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Food & culture

Food & culture guides

What to eat, where to eat it and the customs that come with it.

Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team

Photo: Yann Caradec from Paris, France, CC BY-SA 2.0

Quick answer

253 destination guides, grouped by region. Popular starting points: Paris, London, Rome and Barcelona.

Key facts

Destinations
253
Regions
7

Europe

Food & culture: Europe
DestinationTry firstTipping
ParisCroissant and pain au chocolatService is included in French restaurant prices by law.
LondonFull English breakfastTipping about 10–12.5% is normal in sit-down restaurants when no service…
RomeSpaghetti alla carbonaraTipping is not expected.
BarcelonaBread with tomatoTipping is optional.
AmsterdamStroopwafelService is included in prices.
IstanbulSimitIn restaurants, leaving about 5–10% in cash for good service is normal if…
LisbonCustard tartTipping is modest: leaving small change or about 5–10% in restaurants for good…
MadridChurros con chocolateService is included in prices.
PragueSvíčkováRound up or add about 10% for good service, but tell the waiter the total you…
ViennaWiener SchnitzelRound up or add about 5–10% in cafés and restaurants for good service, telling…
BerlinCurrywurstRound up or add about 5–10% in restaurants and cafés, telling the server the…
VeniceCicchettiA cover charge is standard and service may be included.
FlorenceBistecca alla fiorentinaTipping is not expected in Italy.
AthensSouvlaki and gyrosService is not usually added to the bill.
BudapestGoulash soupTip about 10% in restaurants unless a service charge is already on the bill…
DublinFull Irish breakfastTip about 10–15% in restaurants if service is not already included.
EdinburghHaggis, neeps and tattiesTip about 10–12.5% in restaurants if a service charge is not already added.
CopenhagenSmørrebrødService is included in Danish prices, so tipping is not expected.
ReykjavíkIcelandic lamb soupTipping is not customary in Iceland; service is included in prices and wages.
SevilleSalmorejoTipping is modest in Seville: locals round up or leave small change in bars…
PortoFrancesinhaTipping is modest: leaving small change in cafés and about 5–10% in…
MunichWhite sausageRound up or add about 5–10% in restaurants, telling the server the total you…
MilanSaffron risottoA cover charge is often included, so tipping is optional.
NaplesNeapolitan pizzaTipping is not expected; a cover charge is usually included.
NiceSoccaService is included in restaurant prices by law.
DubrovnikBlack risottoTipping is appreciated rather than expected.
SantoriniSantorini favaService is not usually added.
BrusselsMoules-fritesService is included in restaurant prices.
BrugesMoules-fritesService is included in Belgian restaurant prices.
KrakówPierogiAbout 10% is usual in sit-down restaurants for good service; check whether a…
WarsawPierogiAbout 10% in sit-down restaurants is usual for good service.
StockholmSwedish meatballsService is included in Swedish prices.
OsloBrown cheeseService is included and wages are high, so tipping is not expected.
HelsinkiSalmon soupTipping is not expected; service is included.
TallinnBlack rye breadTipping around 10% for good table service is common in Tallinn restaurants but…
RigaDark rye breadTipping around 10% for good table service in restaurants is customary but not…
VilniusPotato dumplingsTipping around 10% for good table service is customary in restaurants but not…
ZurichZurich-style vealService is included in prices.
GenevaPerch filletsService is included.
LucerneLucerne vol-au-ventService is included in Swiss prices.
InterlakenRöstiService is included in Swiss prices.
SalzburgSalzburger NockerlRound up the bill or add about 5–10% for good service, telling the waiter the…
HamburgFish sandwichRound up or add about 5–10% for table service, telling the server the total…
FrankfurtFrankfurt green sauceRound up or add about 5–10% for table service, telling the server the total…
CologneKölschRound up or add about 5–10% for table service, telling the waiter the total…
LyonPike quenellesService is included by law.
