How to Eat with Fork & Knife (Etiquette Basics & Beyond)

[@HarithhJsudass]

As an Indian who has eaten with my hand my entire life, this is godsend as I will be going to Europe and I would need to train myself to eat with cutlery. Thanks.

[@PradeepthaObeysekara]

40 mints too long though!!.. need a crash course

[@Ihyellie29]

​@gergedibey2003why you guys assume so bad things about Indians Tbh Indians are not like that

[@cosmicdebris2223]

@@Ihyellie29 like what?

[@janninelitsigner9435]

You know, I was wondering about that because I was told in India you eat with your fingers because it starts the metabolic process of breaking down the food. That’s interesting that you brought that up. Thank you.

[@janninelitsigner9435]

lol USA 🇺🇸 @who cares” the Brits are so pompous enjoy your vacation. Do not worry about your cutlery ❤🙏 enjoy life and live it to the best that you can🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😎😎😎😎🥰🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@keithrose6931]

As a child my father instructed me in the eating of pea's. "Use it as a fork not a shovel" were his pearls of wisdom 😊 He was a stevedore at the London docks so he knew a lot about etiquette !

[@mastershredder2002]

He didn't teach you proper use of the apostrophe though.

[@janninelitsigner9435]

My goodness gracious I hope he was nice about it. It sounds like you had a terrible time. Maybe I and I hope I read it wrong.

[@janninelitsigner9435]

May, the Lord God bless you❤

[@a.s.j.g6229]

As a Brit the us style seems insane

[@Egilhelmson]

Oddly, being from the USA, yours seems insane, too.

[@libertariancapitalist]

I was born and raised in the United States and I’ve never used the US style. Seeing people eat US style is like watching a circus show

[@rodger7029]

Brits need it simple

[@tiredoftrolls2629]

I am left handed, so naturally used the continental style.

[@marfa8457]

Ultimate cope from the yanks with their barbarian etiquette 😂

[@TheSaneHatter]

It's amazing how all of this is learned unconsciously: I never realized that i had adopted the "zig-zag" style of eating until well into adulthood, and that no one had ever taught me to do so. What strikes me now, though, is that if using the "American" style of *place setting* (which is also important), that it actually makes less sense to switch utensils in your hand than it does to simply keep the knife and/or spoon to the right and the forks to the left, just like you laid them out.

[@CoolChevere]

My grandmother taught me etiquette rules. I’m glad to say she would give you a passing grade 😂. I’m left handed so when I asked my grandmother she told me to use the Continental style (which was more British than Continental) which I use today and so do my kids, my wife still uses the zigzag style. Even my kids are surprised at how many adults don’t know some basic dining etiquette.

[@Philipk65]

These etiquette videos are great. A specialist video on the different knives and forks would be good.

[@ElianaRogers]

blind girl here. because of the inability to watch and copy others, I ate by grabbing the fork with my whole hand like a 4-year-old until today. Long story short thanks for this in-depth description of how to hold it properly. Everyone always just said hold it like a pencil, but as a blind girl I don't write in print. Once again I cannot thank you enough for helping me look a little more civilized

[@playerjack2566]

How do you type in comments just generally curious

[@Ethiopia10000]

​@@playerjack2566 Maybe using voice-to-text translators, I think

[@playerjack2566]

@@Ethiopia10000 yeah I guess

[@Persuna1]

Great video! So many people need to watch this. It’s absurd on how people are so unaware of table manners. Keep it up!

[@JohnnyEganACTOR]

That was awesome! I rarely watch half hour videos from beginning to end, but yours was really outstanding! Kudos!

[@AmyAnnetteHenion]

LOVE the etiquette videos! Please make more!

[@d_15745]

Don’t entirely agree with 36:54. In Italy they have a saying for using bread to pick up the left over sauce, it’s called fare la scarpetta. It symbolizes that the food was so good that you need to get the last bit and it’s a compliment to the chef

[@Digrient]

Yes, that makes good sense to me, at least when the occasion is not absolutely formal.

[@lordvergesso]

I absolutly love that you are not taking yourselves to serious and throw in a "meme" here and there...

