In British and American dinner culture, soup spoons are placed at the far right of your dinner setup. [2] X Research source There are occasionally exceptions to this depending on the culture. Italy’s dinner etiquette dictates whatever utensil you are supposed to use first should be set the furthest away from your plate. [3] X Research source

If your soup is too hot to eat, then put down your soup spoon and wait until it is cool enough to eat. Enjoy the conversation of your dining companions and then check the soup again after a few minutes.

When the soup is getting low in your bowl, then you can tip your bowl away from you slightly to get the last bit of soup at the bottom of the dish.

Never slurp your soup if you are in a restaurant in the west, such as somewhere in Europe or the United States. This is considered rude by many people in western cultures. Try to eat your soup as silently as possible.

Do not place the used soup spoon on your napkin or on the table.

Make sure that you eat the soup while it is still hot. It is important to eat your soup while it is too hot. Do not wait to let it cool down or blow on your soup. You can slurp it to help cool it off as you eat. [9] X Research source

Don’t mix the soup around with your chopsticks. [11] X Research source This is considered rude. Don’t stick your chopsticks into the bowl from the top. This can remind Chinese people of funerals. Don’t play with your chopsticks or wave them around while you are talking. Don’t lay your chopsticks across the top of your bowl when you are done. Put them in the bowl at an angle.

Keep in mind that if you eat your soup in silence, then the chef may be offended. [14] X Research source It is okay to slurp your food and even burp at the dinner table in most Asian cultures. [15] X Research source How quickly you should eat depends on the setting. For example, if you are eating a meal in someone’s home, then wolfing down your food is not necessary and may even be considered rude. However, if you are eating in a ramen shop or other street food vendor, then eating quickly and loudly is appropriate.

Use the edge of your spoon to cut the cheese by pressing it against the edge of your bowl. You may need to support the bowl with your other hand as you do so.

This dish is often served in two courses. The first course is the broth along with croutons, garlic, and a spiced mayonnaise and the second course is all the different kinds of fish on a platter. Spread some garlic and mayonnaise on a crouton and eat it with the broth, then work on the fish.

You can also dip a piece of bread into your soup if it has been offered along with the soup. Just be careful to wipe away any excess broth before you bring the bread to your mouth or you may drip on yourself.

croutons sour cream cheese green onions bacon pieces bean sprouts lime crushed peanuts