Business Dining Etiquette in India: Do’s and Don’ts

In a country where business is often conducted over meals, having a good understanding of business dining etiquette is crucial for success. India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage is reflected in its cuisine, and knowing the importance of proper dining etiquette can help avoid any social faux pas that could potentially harm business relationships. In this blog, we’ll explain why business dining etiquette is crucial in India and offer some tips on how to navigate the dining experience with confidence and ease.

General Etiquette Tips

When it comes to business etiquette in India, there are several general tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, dressing appropriately is crucial. Depending on the situation, you may need to dress more formally than you would in other countries. 

It’s also important to use proper titles and greetings when addressing others, as this shows respect and helps build rapport. Additionally, offering and receiving items with the right hand is important, as the left hand is considered unclean.

Respect for elders and superiors is also a key aspect of Indian culture and should be demonstrated through both actions and words. Avoiding discussing sensitive topics, such as religion or politics, is also recommended, as these can be divisive and may cause offense.

It’s worth noting that these general etiquette tips can vary depending on the region and specific context. In some parts of India, for example, it may be customary to remove one’s shoes before entering someone’s home or a place of worship. Additionally, different industries and professions may have unique customs and practices.

Overall, demonstrating respect and a willingness to learn about and adapt to local customs can go a long way in building successful business relationships in India.

Before the Meal

In India, business dining etiquette is an essential aspect of building and maintaining professional relationships. It is important to make a good impression and show respect to your business partners or clients. In this article, we will discuss the pre-meal etiquette that you should be aware of before attending a business meal in India.

Firstly, it is important to send invitations in advance and select a suitable restaurant that accommodates the needs and preferences of your guests. Arriving on time or a few minutes early is a sign of respect and shows that you value their time. If you are running late, it is polite to inform the host in advance.

In Indian culture, it is customary to allow the host to order first and follow their lead. This shows respect for the host and their hospitality. If you are hosting the meal, it is important to communicate with your guests regarding their dietary preferences and restrictions beforehand.

Once the food is served, it is important to wait for everyone to be served before eating. This shows consideration for others and prevents any awkwardness or discomfort. It is also important to keep in mind the eating habits of your guests and avoid ordering dishes that may be considered sensitive or offensive.

In conclusion, following pre-meal etiquette is an important aspect of business dining in India. By adhering to these guidelines, you can make a positive impression and foster strong professional relationships.

During the Meal

During a business meal in India, it is important to observe proper table manners. As a guest, it is customary to start eating only after the host begins. Take small bites and eat slowly, making sure to try everything that is served. It is also essential to use utensils properly, such as holding the spoon with your right hand and using it to scoop food onto your fork.

Moreover, it is considered impolite to use your mobile phone during a meal. This applies to both taking calls and texting. Instead, give your full attention to the conversation and the food that is being served.

It is also crucial to maintain proper posture while eating, sitting up straight, and avoiding slouching or leaning on the table. Additionally, make sure to keep your elbows off the table while eating.

If you need to excuse yourself during the meal, it is customary to say “Excuse me” or “May I be excused” before leaving the table. Make sure to wait for an appropriate moment, such as in between courses or when the conversation allows.

Beverages

Beverages play an important role in business dining etiquette in India. Understanding the culture of tea and coffee is essential, as these are popular beverages in the country. 

In India, tea is often served hot and with milk and sugar, while coffee is usually served black or with milk. If offered tea or coffee, it’s important to accept the offer graciously and to wait until it’s served to begin drinking.

Alcohol is also a common beverage served in business dining settings in India. It’s important to be aware of the common alcoholic beverages in the country, such as beer, whiskey, and rum, among others. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone may drink alcohol for personal, religious, or cultural reasons. In such cases, it’s important to decline the offer gracefully without making a big deal about it.

It’s important to remember that beverages are not the main focus of a business dining experience. The purpose of the meal is to build relationships and discuss business matters. Therefore, it’s important to be respectful and mindful of the host and other guests at the table.

Communication

In the context of business dining etiquette in India, effective communication is crucial to maintaining a positive and respectful atmosphere. It is important to always speak politely and with respect toward others, regardless of their position or seniority. 

Interrupting others during conversations is considered impolite and should be avoided. Instead, show interest in the topics being discussed and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.

Additionally, it is important to use the correct tone of voice when communicating with others. Being too loud or too soft-spoken can be seen as inappropriate and disrespectful. Instead, try to match your tone to the situation and the person you are speaking with.

Nonverbal communication is also important in India, so pay attention to your body language. Maintaining eye contact during conversations is seen as a sign of respect and interest in the discussion. However, excessive gesturing or physical contact should be avoided as it may be perceived as invasive.

Tipping

Tipping is an important part of the hospitality industry in India, and it is essential to know when and how much to tip to avoid any awkward situations. In general, it is customary to tip in India for services rendered, such as in restaurants, hotels, and spas.

When dining in a restaurant, it is common to tip between 10% to 15% of the total bill. However, it is important to check if a service charge is already included in the bill, as this can vary from establishment to establishment. In this case, tipping is optional, and it is up to the individual to decide if they want to leave an additional tip.

In hotels, it is customary to tip the bellboy who helps with luggage and the housekeeping staff. It is also common to tip the staff who provide room service. A tip of Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per day is considered appropriate for housekeeping, while a tip of Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 is suitable for bellboys.

When receiving any kind of beauty or spa treatment, it is customary to tip the service provider between 10% to 15% of the total bill. Similarly, when taking a taxi, it is common to round up the fare to the nearest rupee or add Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 as a tip.

Recap 

Do’s:

1. Dress appropriately and conservatively.
2. Offer and receive items, such as food and drinks, with your right hand.
3. Use proper titles and greetings to show respect to your hosts.
4. Wait for the host to begin eating before you start.
5. Eat slowly and try everything on your plate.
6. Use utensils properly, including the bread plate and napkin.
7. Show interest in the conversation topics and listen attentively.
8. Compliment the food and hospitality of your hosts.
9. Tip appropriately based on the local customs and service provided.
10. Follow up with a thank you note or email after the meal.

Don’ts:

1. Use your mobile phone during the meal, unless it is an emergency.
2. Speak with your mouth full or make loud noises while eating.
3. Discuss sensitive topics, such as politics or religion.
4. Criticize the food or hospitality of your hosts.
5. Begin eating or drinking before the host does.
6. Push away your plate or leave food uneaten, as it may be seen as disrespectful.
7. Chew gum or smoke during the meal.
8. Order an excessive amount of food or drink, unless the host insists.
9. Show up late for the meal, as punctuality is highly valued in Indian business culture.
10. Be overly familiar or casual with your hosts, as maintaining a professional demeanor is important.