[@tamerinkelly7693]

Would love to see more videos like this. Also a video on all the different silverware pieces and how to use them would be great. I love all the videos you produce. They are informative as well as entertaining. Have been watching for over a year now.

[@jacklau89]

Been watching Raphael since 2019 (and buying from you), I just have to say that I still prefer video done by you. It‘s just a type of personal charisma which I truly admire!❤

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thank you. It seems like everyone has their favorite host, that's why we have different ones 😉

[@ivinitmittal]

Love the etiquette videos!!👍🏻

[@acftmxman]

I was taught to use utensils the European way and that was proper etiquette. You know which hand to use by the placement of the utensils on a properly set table. I was always told that forks were popular in Europe first before coming to America. And when they came, the people here didn’t know how to use them. So being Americans, we came up with our own way of using them.

[@roblemon6784]

Yes I think you are correct there. The states were colonies for a long time and had basic agrarian economies whereas Europe was heavily urbanised and more sophisicated. Many things in the modern US are based on practises which were deemed old fashioned in Europe. The use of language illustrates this, such as faucet a word long out of use in Britain and there are many other examples.

[@JeanWatson-y3h]

10 Century Byzantine... The English did not invent forks.

[@acftmxman]

@@JeanWatson-y3h no one said they did.

[@theRamblrr]

Yes please. More etiquette videos. I am twenty-nine learning this material for the first time and I’m very much ready to finally grow up.

[@xbmarx]

I'm from the US, but one side of my family did Zig-Zag, the other did Continental. I spent my whole life confused but this finally makes it clear in my mind 🤣 Thank you

[@vaibhavmishra2331]

In my part of Northern India, we mostly use spoons, or forks and spoons, and very rarely use knives as cutlery (Not making a statement for any other part of the country!) We do use them when we indulge in western cuisine, and certain southern Indian cuisines, but very rarely. So, this is a very interesting peek into the way y'all eat. As always, well done, GG!

[@Anee988]

Much needed refresher. Is it acceptable to switch between european and american styles while eating a meal?

[@datatraveller]

Thank you so much for making this video! There wasn't much new information for me regarding table etiquette, but I really appreciated that you brought up the topic of the left/right non-dominant/dominant hand for the fork and the knife. In my life, multiple people have actually corrected and commented aloud on my etiquette since I use the fork in my right hand and the knife in the left - ironically the the act of calling a person out for this is extremely bad manners in my opinion and much more of a faux pas. Nontheless, these confrontations have made me insecure, especially in restaurant settings with new people. I am mostly right handed, yet I find this "opposite way" comes much more natural to me, could possible be since my left hand is more agile and stronger. I feel that this piece of table etiquette only exists because in the past using the left hand was deemed sinful and there's absolutely no logical reason for it, yet I find it hard to make my stance if I am confronted about it. Now I have at least something to back it up. This is my personal hill I'm going to die on - and may that death come with my knife in my leftie and the fork in my righty!

[@themoderndandy713]

You're absolutely right that it's rude for people to point that out. There's a difference between etiquette and politeness - etiquette is the rules, and politeness is the fundamental way we treat others. There are too many who know the rules of etiquette but don't have the basic politeness to know not to make others feel bad for their breaches of the rules. It also demonstrates a lack of awareness on their part that some folk have different body idiosyncrasies, and that trumps rules of etiquette. If I were in your shoes, I'd just tell them that "my hands just don't work that way," or that this is "how I'm comfortable eating." Polite yet straight to the point and non-explanatory.

[@TheSaneHatter]

When improperly corrected, just say, "I didn't ask." Failing that, simply give them a dirty look and hold it until it makes them uncomfortable.

[@sadkitten1649]

I’m the exact same way!

[@NapoIeoneBuonaparte]

His voice is so relaxing

[@thedowagerd.2431]

Please do a video on charger plates.

[@cgimovieman]

I’m American, but with the exception of when I was very young, I’ve always used the European style with cutlery. Especially and without exception in nicer restaurants. I wish more people could pay attention to these things. It seems so crude to me when people have eating styles like animals. The one dining protocol that I still struggle with to this day, is to not slightly lean in or over when bringing food to my mouth. With large single pieces of food such as fish, meat, or larger vegetables, this isn’t very difficult. But with food like rice, peas, or anything with a sauce that could drip, I’m always afraid that I won’t be able to keep the balance, and will drop food or drip something on my clothing or into my lap. So I lean slightly forward so that if this happens, it happens over my plate.

