Learn some simple dos and don’ts for eating a meal in Argentina.
1. It is important remember some simple Argentine customs that will demonstrate your good manners and ingratiate you with your hosts. First, when you enter the room it is important to personally greet everyone present. This is typically done with a kiss on the left cheek, though a kiss on both cheeks is not uncommon.
I recommend you follow their lead. If you are uncomfortable with a kiss, a hand shake will often suffice. If you walk into a room where people are already eating, it is polite to say, “Provecho” or “Buen provecho”. It is the equivalent of saying, “Bon apetit.”
2. When people begin eating, you can say, “Buen provecho” to wish all a good meal. While seated at table to eat, it is customary to keep both hands above the table.
This is different than American tradition, but it is seen as suspicious or questionable behavior if you have a hand out of view. It is also typical to keep a piece of bread in your left hand while eating, unless you are using your knife.
3. Other ways you can show gratitude or respect include, “gracias” meaning “thank you,” and “La comida es muy rica/deliciosa” meaning “The food is very delicious.” As with most dinner parties, your hosts will also appreciate stories of your home and family or a good joke.
Argentine food is excellent, so most of all have fun and enjoy your meal. Buen provecho!