Many cultures around the world have different perceptions about food and are extremely strict about the foods you can and can’t eat. Taboos are based on religions, superstitions, and environmental conditions.

If you are planning to travel soon, then here is a list of food taboos from around the world:

• Papua New Guinea

Tribal women members who are in the middle of their menstrual cycle are forbidden fresh meat, juicy bananas or any red colored fruits. If anyone eats food cooked by a menstruating woman, then that person can become ill or die. It is also believed that older and pregnant women are not allowed foods like fish eggs. However, there are no restrictions for men!

• Brazilian

As seafood is a staple in Brazilian cuisine, predatory fish like piranhas and bottom feeders are considered prohibited to eat. However, people who are ill are recommended to eat those that are omnivorous.

• Chinese

If you’re traveling to China, you should mind your chopsticks as well as your manners. After finishing a meal, you should never leave your chopsticks in the bowl. The left-over rice is often offered to the ancestors’ ghosts at a family shrine. That’s why when eating in a restaurant, you should not leave your chopstick in the bowl sticking up to the left-over rice as it might be a terrible loss for the proprietor.

• Japanese

Remember that saying “Sharing is caring”, well in Japan, forget it! If you plan to share your meal, you must place a tasting morsel on a small plate and pass it to the recipient. Passing food from chopstick to chopstick refers to the Japanese custom of sifting through a family member’s cremated ashes to handle their loved ones’ bones.

• Russian

This Russian Taboo involves traditional dating! If you are hoping to court a lady at a restaurant, you’re expected to pay for everything. Russian women don’t bring their wallet on a date.

• Indian

Food taboo in India vary according to religion and for those who practice Hinduism, eating cow or beef meat is prohibited. For Muslim and Islamic families, they do not eat pork as these animals are bred in revolting conditions and are not worthy of consumption.

• Italian

When offered Italian food, whether you are in Italy or with an Italian family, it’s better to refuse at first! If you’re offered a second time, then accept it freely!

Here it goes, now you know!