BordeauxCaneléService is included in restaurant prices by law.
MarseilleBouillabaisseService is included in restaurant prices by law.
ValenciaPaella valencianaTipping is not expected.
MálagaEspetos de sardinasTipping is not expected.
GranadaFree tapasTipping is not expected.
Palma de MallorcaEnsaïmadaTipping is not expected.
IbizaBullit de peixTipping is not expected but appreciated; rounding up in bars and around 5–10%…
TenerifePapas arrugadas con mojoTipping is not expected.
BolognaTagliatelle al ragùTipping is not expected, and a coperto is often already charged.
VeronaRisotto all'AmaroneTipping is not expected and a coperto is often charged; rounding up or leaving…
Amalfi CoastLimoncelloTipping is not expected and a coperto is often charged; rounding up or leaving…
Cinque TerreTrofie al pestoTipping is not expected and a coperto is often charged; rounding up or leaving…
PalermoArancineTipping is not expected; rounding up or leaving a few euros in restaurants for…
SplitPašticadaTipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving about 10%…
LjubljanaCarniolan sausageTipping is not obligatory.
BratislavaBryndza dumplingsRounding up or adding about 10% for good service is customary in restaurants…
BelgradeĆevapiRounding up or leaving about 10% for good service in restaurants is common; in…
SofiaBanitsaLeaving about 10% in restaurants is customary for good service; in cafés and…
BucharestSarmaleLeaving about 10% in restaurants is customary for good service.
MykonosKopanistiService is usually not included.
CreteDakosService is usually not included.
RhodesPitaroudiaService is not usually added.
AntalyaAntalya-style piyazLeaving about 5–10% in restaurants is customary if service is not already…
CappadociaPottery kebabLeave about 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included.
BodrumÇökertme kebabıLeave about 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included, and tip gulet…
San SebastiánGildaTipping is not expected in pintxo bars; locals may leave small change.
Lake ComoRisotto with perchTipping is not expected in Italy, and a cover charge is often already on the…
SorrentoGnocchi alla sorrentinaTipping is not expected, and a cover charge or service charge may already be…
InnsbruckTiroler GröstlRound up or add about 5–10% in restaurants, telling the server the total you…
HallstattReinankeRound up or add about 5–10% in restaurants, telling the server the total when…
RotterdamKibbelingService is included.
The HagueRaw herringService is included.
AntwerpBelgian friesService is included in Belgium.
BergenBergen fish soupService is included in Norwegian prices and tipping is not expected.
TromsøArctic charService is included in Norwegian prices and tipping is not expected.
ManchesterCurry on the Curry MileTipping is not expected in pubs.
LiverpoolScouseTipping is not expected in pubs.
BathSally Lunn bunTipping is not expected in pubs.
YorkYorkshire puddingTipping is not expected in pubs.
GlasgowFull Scottish breakfastAround 10% is usual in restaurants with table service; check the bill first…
BelfastUlster fryAbout 10% is usual in restaurants with table service, unless a service charge…
GalwayGalway Bay oystersAbout 10% is typical in restaurants with table service; some add a service…
MadeiraEspetadaTipping is modest: rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service in…
AlgarveCataplanaTipping is modest: around 5–10% in restaurants for good service, or round up…
AzoresCozido das FurnasTipping is modest; rounding up or leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good…
CorfuPastitsadaTipping is appreciated but modest: round up the bill or leave 5–10% for good…
ThessalonikiBougatsaService is not always included.
VallettaPastizziTipping is appreciated rather than expected.
KotorNjeguši prosciuttoTipping is not obligatory but appreciated.
SarajevoĆevapiTipping is not obligatory.
ZagrebŠtrukliTipping is appreciated but not obligatory.
HvarHvar gregadaTipping is appreciated but not obligatory.
StrasbourgChoucroute garnieService is included by law.
CannesSoccaService is included in restaurant bills in France.
ChamonixFondue savoyardeService is included in restaurant bills.

