What is the dining etiquette in the Netherlands?


What is the dining etiquette in the Netherlands? As people begin to eat, some may say Eet Smakelijk” which means “Eat well and with taste”. It is polite to keep one's hands above the table until all have finished eating. It is recommended to take a small portion as your first helping, so you're able to accept a second helping. The Dutch tend to avoid wasting food.


Why do Dutch people eat dinner so early?

Dutchies like to start early, usually between 5 PM and 6 PM. There is a historical explanation for this early time for dinner, and it was influenced by the socio-economic circumstances of the 19th century. Lower social classes would eat a warm meal around midday, while the higher classes would eat at 3 PM.