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Vietnamese table manners

Vietnamese table manners: A complete guide for foreigners

25/05/2025 630 views

Table manners in Vietnam reflect the country’s deep-rooted values of respect, family, and community. Respecting elders, eating politely, and avoiding waste are essential parts of Vietnamese dining etiquette.

1. Overview of Vietnamese dining traditions

In Vietnam, family meals are a cornerstone of daily life, reflecting the deep-rooted Vietnamese culture and values of kinship, food, and conversation. For foreigners, understanding Vietnamese table manners can enrich the experiences and foster meaningful connections.

Vietnamese table manners

Understanding table manners in Vietnam is important (Source: Collected)

Every meal has several shared dishes arranged in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy together. This Vietnamese table setting encourages a sense of community. Diners use chopsticks to serve themselves and are expected to show respect, especially toward elders.

Rice is a staple in every Vietnamese meal, which also includes one or two dishes of meat or fish, a vegetable plate, and a bowl of soup. The goal is balance – each meal offers a mix of carbs, protein, and greens to ensure harmony in both taste and nutrition. 

Regional culinary styles differ across the country. Northern Vietnamese cuisine values balance and subtlety. Central Vietnamese dishes are known for their strong, spicy flavors. The Southern Vietnamese palate leans toward sweetness and richness.

When invited to dine at a Vietnamese home, it is polite to bring a small gift such as fruits, cookies, or flowers. However, avoid black or yellow flowers and white items, as these are often linked to sadness in the local culture.

2. General Vietnamese table manners

2.1. Before the meal

Here is some Vietnamese etiquette before the meal:

  • Wait for everyone to be seated: Meals are social events, so wait a bit for everyone to join.
  • Respect elders: Let senior family members start the meal first.
  • Request utensils politely: While chopsticks and spoons are standard, you may ask for a fork or knife if needed.
  • Mention dietary needs: If you have allergies or certain preferences, it is best to inform the host in advance.
  • Ask about seating: Where you sit often reflects family hierarchy or age difference. Ask for your seat or wait until the host guides you.
important Vietnamese table etiquette

Waiting for everyone to be seated – an important Vietnamese table etiquette (Source: Collected)

2.2. During the meal

What are some things I should know about Vietnamese table manners? Here some common Vietnamese eating manners during the meal:

  • Serve rice: Stir the rice gently before serving. Avoid scooping one full ladle per bowl, as it is associated with offerings to the deceased.
  • Portion modestly: Don’t overfill your bowl or others’.
  • Invite others to eat: Always respectfully say “Moi ban/anh/chi an com” (Please join me for a meal!) before starting.
  • Use hands: Do Vietnamese eat with their hands? Hands are acceptable for certain dishes like rolls or bone-in meats.
  • Mind your posture: Don’t shake your legs, sit too close or too far from the table, or place the elbows on the table.
  • Eat quietly: Avoid slurping, chewing loudly, or talking with a full mouth. This is one of the most important Vietnamese table manners.
  • Be careful with hot food: Don’t blow on food. Choose cooler portions instead.
  • Be considerate: Don’t take the best bits for yourself or reach across others to do so. Use the shared spoon if available.
  • Finish your bowl: Is it rude to leave food in Vietnam? Leaving food is considered wasteful.
  • Leave no personal items on the table: Phones and wallets should be kept away to maintain hygiene and focus on the meal.
  • Don’t get drunk: Even in joyful meals, moderation is key to avoiding awkward situations.
  • Respect others’ space: If you are left-handed, mention it to the host so they can choose a suitable seat for you.
  • Excuse yourself: If you need to leave mid-meal, politely excuse yourself.

Here some extra Vietnamese table manners related to social interaction:

  • Keep conversations light: Avoid divisive topics like politics or religion. Praising the meal is always appreciated.
  • Participate in toasts: Saying “Mot, hai, ba, do!” (One, two, three, cheers!) while raising your glass adds to the spirit.
Vietnamese dining etiquette

Inviting others to eat is a Vietnamese dining etiquette that you should remember (Source: Collected)

Check out 23 do’s and don’ts in Vietnam to ensure a respectful visit!

2.3. After the meal

Some Vietnamese table manners after the meal:

  • Express thanks: A sincere “Cam on” (Thank you!) and a compliment like “Mon an rat ngon” (The food was really good!) go a long way.
  • Don’t rush off: Stay seated until everyone has finished. Offer to help serve desserts or clean up.
  • Lend a hand: Helping with dishes shows appreciation for your host’s hospitality.

Discover: Taboos in Vietnam: Top 10 things travelers should beware of

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3. Important Vietnamese chopstick etiquette

Vietnamese chopsticks are not just eating utensils but also steeped in tradition. Here are some table manners in Vietnam related to chopsticks:

What to do:

  • Clean before use: Wipe the chopsticks with a napkin when dining out.
  • Use separate chopsticks to serve food for others: Or turn yours around to serve them.
  • Rest the chopsticks properly: Place them on a rest or across the bowl when they are not in use or when you have finished the meal.

What to avoid:

  • Use the chopsticks to tap on bowls: This is considered to bring bad luck. Not doing this is among the most important table manners in Vietnam.
  • Stick the chopsticks upright in the bowl: This is another action that is considered to bring bad luck, as the chopsticks and bowl will look like funeral offerings.
  • Leave them crossed: This is also a bad omen.
  • Point with chopsticks: It is always impolite to point things at others.
  • Pass food from chopstick to chopstick: Instead, put the food directly into their bowls.
  • Hover the chopsticks indecisively or dig through shared dishes: This is seen as greedy and unhygienic.
  • Place the food straight from the plate to your mouth: Instead, put the food into your bowl first.
  • Use the wrong ends or bite down on them: These actions are seen as rude and unhygienic.
  • Double-dip into sauces: Only dip the uneaten portion of your food, not the chopsticks.
How Vietnamese People Use Chopsticks

The way chopsticks are used reflects an important aspect of Vietnamese culture (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese table manners go beyond dining – they reflect cultural values of respect, harmony, and hospitality. Understanding and practicing these customs helps foreigners connect more deeply with locals. Whether you are sharing a family meal or dining out, observing these manners ensures a more meaningful culinary experience.

After discovering table manners in Vietnam, it is time to dive into Vietnam travel with cultural sites, natural wonders, flavorful dishes, and welcoming people. From the island charm of Phu Quoc to the coastal beauty of Nha Trang, from the bustling city of Da Nang to the ancient town of Hoi An, Vietnam offers something for everyone.

For the thrill and fun, don’t miss VinWonders – a collection of world-class entertainment complexes with roller coasters, safaris, water slides, and cultural shows. To top it off, unwind in style at the elegant hotels and resorts of Vinpearl for a truly unforgettable getaway.

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