[@212caboose]

Yep- same.

[@themoderndandy713]

To be completely honest, while I know not bending to your food is the rule, I think you're in the right. Eating should be polite, but it needn't be a display of dexterial agility. Not to mention that eating that way is an easy way to get sauce on your dress shirt or trousers. So long as you aren't hunching and are merely tilting, I think it's A-okay.

[@MegaTubetiger]

@@themoderndandy713 Well said, I completely concur.

[@themoderndandy713]

@@MegaTubetiger Thank you!

[@OzymandiasRex]

Oh god, the timing is perfect on this one!

[@cathyholliday8004]

I was amazed to see our use of the zigzag method wasn't just something we used in our family. Sorry to say it didn't really stick with our kids, but at least we tried.

[@codynashvillanueva2058]

22:34 yes, I'd love a video where you explain all the different utensils. i am a student in the food and beverage service industry so it would help out a lot thank you:)

[@Mamaki1987]

Love your videos about manners. They are universal

[@inisipisTV]

Yeah, I remember that old movie. I’ve watched it with my dad on TV when I was little. That little cultural trivia in that Spy Movie stuck to me, even when for a long time I forgot it’s title.

[@LusciousBlackQueen]

American born, but learnt the Continental European Style from my family. Was mocked once for using Continental, but I perfer Continental because its much mannerable for me. Great video😊 😊😊

[@ronfrancini4803]

These videos are a great help reminder on dining ettiquette.

[@VictoriaIbañez-w5o]

You're FABULOUS!!! Very Entertaining!!!

[@bereng4719]

I myself use the zigzag style but it's easier when I put the fork in my right hand and knife in left

[@Digrient]

It's good to hear confirmed that using the fork with the tines facing upwards is perfectly accepted etiquette in most parts, because it just makes sense. One can certainly do it with grace, so the shovel comparisons are rubbish.

[@HumbertoClaudino]

Congratulations on the video and more videos about the different knives and forks would be welcome.

[@TrailWalker03]

Information like this just not widely enough taught / available. I learned so many things I do (or should do 🤦‍♂) unconsciously on this video. Thanks for posting!

[@gjaeigjiajeg]

I can't express how much I appreciate these videos. Also love the acting that you occasionally show to demonstrate how not to do certain things lol

[@GregTheHun]

I would love to have a video of all the video suggestions you have pointed out.

[@findingwithterry]

As always, great video! I'm not sure many people really use the Zig-zag style. And I suspect a lot of Americans use a hybrid style where they don't do the fork down facing European thing but they also don''t switch hands to eat their food. At the end, everyone probably mishmashes and that's how the world works. ;-)

[@C3Truetopper]

As an indian i never have to worry about this. Use right hand wahtever you eat.

[@RaymondAdames]

Excellent video! I wanted and needed to learn how to use silverware for social occasions. Thank you, Sven, for an informative and yet easy-to-understand presentation. You have no doubt helped many people with information very important important to social life.

[@joshmiller7777]

An excellent, educational video - thank you very much Raphael :)

[@jonathonshanecrawford1840]

I've been waiting patiently for this video from you guys, as one of your other videos touches on the the subject! More please! Also many people don't know (today) that American spies where nicked by the Germans (WWI) for they way they ate, while the Brits ate basically the same as the Germans, that's why the Brits were never (often) caught out by the Germans!

[@shawnkuhn4753]

Excellent etiquette video. I'd love to see more!

[@tannissoto4872]

Thank you for the review of table etiquette. I learned quite a few things I didn't know.

[@4hedgesfamily]

As a lefty, I would appreciate someone switching the silverware. I didn't even know that was allowed. I just adapted and worked around the right-handed prejudice.

[@igorbautista9819]

Great video. Please do more about table etiquette, the different knives, forks and spoons, and the differences between US and other countries (in special, Germany and Austria)

[@facemeltor2261]

More please!

[@moicai4682]

12:23 I'm used to seeing movie scenes but a meme is the last thing I can expect from GG's video! It was a really pleasant surprise.

