Don't you find the concept of a doggy bag incredibly vulgar?

Question

On American tv, and on questions asked in here, I see people talking about 'doggy bags'.

Personally I find the concept of emptying your leftovers into a bag or box to reheat later pretty rude and disgusting. Maybe it's just because here in Europe we're not used to it. How do most Americans feel about it? Would you hesitate to ask for a doggy bag? Do you at least see where I'm coming from and why I would find the idea so strange?

Vince M: I don't know what lines you think you've been reading between but theri is no pretext to my question. As for the royal family (I don't see what that has to do with this question) - it costs the British taxpayer less than 70 pence per person per year and brings in a lot more money through tourism so I don't know what you think is so vulgar about it. How much do you think it costs to keep the white house looking pretty?

WHY ARE PEOPLE SO BLOODY DEFENSIVE ON HERE????? I asked a perfectly legitimate question. I thought it was possible that most Americans don't do the whole doggy bag thing. Clearly I am wrong, most of you do, so the answer to my question is no, you don't find doggy bags vulgar. Good, I'm happy for you, really I am so there's no need to be so defensive over it, jesus christ...

Answer 1

Welcome to American dining! I lived in Paris for almost two years and never asked for a doggie bag because the Parisians seemed to know exactly the right portion to give. Also, in Asia (I have worked with Koreans, Chinese and have visited China) the idea of a doggie bag is disgusting because the meal is served where everyone digs in to the serving dishes with their chopsticks, so you would be bringing home someone else's cooties in a doggie bag (why no one cares about sharing cooties at the dinner table is something I haven't figured out yet.)

But in America, the portions are big enough for two meals and we do not share our entrees with others. Further, we feel that we have gotten a good value for our dollar if we get to take home food. It is just a matter of culture, not vulgarity. When you visit America and want smaller portions, order off the "Seniors' Menu." It will save you food and money :O). Since I am reheating my left-overs in my own home, no one sees me do it therefore I am not offending anyone so it isn't rude in my book.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

As you point out, this may be a cultural thing, perhaps unique to this continent. If one is to accept value judgements about other cultures, then we, Americans would be tempted to say things like "Supporting and expensive royal family on taxpayer's expense is a vulgar concept."

But I won't fall into that sty.

But I'll move on with the pretext that you pose a legitimat QUESTION about an American habit.

Most of us have given up the pretense that the leftover is intended for the dog. The term, "doggy bag" has fallen out of use. When we decide that we cannot finish our meal, and would prefer not to waste good food, (a rude and disgusting concept, at best) we ask the serving staff for a "box" in which to take the food home. It is not the server's business, and he will not ask what our intentions are as regards to the contents.

In fact, since Americans are fully aware of our national obesity, many of us make a concerted effort not to accept the default habit of consuming everything before us on our plates. We either INTEND to stop eating before finishing, and ask for a box, or, we cleverly divide our food and ask for the box at the beginning of the meal. I'd rather not have to deal with an awkward box on the table during the meal, so I discipline myself to stop eating at some point, then pack the rest for the trip home.

Am I to understand that Europeans are so loathe to reheat food that one would rather throw out leftover Chinese take out, or Pizza? So which is the problem, here? Reheating food, or taking food home, from a restaurant?

Answer 3

Here we do ask for to go containers, it is not considered rude or out of the ordinary at all. Most restaurants here give way too much food on the plate (you know we are fast becoming the worlds fattest country?). I have never had it described quite like you as to scraping your left overs into a bad of sorts, it is just something we have always done and will continue to do so I am sure.
If it is not your culture to do so then yes I can see why it is so odd to you, but then again I have never been to Europe so I have nothing to ask you about that I found odd.
I am curious to see what the others have to say,

Answer 4

Food is food!
What do you think the idea came from for take out?
Doggie Bag....
I lived in Europe and it didn't bother me a bit to ask for a container to take MY bought and paid meal home. I wasn't given a huh! what! why! very often.
When I was questioned (not to often) why--I gave them a simple answer. I totally enjoyed the meal, and I didn't think it right to waste good food! Received plenty of beaming smiles. So what is so strange at wanting to enjoy again with out having to go out ?

Answer 5

I agree the majority of North American places give you way too much food. I paid for it. I can do as I like. Having it go in the trash is wasteful. Most places offer to box it up even before you ask. What does that tell you? PS the dog hardly ever gets the food.

Answer 6

Well to get your money's worth, if you can't finish your meal at the restaurant and heading home, I always ask for a doggy bag so I can reheat at a later time. Just different culture from the Europeans, that's all.

Answer 7

i will ask for a pup bag for the a million/2 eaten bones, and a breakfast dishevelled for my left overs. I heard approximately this female that ate in a chinese language eating place and could desire to no longer end her foodstuff. She desperate to ask for a eliminate bag, simply by fact the 'needed to furnish the rice to the birds in her backyard' - the waiter replaced into so inspired, that he took the left overs from different costumers and further it to the bag. She stated that the birds had a dinner social gathering ;-)

Answer 8

I wouldn't hesitate to ask for one if I needed. And I never considered the act offensive in any way until you said something. Although it really is no big deal to Americans because we do take out all the time and really what is the difference. So in the end I don't find it vulgar because most the places I go out to eat have plastic menus,clever food names such as "Eggs over my Hammy",and seat you in really cramped booths with all your condiments handy.

Answer 9

I find the idea of wasting all that food vulgar.
Most restaurants serve too much food and thence it would go to waste. If I paid for it, why can't I take it home?
I prefer the places that serve family style, but they have become fewer and fewer over the years.

Answer 10

I actually like taking my left overs from the restaurant, if I can't eat all of my food why would I want them to throw it away. I work hard for my money. I think most food taste better the next day. I could have it for lunch or dinner.