Asia

Food & culture: Asia
DestinationTry firstTipping
TokyoSushiTipping is not part of Japanese culture and is usually politely refused.
BangkokPad thaiTipping is not traditional but is appreciated: round up taxi fares, leave…
SingaporeHainanese chicken riceTipping is not customary.
Hong KongDim sumA 10% service charge is added in most sit-down restaurants, so further tips…
SeoulKorean barbecueTipping is not customary in Korea and can confuse staff.
KyotoKaisekiTipping is not practised in Japan and can cause embarrassment.
OsakaTakoyakiTipping is not practised in Japan and staff may chase you to return the money.
BaliBabi gulingTipping is not obligatory, but appreciated: rounding up for drivers and…
PhuketPhuket Hokkien noodlesTipping is not obligatory but appreciated: round up taxi fares, leave about…
HanoiBeef phởTipping is not traditionally expected, but it is appreciated.
Ho Chi Minh CityBroken riceTipping is not traditionally expected but is appreciated.
Kuala LumpurNasi lemakTipping is not customary.
TaipeiBeef noodle soupTipping is not expected in Taiwan.
TbilisiAdjarian khachapuriMany restaurants add a 10–18% service charge; if not, leaving about 10% is…
BakuPlovSome restaurants add a service charge of around 10%; otherwise leaving 5–10%…
YerevanKhorovatsSome restaurants add a service charge of about 10%; otherwise, leaving about…
MaldivesMas huniA 10% service charge is added to most bills.
GoaGoan fish curry riceTip about 10% in restaurants and shacks if service is not included, and round…
DelhiButter chickenTip about 10% in restaurants if service is not included, a small amount to…
MumbaiVada pavTip about 10% in restaurants if service is not included, round up for taxis…
JaipurDal baati churmaTipping is customary but modest.
AgraPethaTips are appreciated but not obligatory: around 5–10% in restaurants without a…
KathmanduMomoMany tourist restaurants add a 10% service charge, so extra tips are optional.
ColomboRice and curryA 10% service charge is usually added to bills in restaurants and hotels…
Chiang MaiKhao soiTipping is not expected but appreciated.
KrabiGaeng somTipping is not expected but appreciated.
Koh SamuiKhao yamTipping is not expected, but leaving loose change or rounding up is common.
Siem ReapFish amokTipping is not traditional but has become common in tourism.
Phnom PenhPhnom Penh noodle soupTipping is not expected in local eateries but is appreciated in restaurants…
Luang PrabangLuang Prabang khao soiTipping is not traditional in Laos, but rounding up the bill or leaving a…
Da NangQuang-style noodlesTipping is not expected in local eateries, but leaving small change or about…
Hoi AnCao lầuTipping is not expected at street stalls, but in sit-down restaurants for…
ManilaAdoboMany restaurants add a 10% service charge; where they do not, leaving about…
CebuCebu lechonRestaurants often add a 10% service charge; otherwise leave about 10%.
BoracayFruit shakesMany restaurants and resorts add a 10% service charge.
JakartaSoto BetawiRestaurants usually include a service charge.
YogyakartaGudegTipping is not expected in warung, but small tips for guides, drivers and…
ShanghaiSoup dumplingsTipping is not expected in restaurants, taxis or most hotels.
BeijingPeking duckTipping is not customary in restaurants or taxis.
MacauPortuguese-style egg tartRestaurants and hotels usually add a 10% service charge, so extra tipping is…
BusanPork and rice soupTipping is not customary in restaurants, taxis or hotels, and staff may refuse…
JejuJeju black porkTipping is not customary in Korea and can confuse staff.
SapporoMiso ramenTipping is not practised in Japan and can cause confusion.
OkinawaGoya champuruTipping is not expected in Okinawa, as elsewhere in Japan.
HiroshimaHiroshima-style okonomiyakiTipping is not practised in Japan; good service is part of the price.
NaraPersimmon-leaf sushiTipping is not practised in Japan.
FukuokaHakata ramenTipping is not practised in Japan.
PenangChar kway teowTipping is not expected in Malaysia.
LangkawiNasi lemakTipping is not expected in Malaysia.
UbudBabi gulingTipping is not expected in warungs, but leaving small change is appreciated.
Ha Long BayHa Long squid cakeTipping is not traditional but is common on cruises, where crews often receive…
PalawanChao longTipping is not obligatory but is appreciated.
KeralaAppam and stewIn restaurants, about 5–10% is appreciated if no service charge is included.
PokharaDal bhatRestaurants usually add a 10% service charge.
AlmatyBeshbarmakRestaurants often include a service charge; if not, about 10% is customary for…
SamarkandSamarkand plovRestaurants usually add a service charge of about 10–15%.

