What is the culture of offering, accepting or denying foods politely in Mexico?

Question

What is the culture of offering, accepting or denying foods politely in Mexico?

Answer 1

My husband, whom is a Mexican, and I moved to Mexico a few years back. The one thing that I learned when I first arrived is that food is a major part of their everyday life. It is acceptable to deny some foods that you do not like or if you are not hungry, even though it is rude to always deny food from the same person. There is one thing I have learned that you never deny, that is a cup of coffee. Every time you visit a persons home they will automatically offer you a cup of coffee or a refreshment, and you should accept it happily. If you do not accept it then it does offend the person. When a person comes to your home, you must offer them a cup of coffee and any food that you have. As well when the person leaves as well offer for them to take home something in return for their visit. In our house we always give them corn. Like the guy said a few answers up, WHY WOULD ANYBODY DENY FOOD?

Answer 2

From my experience as I live here right now and from the UK.

Offering food to the Mexicans is greatly accepted as I don't know one Mexican that doesn't LOVE to eat.

They love to offer you food and for you to eat a meal with them but Ive found that If you refuse something such as a treat such as Birthday cake they think it is extremely rude of you.

Hope that helps you.

Answer 3

It depends on where you are.

If strangers are giving you food, obviously deny it.

But I'm sure anyone will be open to accepting food, because a lot of parts of Mexico are very poor..

I'm from Mexico. And my family understands that I don't like a lot of things, and that I am not used to it. Others might consider me being "s****.", but they can't force you to eat something that could possibly make you sickk

Answer 4

I'm mexican.

What I have to say is:

Why would anybody refuse any food?!

I just can't understand it, we always eat and like taste any new food (although we prefer mexican food). We do love to eat (as someone said).

It is not well seen if you deny eat a little piece; BUT, we do make fun by doing foreigners to eat our spicey food, it is kind a national joke (I've done it, with a canadian women, she almost needed medical assitence, but I couldn't stop laughing, she didn't get upset).

We can understand that someone doesn't like spicey food, but it is offensive that the reason to don't eat is because it is strange, like nopales (vegetable cactus) or menudo (cow's "stomach", rumen).

Answer 5

I have lived in Mexico for many years, have married a Mexican, have lived in a bif house with all my in-laws, a small town with many friends, everyone knows each other or is related to each other. My daughter was born there too. And I am german, totally different culture. But food is very important in Mexico, in every family cooking all day is normal. I had to get use to the different foods they make and sometimes I just did not want to eat it because I did not know what is in it.

However, you can say that you really don't like this specific food their offered you but ask them if they can give you something different you like, a simple taco or such. Their don't get upset as long as you accept something. But birthday cake is a big deal. If you accept a piece it shows that you respect the family and the birthday person and that you wish them all the best. Just enjoy their fiestas, have fun with them, have a drink with them (of course only if you drink alcohol) and eat only what you like, just eat something and they are happy.

OH.....offering food..........everyone will be happy to eat what you cook. They are all open for new things. I brought german food into the community, I even cooked most of my wedding food myself and they loved it. We had german dishes and mexican dishes all together and it was a blast. After that I was asked to cook meals for events or bake a certain cake. They ordered it from me and paid me for it even I did not ask for any money...... That was just beautiful.

I now live in California and know a lot of Mexican families and it is the same here as it was in Mexico.

.

Answer 6

Hi there, im mexican and reading the first answers i completely agree with em, all mexican love 2 eat and food is an important part in any social or family event.

As the german girl say we r opened 2 try new things so yes it is a bit rude if u tell us u dont want 2 eat something juss cause u dunno whats on it....at least try, close ur eyes and try it....who knows u could like it....if u do it and u decide u dont like it , we will understand it. A tip, first try it, then ask wht is it made of. Dont worry....if we r offering u the same thing tht we r eatting is cause we dont consider it stange or nasty.

If u dont want 2 try something tht looks strange :P u can say u prefer not 2 eat it cause ur not used 2 spicu food and ur afraid 2 get a stomach ache.

If u dont wanna go 2 a party juss tell em tht ur busy doing other thing and u cant go , but i encourage u 2 say yeessss :D im sure ur gonna enjoy the party.....cheers!!!