Do you think it is socially acceptable to ask strangers what they are eating?
Aug 17, 2015, 6:14 pm
#16
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Aug 19, 2015, 7:53 pm
#18
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Of course. I've been known to say something like "hey I'm sorry to bother you but that looks great, what is it?"
Also, if I see people eyeing my dish or my drink, I'll happily tell them what it is and if I'm enjoying it or not. They often seem relieved
Also, if I see people eyeing my dish or my drink, I'll happily tell them what it is and if I'm enjoying it or not. They often seem relieved
Aug 19, 2015, 11:40 pm
#19
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Like others have said, so much of whether it's socially acceptable depends on how you ask.
Conspicuously pointing and staring at other dining customers while having a conversation they can't hear or understand? Rude in many cultures.
Asking, brusquely, "What's that?" Also rude.
Saying, "Pardon me, but that looks delicious. What is it?" is almost always fine. Embedding a compliment in the question like that warms people up so they're more likely to respond helpfully.
Conspicuously pointing and staring at other dining customers while having a conversation they can't hear or understand? Rude in many cultures.
Asking, brusquely, "What's that?" Also rude.
Saying, "Pardon me, but that looks delicious. What is it?" is almost always fine. Embedding a compliment in the question like that warms people up so they're more likely to respond helpfully.
Aug 20, 2015, 6:36 am
#20
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Aug 22, 2015, 7:59 am
#22
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Aug 26, 2015, 3:02 pm
#23
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I've asked people at neighboring tables when I can't match what they're having to anything obvious on the menu. But only if they've previously acknowledged our presence. If they're aloof or deep in conversation I'd never do so.
Aug 27, 2015, 9:37 pm
#24
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For me, it's not just how to ask, but where the asking is being done.
At a street fair/carnival/public festival I might say to consumer of the tempting item "That looks really good, where did you find it?" which often gets me info on not just where, but what and how good it is.
In small, chummy places with the tables close together, like cafes, I might say "Your meal/whatever looks good, would you recommend it?" if I was speaking to a party of one or two, but I wouldn't ask if the group was any larger than two (and not if they are clearly have a romantic time).
In a place with menus and table cloths I ask the waiter.
At a street fair/carnival/public festival I might say to consumer of the tempting item "That looks really good, where did you find it?" which often gets me info on not just where, but what and how good it is.
In small, chummy places with the tables close together, like cafes, I might say "Your meal/whatever looks good, would you recommend it?" if I was speaking to a party of one or two, but I wouldn't ask if the group was any larger than two (and not if they are clearly have a romantic time).
In a place with menus and table cloths I ask the waiter.
Sep 6, 2015, 5:03 am
#28
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Sep 6, 2015, 6:06 pm
#30
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You'd be free to tell me that, but I can give back out rudeness far better than I ever get it and I doubt you'd want to step outside of a restaurant with me.