North America

Food & culture: North America
DestinationTry firstTipping
New York CityNew York pizza sliceTipping is expected and makes up much of service workers' pay: 18–20% at…
Los AngelesTacos al pastorTipping is expected: about 18–22% of the pre-tax bill at sit-down restaurants…
San FranciscoMission burritoTipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per…
Las VegasResort buffetTipping is expected: about 18–22% at restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at…
MiamiCuban sandwichTip about 18–22% at restaurants unless a service charge has already been added…
OrlandoDole WhipTipping is expected: about 18–22% at table-service restaurants (including in…
ChicagoDeep-dish pizzaTip 18–20% of the bill at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars…
Washington, D.C.Half-smokeTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis…
BostonNew England clam chowderTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis…
New OrleansBeignetsTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis…
HonoluluPokeTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis…
TorontoPeameal bacon sandwichTip 15–20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants and bars, and about 10–15% for…
VancouverSushi and the BC rollTip 15–20% in restaurants and bars and about 10–15% for taxis; card machines…
MontrealMontreal-style bagelTip 15–20% of the pre-tax amount in restaurants and bars, and about 10–15% for…
San DiegoCalifornia burritoTipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per…
SeattleWild Pacific salmonTipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per…
PortlandFood cart mealsTipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per…
AustinCentral Texas brisketTipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per…
NashvilleNashville hot chickenTipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per…
DenverGreen chileTipping is expected: about 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per…
PhiladelphiaCheesesteakTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter…
AtlantaLemon pepper wingsTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter…
San AntonioPuffy tacoTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter…
DallasSmoked brisketTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter…
HoustonViet-Cajun crawfishTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter…
PhoenixSonoran hot dogTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, $1–$2 per drink at a counter…
SedonaPrickly pear margaritaTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, 15–20% for jeep-tour and hiking…
CharlestonShrimp and gritsTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis…
SavannahShrimp and gritsTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis…
Key WestKey lime pieTip 18–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and…
MauiPokeTip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–$2 per drink, 15–20% for taxis and…
AnchorageWild salmonTip 18–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink, 15–20% for taxis, and 10–20% for…
Salt Lake CityFry sauceTip 18–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and…
Quebec CityPoutineTipping is expected: about 15–20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants and bars…
CalgaryAlberta beefTip about 15–20% in restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and about…
BanffAlberta beefTip about 15–20% in restaurants and bars, a dollar or two per drink, and tip…

Middle East

Food & culture: Middle East
DestinationTry firstTipping
DubaiShawarmaMany restaurants include a service charge.
Abu DhabiMachboosMany bills include a service charge.
DohaMachboosTipping is appreciated but not expected.
Tel AvivHummusTipping is expected in restaurants and cafés, usually around 10–15% when…
JerusalemHummusIn restaurants a tip of around 10–15% is customary if service is not included…
AmmanMansafIn restaurants, about 10% is usual if service is not already included; round…
MuscatShuwaTipping is appreciated but not obligatory: about 10% in restaurants if no…
RiyadhKabsaTipping is not obligatory.
JeddahSaleegTipping is not obligatory; about 10% in restaurants where no service charge is…
PetraMansafAbout 10% in restaurants is customary if no service charge is added.
Ras Al KhaimahMachboosTipping is not obligatory.

Oceania

Food & culture: Oceania
DestinationTry firstTipping
SydneySydney rock oystersTipping is not expected because hospitality wages are relatively high.
MelbourneSpecialty coffee and the 'magic'Tipping is not expected.
AucklandFlat whiteTipping is not expected in New Zealand; wages include service.
QueenstownGourmet burgersTipping is not expected in New Zealand.
BrisbaneMoreton Bay bugsTipping is not expected in Australia.
Gold CoastMoreton Bay bugsTipping is not expected in Australia.
CairnsBarramundiTipping is not expected in Australia.
PerthWestern rock lobsterTipping is not expected in Australia.
FijiKokodaTipping is not expected in Fiji.
ChristchurchCanterbury lambTipping is not expected; prices include tax and staff are paid a minimum wage.
WellingtonFlat whiteTipping is not expected; prices include tax and service.

