Is it so insulting not to try food when its offered?

Question

My pastor, His entire family, our youth group along with myself all went to Thailand on a short term world missions trip durring Christmas 2004. Everywhere we went the always wanted to feed us for some reason. I mean we were absolutly stuffed when we got to this one orphanage to do our ministry. We walk in to this huge spread of food. The children so excited that we came. Now this was no usual food either. Thia food is very different. After that we learned to try a nibble at least. We didn't want to insult them. Yet I wonder, is it really insulting if you refuse when its offered and if so then why?

Answer 1

Yes, in many cultures it is considered an insult not to share the food or at least try it. I think this stems from places and times where food is/was often scarce; it seems the poorer the area, the stronger this etiquette is! Africa, Asia, many areas that are poor have strong customs regarding this, while in the affluent West it's far more acceptable to have personal preferences as well as dietary restrictions (vegetarianism, avoiding dairy products, etc, etc, even if it's not because of an allergy). The more precious food is, the more generous the gesture of sharing it, and the worse the insult when the offer is not taken.

Personally I would agree with the 'at least try' thing, but I'd say so more as an advise than as an etiquette thing, if I were the cook... I love trying new things myself -food and otherwise, but especially food! I've eaten and very much enjoyed several kinds of insects, haggis, that Swedish rotten fish I can't spell, sushi, rocky mountain oysters, and many other dishes. I've absolutely LOVED them ALL! So I'd advise people to please try to put aside their cultural biasses against these kinds of food items, give it a try, for if you don't you might just miss out on something incredibly good!

Answer 2

In many cultures, it would be considered an insult to refuse food that has been prepared as a welcoming gesture. However, some of the "delicacies" offered may not seem appetizing at all. The Japanese, for instance, consider the eyeballs of a fish to be quite the treat and served only to very honored guests. The only way to keep from offending is to sample what is offered and be sure to tell your hosts that you've just eaten a huge meal and are stuffed.

Answer 3

Yes, it is, but sometimes you have to do the rude thing anyway.

I have a lot of food allergies, and following that principle nearly killed me once. The truly rude thing, is to push food on people, when everyone knows (or SHOULD KNOW!) that what people enjoy eating, or can eat, varies greatly, not only from culture to culture, but even between individuals.

I even offended my own grandmother, severely, by refusing to eat her home-made ice cream, at some weird social event. If she'd had the muscle, I swear she would have pinned me down and force fed me! I finally solved the problem by accepting the dish, and then quickly dumping the nasty confection on some brat's empty plate, while no one was looking, whispering, "If you tell anyone, I'll say you stole it!" The sweet little deal worked out amicably for the both of us, I must confess!

I have relatives in Salt Lake City, whom I visit often. There seems to be an unwritten rule in restaurants there, that a waitress approaches a table, immediately, and asks if she can get you something to drink. If someone asks for a wine list, a cocktail menu, or simply asks, "what kind of beer do you have?", she knows that you're probably not Mormon.

Once, when I asked for a cocktail (don't remember what kind), at a Salt Lake City restaurant, with a large group, I was shocked when the waitress whispered in my ear,"Did you want alcohol with that?".
I said,
"Better make that a double!"
It finally dawned on me, that because a large number of people in our group were military guys with short hair cuts,
she had mistaken our group for some sort of mormon missionary party! (LMAO!)

Answer 4

Yes, it is an insult. Especially when you have limited means of communication. If it was a really good friend you are close to, you could say, "I'm so stuffed, I really can't eat", they'd probably still be hurt, but you might be able to get past it. When someone offers you food, they are offering you hospitality. When you reject it, you are rejecting their good wishes for you. They have spent money, time, and effort in preparing something to please you. If you don't even eat a little, it is really like a slap in the face. I know, this may lead to some uncomfortable situations, and clear communication about whether you will be expected to eat or not in advance is the solution, but not a practical one. Smile, accept their gift to you, be gracious, eat.

Answer 5

ye, food is a gesture of welcoming a guest. eating with new guest can take hours and be very enjoyable. But I do agree some of that food you don't know where it came from or even how it was prepared. Bless you and your mission

Answer 6

i don't find it insulting. Sometimes my brother's friends are over when my mom makes dinner or another meal,and some don't eat. Usually they have already had something to eat. This usually happens to me when i go to a friend of mine, they ate usually at 8pm or later, and i already ate my dinner, but sometimes i would eat something.....

But it really differs on the person, just take alittle bit. it will make them feel better

Answer 7

When people have gone to a lot of trouble to prepare a meal to welcome you, of course it's rude to refuse it. Food is very widely used as a communal offering, in many cultures. Sharing a meal is considered an honor; by refusing, you indicate that you don't value their offering, or that you do not wish to share a meal with them, which could be seen as a supreme insult.

Answer 8

In some cultures it is, because meals are all about family and gathering to gether. Its very welcoming.

I dont know about anything specifically about Thai culture, but Im guessing since you say they always offered food to you, it is very likely that this was their way of welcoming you.

Answer 9

You don't have to like it but you should at least show some respect for the people who prepared the food for you just to be nice!

Answer 10

Unless you know you will have a severe allergic reaction, you should appreciate the time, effort and thought that went into the food preparation and at least sample it.