[@nadiyacampen8614]

Perfect English!

[@thevintageenglishman]

Jolly good show old boy.

[@Molach101]

I had a friend from Canada once who would do that thing where he would cut up all the food first then put down the knife and eat with his fork. I live in the UK so it was the first time I've seen that

[@themoderndandy713]

I've done that on occasion - but only if the food is served too hot. I especially do this at home when the meats have just come off the stove. Having sensory sensitivities, there're situations where, by the time everyone else has eaten, I'm just getting started after my food is no longer piping hot. It's not something I'm proud of, but the alternative is to have everyone else wait on me as I begin my dinner.

[@Molach101]

@@themoderndandy713 I appreciate this and the fact you've been open about it, thank you. I think guidelines around etiquette always come with caveats, either explicitly stated or implied, that sometimes we can't follow the guidelines to the letter for all kinds of reasons, and we just try to be as polite as we can given the circumstances using common sense, and in your case for instance it's very clear you're being considerate of other people and thinking of them

[@MilatovichFamily]

Can you make a drinking etiquette? Like how to drink different types of wines, liquers and alčl the different glasses?

[@cgimovieman]

You briefly touched on this after I was thinking it, but I’d love to see a video on cultural etiquette in some other countries besides Europe and the United States. For example, I’ve been to both Japan and China a few times, and there are etiquettes when using chopsticks, such as where to rest them during or after meals. Or slurping soups in Japan is considered good form, and actually serves to cool the soup when you bring it into your mouth. Or in India, most food as I understand it is eaten with your hands. But only with one particular hand, because generally speaking in Indian restrooms there is no toilet paper, and you use your other hand for that “business”. As a person who loves to travel and enjoys experiencing other cultures, I also love learning about all of these etiquettes and putting them into practice when I travel. Also, and may have been covered in another etiquette video of yours, but I absolutely despise cell phones in restaurants. I don’t even think they are necessary to have in your pocket, much less to pull them out and use them. I always leave my phone in my car when going into a restaurant. The experience is for the food and the company. Not for distractions like that. A few months back I was in a very nice restaurant, and a table of around 5 people across from me all had their cell phone flashlights on looking at their raised menus. It was incredibly distracting and rude seeing these 4-5 lights essentially aimed at my face. I occasionally looked over at the group, hoping they would see my distraction and turn these off, but it never worked. I may expect that of people in a low-end restaurant, but not a nicer and more expensive one.

[@Egilhelmson]

There are probably other channels with etiquette for other cultures, although Hindu culture would be in Hindi.

[@cgimovieman]

@@Egilhelmson I'm sure there are and I could find some. Raphael just does a really good job with his videos, that it would be nice to see from him. That's all.

[@themoderndandy713]

I've heard complaints from some people in the fine dining industry that when the lighting is too dim, as is a bit of a trend, one needs to use their flashlights to see the menu - particularly if they have poor eyesight. This is especially true in corner tables. I use my cell phone quite a bit in restaurants, but I'm a solo diner. At the very least, if I get a phone call, I take it outside if possible. I take quite a bit of pleasure from eating an elegant dinner out while watching some KZbin (with Bluetooth earbuds in, of course). When with company, though, the phone goes in my pocket for all but brief instances of sharing my poetry or pictures.

[@cgimovieman]

@@themoderndandy713 Well, I suppose I’m a bit of a traditionalist, but I just feel that lights of any kind shouldn’t be taken out in a restaurant. Be they from a cell phone or otherwise. Most nice restaurants have subdued lighting, and that should be expected. But if you are having trouble seeing the menu, simply tell your server and have them help you. But I’d still never bring my cell phone into a restaurant, or pull out a flashlight. That’s essentially telling the owners that you’re displeased with their lighting in the establishment, and rude.

[@themoderndandy713]

@@cgimovieman I can see and appreciate your point. However, I have a couple of thoughts. Letting owners know that you're displeased with something in their restaurant is something most owners should not only accept but appreciate - only through being kindly told our mistakes can we improve. If enough people are using their flashlights to see the menus, the owners might get the hint and up the lighting to a dim-yet-tolerable level. It's better for the restaurant than leaving a negative review on Yelp. Also, I'm not quite sure how the waiter could help much beyond reading off everything in the menu, which is quite cumbersome. I can see, though, how bright lights could be distracting in a dim restaurant. It drives me a bit mad when someone in the audience has their phone out at the opera - even on minimal lighting in the orchestra section below.

