A World of Taste: Exploring Dining Customs Across Cultures

Thank you to everyone who joined us at NBAA-BACE 2025!

It was an honor to share the stage in Las Vegas and guide you through A World of Taste: Exploring Dining Customs Across Cultures. For those who couldn’t make it, we’re excited to share some highlights and insights from the session that truly reflect the spirit of Jetiquette Training — where culinary artistry meets cultural understanding at 40,000 feet.

Why Dining Customs Matter in Corporate Aviation

In the world of private and corporate aviation, every detail counts. A simple meal onboard can become a powerful expression of respect, care, and connection. Understanding the “why” behind different dining traditions helps flight attendants deliver service that feels not only elegant — but authentic and empathetic.

During our session, we explored how cultural nuances shape the inflight dining experience, focusing on two richly traditional regions: East Asia and the Middle East. Each offered a fascinating perspective on hospitality, hierarchy, and the unspoken language of food.

East Asia: Harmony, Respect, and Ritual

In China, dining is all about community and generosity. The round table and Lazy Susan aren’t just practical, they symbolize unity and inclusion. Refusing seconds might seem polite elsewhere, but in Chinese culture, it can come across as distant. Accepting another serving means, “Yes, I belong here.”

In Japan, every meal is an art form that celebrates seasonality, harmony and beauty. From the placement of each dish to the quiet etiquette of pouring drinks for others, service becomes a choreography of respect. Onboard, this translates into thoughtful plating, graceful movement, and a calm, attentive presence that passengers instantly feel.

In Korea, dining is guided by respect and hierarchy. The youngest at the table pours drinks for elders with both hands, showing deep respect. For flight attendants, this awareness reminds us to always serve principals or senior guests first and to match our body language and tone to their level of formality.

The Middle East: Hospitality is a way of life

We also journeyed through the Middle East, where food is a symbol of hospitality and generosity. The simple act of offering Arabic coffee and dates at the beginning of service is more than tradition, it’s a heartfelt welcome. The coffee is poured lightly, just a sip or two, so the guest may be offered a refill again and again, a quiet way of saying, “You are welcome here.”

From the abundance of mezze to the order of serving elders first, every detail reflects deep-rooted values of respect, warmth, and inclusion. For those of us in aviation, learning these customs transforms inflight service into an act of cultural diplomacy.

Bringing Culture to the Cabin: Respect, Comfort, Elevate

Throughout the session, we discussed practical ways flight attendants can adapt these traditions onboard, from thoughtful table setups and plating that reflects local dining principles to mindful gestures that resonate with global passengers.

Whether it’s offering a warm towel before a meal, adjusting your language when addressing elders, or serving bread as a symbol of generosity, these details elevate every experience from routine to remarkable.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you!

• What dining customs or cultural moments have inspired your inflight service?

• Have you ever experienced any dining custom that changed how you feel about a culture or made you feel truly welcomed?

Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag @JetiquetteTraining on social media to continue the conversation.

Thank you again to everyone who joined A World of Taste and to those following our journey from afar. Together, we’re redefining inflight hospitality, one culture, one dish, and one meaningful gesture at a time.