Latin America & Caribbean

Food & culture: Latin America & Caribbean
DestinationTry firstTipping
CancúnCochinita pibilTip about 10–15% in restaurants if service is not already included, MXN 20–50…
Mexico CityTacos al pastorTip 10–15% in restaurants, often by telling the server the amount to add when…
Rio de JaneiroFeijoadaRestaurants usually add a 10% service charge (serviço) to the bill, which is…
Buenos AiresAsado and bife de chorizoLeave about 10% in restaurants and cafés, ideally in cash, as card machines…
San JuanMofongoTip 15–20% at restaurants unless a service charge is included, $1–$2 per drink…
HavanaRopa viejaTipping is customary and important to people's incomes: about 10% in…
Punta CanaLa bandera dominicanaEven in all-inclusives, small tips in US dollars or pesos are customary for…
NassauConch saladMany restaurants add a 15% gratuity automatically.
Montego BayJerk chicken and porkTip about 10–15% in restaurants where service isn't included, tip tour guides…
ArubaKeshi yenaMany restaurants include a service charge of around 10–15%; add a little extra…
BarbadosFlying fish and cou-couMany restaurants add a service charge of about 10%.
CartagenaArepa de huevoA voluntary 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills; it is…
MedellínBandeja paisaRestaurants usually add a voluntary 10% service charge, which it is customary…
BogotáAjiaco santafereñoRestaurants usually add a voluntary 10% service charge; pay it if you were…
LimaCevicheIn restaurants, 10% is customary if no service charge is included.
CuscoCuy al hornoAround 10% is usual in restaurants when no service charge is included.
SantiagoEmpanada de pinoA 10% tip is customary in restaurants and is usually added as a suggested line…
QuitoLocro de papaRestaurants often add a 10% service charge to the bill; leaving a little extra…
São PauloPastel de feiraA 10% service charge is added to most restaurant and bar bills and covers the…
MontevideoChivitoAbout 10% is customary in restaurants and is not usually added to the bill.
TulumCochinita pibilTipping 10–15% is customary in restaurants, where it is often not included…
Playa del CarmenTacos al pastorTip 10–15% in restaurants unless service is included, 20 pesos or so per bag…
Puerto VallartaPescado zarandeadoTip 10–15% in restaurants, 20 pesos or so per bag for porters, and tip boat…

Africa

Food & culture: Africa
DestinationTry firstTipping
MarrakechTagineLeave about 10% in restaurants and small tips for porters, riad staff, guides…
CairoKoshariRestaurants often add a service charge, but leaving another 5–10% for the…
Cape TownBobotieTip about 10–15% in restaurants if service is not already included, and round…
FesPastillaLeave about 10% in restaurants, small coins for porters and handcart drivers…
CasablancaGrilled sardinesAround 10% in restaurants, a few dirhams for café service, and small tips for…
ZanzibarZanzibar pizzaTips are appreciated: about 10% in restaurants if no service charge is added…
NairobiNyama chomaTip about 10% in sit-down restaurants when service is not included.
JohannesburgBraaiTip about 10–15% in restaurants, a small amount to petrol attendants and car…
MauritiusDholl puriTipping is appreciated but not obligatory.
LuxorFul medamesTipping (baksheesh) is part of daily life: small notes for tomb guardians who…
Sharm El SheikhGrilled Red Sea fishTipping is expected: small notes for boat crews, dive guides, drivers, porters…
HurghadaGrilled Red Sea fishSmall tips are expected for boat crews, dive guides, drivers, porters and…
TangierBissaraRounding up or leaving about 10% is customary in restaurants; small coins are…
Victoria FallsSadza with relishTipping in US dollars is customary: about 10% in restaurants, and tips for…
SeychellesCreole fish curryTipping is not expected, and many restaurants and hotels include a service…