[@fernandoarizaabascal1175]

Excellent content! very useful in these days, specially travelling abroad! :-)

[@ilnerdmiope]

BTW if it's possible I'd like to see an historical analysis on the evolution of the white tie, since it's changed a lot across the decades. Thanks a lot and keep up with your awesome job ❤️

[@kellyindymusic]

So I've been eating like a peasant ...roger that 🤣🤣 This is really informative and feels genuine at the same time deeply humorous lol

[@bcataiji]

That was a lot of information. Thank you.

[@QuoteBlink]

Always love your video

[@mostaqueali2658]

First we address the issue of the napkin, where it is placed.....on the lap or around the collar? Then in order the purpose of the utensils, and their order of use on the table.

[@dr_inc01]

Your chanel is so good love watching your videos

[@glennet9613]

In many local, but excellent, restaurants in France and Switzerland, maybe other countries, you keep the same knife and fork for each course. I’ve never figured out how you are supposed to know but if I guess wrong the server either frowns and takes my knife and fork off the plate and puts it on the table or vice versa.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

When I stayed at a hotel in a small Japanese city, the hotel restaurant only had chopsticks to use. Luckily, I brought my own fork and knife with me and used it everyday to eat at the hotel breakfast buffet. The other guests and hotel staff pretended not to notice. LOL 😅

[@AadhiraiSathyavathi]

Here in India, there is a different etiquette for eating Food with Hand and Fingers 🖐🏻, various cutleries and heavy after work cleaning those cutlery! Who cleans the dishes ? Machines ?

[@danielcarnaval]

Great video as always. Thank you!

[@nxstng7325]

I’m American and I use the European style. That switching hands is too much work. On another note it absolutely drives me crazy when people can’t hold their utensils properly.

[@Egilhelmson]

That, or like Jack Barkey, you are a Deep Cover Soviet agent :-).

[@karlrovey]

Same.

[@stokermat112]

This advice will come in handy on my next visit to Applebee's!

[@kletts42]

Table topics like a fun video. I would enjoy that.

[@Theo-ul8qm]

Regarding how to communicate that you're done eating, the way I was taught was that any position of your fork and knife on the plate that is not the 4:20 poaition should communicate that you're not done. I can't remember a time this hasn't worked for me. Simple to remember too.

[@andreitaga5988]

I really like that you learned to incorporate more memes & jokes into your videos

[@abdallahabdallah8873]

Gentlemangrazzete pls a video on a good conversation on a table

[@arthurcatalanotto1151]

Yes to table conversation topics please?

[@PammiePlusParks]

I was taught to use my fork to anchor things like steak, place the in front of the fork, and cut off a bite...then use my knife to remove my fork from the larger piece of meat so I could then use the fork to pick up & eat the bite I cut. Anchoring the meat keeps it from tipping over, rolling, or sliding around on the plate. I noticed you used this method in the video but also used the method of putting the fork into the edge of the meat, cut behind the fork to remove just the bite & immediately use the fork to eat the bite. Is one method preferred over the other? I'm an American & have seen the anchor method used by people with training in higher end restaurants and important/formal settings with the second method used in casual settings.

[@sharondixon-p8i]

Learned so much from this video.

[@realgamer1998]

i am an indian, so eating with your hands is the custom here. But, I have also been to quite some nice restaurants where they give you cutlery. Never have I ever got a sharp knife which can cut the cooked meat in a single motion. My home knives are much sharper than those restaurant knives.

[@richardheinen1126]

Heck yeah do a video on forks and knives. We don’t want to be cads and bounders 😆

[@DianaEngland]

Agreed with you started at 3 yrs old school etiquette by 5yrs old you now everything ibeng to order the bill

[@deauerl6176]

It's strange. If eat food should keep the tine facing down, then why forks are designed to be curved

[@Kitabo27]

That was Fun! I only have one thing I must report. Bread and Sauce... Or cleaning the plate with Bread. This is actually an Honored Tradition in the US Navy! And a defining indicator of Service. If you ever have dined with an Admiral from the US... To Not do so, is a slight to the men.

