce. They are informative as well as entertaining. Have been watching for over a year now.
That was Fun! I only have one thing I must report. Bread and Sauce... Or cleaning the plate with Bread. This is actually an Honored Tradition in the US Navy! And a defining indicator of Service. If you ever have dined with an Admiral from the US... To Not do so, is a slight to the men.
i am an indian, so eating with your hands is the custom here. But, I have also been to quite some nice restaurants where they give you cutlery. Never have I ever got a sharp knife which can cut the cooked meat in a single motion. My home knives are much sharper than those restaurant knives.
Dear ... Pray, in the days to come, whilst thou art imparting knowledge, refrain from mingling manners. One small request... May thou have a splendid day. With kindest regards
One important thing: never ever leave a messy plate that looks like a battlefield! With paper napkins, never throw them all crumpled up onto your plate. Fold them (stains inside, not to be seen) and place neatly under knife and fork when done eating. Never put a fabric napkin after eating on the plate, it’s just gross. I’ve seen that once at a wedding reception in the US, and the guy who did that also used his left index finger to shove food onto his fork. Also, never stuff a napkin in your collar… I grew up in Austria and Germany with the continental way of using knife and fork. Taught it to my kids too. If kids see their parents eat this way, it is amazing how quickly it becomes natural to them too.
I didn't know that fork are different 😊,I have learned something,in Kenya when you're not enjoying wth 🍴 we just use our hands😂, thank you for this teachings🙏
This explains why my husband eats differently than I do. I was taught by my Mom in Canada the American style and my husband's Mom was from England and taught him the European style.
I was taught to use my fork to anchor things like steak, place the in front of the fork, and cut off a bite...then use my knife to remove my fork from the larger piece of meat so I could then use the fork to pick up & eat the bite I cut. Anchoring the meat keeps it from tipping over, rolling, or sliding around on the plate. I noticed you used this method in the video but also used the method of putting the fork into the edge of the meat, cut behind the fork to remove just the bite & immediately use the fork to eat the bite. Is one method preferred over the other? I'm an American & have seen the anchor method used by people with training in higher end restaurants and important/formal settings with the second method used in casual settings.
Thank you for this! I have seen some pictures of cutlery placement on the plate after eating, i.e. crossing fork and knife to signal, "ready for the next plate" or interlock knife blade with the fork's tines to signal "I did not like this dish" I am from continental Europe and found this to be rather strange, even rude possibly.
When we lived in France, etiquette was similar to the UK, and the only things that we were made aware of were that bread was the only food that could be be held in the fingers, and both hands should be visible at all times, or people might wonder what you were doing with one that couldn't be seen. We don't eat out much these days but it seems that table manners, as we were taught 70 years ago, no longer apply, and we have been horrified by the number of people in restaurants talking on their phones rather than to their companions.
I basically do lazy version of the European style. I don't care about where my elbows are, but I cut with my dominant hand and keep the fork in my left. It's just more efficient that way.
My Silent Generation parents taught me great table etiquette, which I still remember today. I did learn a few new things here though, so thanks. One point: you didn't mention spoons (aside from the dessert spoon). Some countries and regions are very soup and stew oriented, such as Czechia, Poland, and Russia. Czechs always eat soup as the starter for meals. As I recall, the large soup spoon goes on the right side of the plate, outside of the knives.
I’ll hold the fork in my right hand if eating something the doesn’t need a knife or any other utensil - like risotto; but if anything on the plate needs a knife then the fork stays in the left hand. For pasta I’ll use a spoon and fork, with the spoon in the right hand
How about a video on how to use a fish knife. Obviously, the idea is to fillet the fish somehow, but the knife itself offers little clues on the correct way.
I was (sadly) born and raised in the UK, but largely home-schooled due to ill-health, with mostly American-printed books, and of course, a lot of American TV shows. As a result, I think and write in American-English, not the King's English, and my mannerisms and outlook, to an observer, would be thought of as American. Never in my life, have I ever used a knife and fork in the English style. Much of the time, I rarely use the knife, mostly cutting my food with the edge of the tines of the fork, only ever using the knife to load the fork, or if cutting something like meat. I always hold and keep the fork in my right hand, and the knife in my left. Being ambidextrous may be why I've always been able to do this without consciously thinking about it, as my, well, not 'dominant' hand, as I don't have one, but my *active* hand changes depending upon what I'm doing. If I'm using tools/shooting etc, I will use my right hand, because tools are almost universally designed for right-handed use, and I only write with my right hand purely by habit (I can write with my left hand, but not as neatly, simply due to the amount of time spent writing with my right hand). Other things, such as juggling, playing a guitar, a lot of unconscious gestures, etc, I automatically use my left hand, and if I am reaching for an item, I simply use whichever hand is closest to the item... Sincerely, an Honorary-American 👍👍👍👍
Why "sadly" born and raised in the UK? Are you ashamed of your place of birth? Why? I too was born and raised in the UK, specifically in Scotland. Should I be ashamed of that fact? Apparently, you think I should be.
My mother thought me that if you want to bring food in your fork and you don't want to use a knife you take a small crust of bread to do that. Not sure it's in etiquette and it's usually used when the food has sauce.
The big thing that gets me, other than the British way of never using a fork tines-up, which HAS to be wrong, is having the fork - the main eating utensil and what goes to the mouth - in my non-dominant hand. So just given that, the American "zig-zag" way is better in my opinion. But Im biased. I also think the tradition of seeing "proper Brits" eating their way in movies has forced an association with elegance and class, where I don't think the association would be there without it. Sort of like hearing Received Pronunciation - the "King's English" - used by royalty and English upper class and forming the association. Or hearing the now-defunct "Transatlantic" accent in the USA.
The important thing is to remember that crossed means I haven't finished and parallel I've finished the course. Also not every restaurant changes your silverware after each course, but if you feel offended by reusing fork or knife, because of the fish smell of the previous course, ask directly. If you are not sure leave them on the plate and the waiter either will take them or return them to the table. Always watch around because what is polite in one country it's not in other and you don't want to rub against the service staff, never a good idea.!!!. Example in Germany the waiter is never called when ready to order, he/she will approach you as soon you put the menu on the table. The tip should be given to the waiter directly or you may tell him how much change you want, like "Bitte, zwei euros zurück", please, two euros back.
American style or European style? I use both, according to the situation. My overriding consideration is how to get the food from the plate to my mouth with as little mess and spillage as possible. The US style can be simpler and more comfortable in some situations, but is limited in ensuring that food does not fall off the fork; the Euro style gives more control over the food by using the knife to shepherd some kinds of food onto the fork and keep it there.
American born, but learnt the Continental European Style from my family. Was mocked once for using Continental, but I perfer Continental because its much mannerable for me. Great video😊 😊😊
I build models while watching videos. I had to put my glue and parts down and watch this one. Your narration is great as is the content, but the humor kept making me laugh, "Don't point with your knife and fork" ---- Timeless. How about using a spoon and not a fork for veggies like corn and peas?
Its good chanel for education manner and etique. Can i ask, im a muslim we need to eat with right hand can u give tutor or video how to switch fork and knife? Because fork on left position and knife on right? So we can eat with right hand and cut with left. Thx for chanel
