Dining Etiquette

Peruvians do not switch knives and forks while eating; the knife is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Arrange them diagonally across the plate once finished. When not holding utensils, keep your hands visible above the table rather than in your lap. There will be no elbows on the table as well.

It is considered impolite to leave the dinner party or the table at any time. Allow more senior party members to enter rooms ahead of you, and men should move to the side to allow women to enter rooms ahead of them. Men and women in Peru usually sit on opposite sides of the dining table. Guests are expected to finish all of the food that is served to them. Reasons for not eating a particular dish should be presented with tact. It is considered impolite to have a single conversation at the dinner table without involving others.