[@leonsterzinger6132]

in the old days you did not cut potatos bechause silver knives turn black on potatos.

[@silverwitch6863]

One important thing: never ever leave a messy plate that looks like a battlefield! With paper napkins, never throw them all crumpled up onto your plate. Fold them (stains inside, not to be seen) and place neatly under knife and fork when done eating. Never put a fabric napkin after eating on the plate, it’s just gross. I’ve seen that once at a wedding reception in the US, and the guy who did that also used his left index finger to shove food onto his fork. Also, never stuff a napkin in your collar… I grew up in Austria and Germany with the continental way of using knife and fork. Taught it to my kids too. If kids see their parents eat this way, it is amazing how quickly it becomes natural to them too.

[@markvogelfaenger9801]

Never ever fold anything. There is no etiquete for paper, but cloth should be put aside NOT FOLDED.

[@yesitis1012]

Make another etiquette video

[@claudiayates7621]

There is a whole series.

[@greenhollyknight4846]

@22:00 Please let me know about the different silverware and how to properly use them.

[@claudiayates7621]

He mentions that he will make a video of that, if there are enough requests. I would like to watch that too.

[@Eurovision324]

As an Italian the American style looks hilarious

[@Hoxxz]

I will and has always been eating food with the fork in my right hand. I cut with my left. Sometimes depending on the food, I eat with a spoon because it's easier than using the fork (food falling off). 🤪

[@ruralsquirrel5158]

My Silent Generation parents taught me great table etiquette, which I still remember today. I did learn a few new things here though, so thanks. One point: you didn't mention spoons (aside from the dessert spoon). Some countries and regions are very soup and stew oriented, such as Czechia, Poland, and Russia. Czechs always eat soup as the starter for meals. As I recall, the large soup spoon goes on the right side of the plate, outside of the knives.

[@claudiayates7621]

Soup spoons are presented with the soup. Proper tea spoons are presented with the tea/coffee service.

[@roseegoldd]

I agree with this style of eating but I’m right handed and eat with my right hand. Forks on the left seem so odd to me.

[@ABuffaloDub]

Great stuff! Thanks brother

[@Flame_Core_Online]

did not expect supa hot fire in a gg video, i am pleasantly surprised

[@ben-jam-in6941]

For some reason this reminds me of a silly thing we did in the cafeteria every meal at church summer camp when I was in my elementary/ jr high years. If someone got caught with their elbows on the table then whoever caught them would start sing “Get your elbows off the table (insert name) bla bla bla.. x3 get your elbows off the table.. “ it had a rhythm…. Anyway whoever got caught had to run circles around the big cafeteria while everyone was clapping and singing the song. It broke me from putting my elbows on the table. That and my mother. My boring memories.. so sorry!!

[@fabulousdick]

You are slowly becoming a fancy egg.

[@catherineonyango6751]

I didn't know that fork are different 😊,I have learned something,in Kenya when you're not enjoying wth 🍴 we just use our hands😂, thank you for this teachings🙏

[@timvanravensberg4268]

Thank you for this! I have seen some pictures of cutlery placement on the plate after eating, i.e. crossing fork and knife to signal, "ready for the next plate" or interlock knife blade with the fork's tines to signal "I did not like this dish" I am from continental Europe and found this to be rather strange, even rude possibly.

[@GFKCEG]

Love your videos ♥

[@ajmayowskijr]

Nice work

[@thelastaristocracy]

Dear ... Pray, in the days to come, whilst thou art imparting knowledge, refrain from mingling manners. One small request... May thou have a splendid day. With kindest regards

[@SanCreatividad-pd1pf]

In Spain it is proper etiquette to keep your hands and wrists on the table seen and also to clean the plate with a piece of bread.

[@shahancheong9792]

Yes, cutlery episode :)

[@tannissoto4872]

This explains why my husband eats differently than I do. I was taught by my Mom in Canada the American style and my husband's Mom was from England and taught him the European style.

[@davegonzalez2140]

Well, I'm a right-handed American who seems to eat left-handed Continental.