Did you know that some eating patterns and traditions that we consider to be normal and correct may be banned or treated as disrespectful in some countries?
We usually sprinkle our food with salt and pepper and don’t even realize that it’s treated as an offense in some countries.
Looks like Egyptians get offended easily. So, if you are invited over for dinner and want to add more salt to your dish, dare not touch the saltshaker because Egyptians feel it is equivalent to insulting the host.
When tucking into a meal in Egypt, by-pass the saltshaker. It’s insulting to your host to sprinkle salt on your food. If you have to season your plate, it means that you find the meal’s taste repulsive. The thing is, it’s a message to the person who’s cooked a dish letting them know that it’s not tasty enough and that you need to “complete” their work.
Egyptian follow customs such as bringing gifts when visiting somebody’s home, taking your shoes off before you enter the house, and using your right hand to eat and greet.
Old people are highly respected members of the community; people are always willing to help the elderly, as their respect has been earned.
