Will it be appropriate to leave some food in the plate?
By dpk262006
@dpk262006 (58675)
Delhi, India
May 5, 2009 5:32am CST
Many a times we attend parties, where lunch/dinner is served. At many places buffet system is followed, where one is required to take the portion of dishes, as per his/her choice and need. While attending many such parties I have seen that some people just fill up their plates to the top. They take more than adequate quantities of the dishes, which they can consume or would like to consume. Consequently, one can see substantial quantity of leftovers in the their plates. It looks pretty disgusting to me when people indulge in this kind of wastage of food. What is your take on this? How do you feel, when people waste food like it? While attending a lunch/dinner in a party/gathering do you take the food as per your requirement or just do it randomly and do not bother about the precise quantity of food required? Do you feel guilty afterwards that you took more than what you could have had or you take very measured portions of dishes and see to it that everything gets finished in your plate? Also, one more supplementary question attached to this discussion, is it considered inappropriate to absolutely clean your plate? Is it against the etiquettes to sip even last drop of any beverage from the glass/cup? Are we supposed to leave something (may be a very small portion of a dish) in our plates or glasses/cups? I would like to know your views on the above mentioned issues. I shall be grateful for your considered thoughts. Many thanks in advance for your likely contributions.
9 people like this
48 responses
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
5 May 09
Deepak, nice discussion!
As you must be knowing, that I am not in agreement with such parties which intend at showing off more than anything else. What a waste! I would never approve of waste at the nae of extravagance.
Now coming to your discussion, it feels awful looking at the plates which tells of extravagance only. There are some who wish to eat the world in single evening with 1001 courses on their plates! I am a minimalist and neither do I indulge in this nor do I support others doing this.
Coming to etiquette, grooming tells us that we must to empty the glass or tumbler totally. There should always be a little still left no matter what. This helps me in parties to escape from forced filling of my glass with another share of drink when I do not want to.
3 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
5 May 09
Hi! Mimpi!
Many Thanks for enlightening me that we are supposed to leave a teaspoonful of beverage in a party, so that we are not served the same bevarage again. It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements or miniscule and do not believe in wasting food. It is really good that you just do not allow others to forcefully serve you the dishes. I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage and those who just grab all the dishes in one plate looks like fools or butt of jokes. Thanks again for eniching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
dpk
P.S.- Your green coloured avatar is giving elecrifying and very soothing effect, you may please continue with the green colour.
Many Thanks for enlightening me that we are supposed to leave a teaspoonful of beverage in a party, so that we are not served the same bevarage again. It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements or miniscule and do not believe in wasting food. It is really good that you just do not allow others to forcefully serve you the dishes. I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage and those who just grab all the dishes in one plate looks like fools or butt of jokes. Thanks again for eniching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
dpk
P.S.- Your green coloured avatar is giving elecrifying and very soothing effect, you may please continue with the green colour.1 person likes this
@Roseo8 (2947)
• India
6 May 09
Hi Dpk......well if you are planning to host a buffet luncheon or dinner,I will be only too glad to come over and help you with all the arrangements,and be a perfect host alongside you.........
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Well Dpk I am against filling up the plate to the brim in a buffet environmewnt,and wsting food unnecessarily.It will look more decent to help one self to small portions of the food and there is no stopping you from taking a second or third helping if you like any particular dish/dishes.I have seen that people waste food for two reasons....Firstly when there is a huge crowd,people fill up their plates at one go so as to prevent the bother of going for second helping,and often waste the extra food.Also when people find that a particular dish has not come up to their expectations,they waste it.....Any way I am strongly opposed to leaving behind even small portions of food or beverages in the name of etiquette.....Distributing the excess food after the buffet to the needy will be more appropriate ,to me........
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Well Dpk I am against filling up the plate to the brim in a buffet environmewnt,and wsting food unnecessarily.It will look more decent to help one self to small portions of the food and there is no stopping you from taking a second or third helping if you like any particular dish/dishes.I have seen that people waste food for two reasons....Firstly when there is a huge crowd,people fill up their plates at one go so as to prevent the bother of going for second helping,and often waste the extra food.Also when people find that a particular dish has not come up to their expectations,they waste it.....Any way I am strongly opposed to leaving behind even small portions of food or beverages in the name of etiquette.....Distributing the excess food after the buffet to the needy will be more appropriate ,to me........2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
15 May 09
I can do that also, provided you allow me to do so.2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
9 May 09
Hi! Rose!
I sincerely wish that one day I could invite you to grand dinner party and could serve you with my own hands, it will be great pleasure for me, this way I'll be able to meet you........LOL!
It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements and do not believe in wasting food. You have rightly analyzed the reasons for wasting food i.e. when it is too crowded or when people do not like certain dish. But if they take small portions, then the wastage of food will be limited. However, I find some incorrigible fellows in most of the parties, who fill up their plates to the top.
I also believe that food is precious and we should not waste it at any cost.
Many thanks for taking time to respond to my discussion and your response makes the discussion more vibrant and lively.
2 people like this
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 May 09
I agree with you that those who take far too much food for their needs are not only greedy and selfish, but inconsiderate of others. I tend to take small portions of what I like best, and finish that first. You can always go up for more if you need it... there's no limit to the amount of times you can visit the buffet table.
I have no aversion to finishing up what's on my plate when it's a buffet because it shows you haven't overstretched on what you take. I would think that's perfectly good etiquette. I lay my used serviette on the plate. lol. If it's a sit-down meal then there's no problem with leaving a small portion because it shows that you have been fed well, and yes, I would say that's etiquette.
Brightest Blessings.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
12 Oct 09
Hi dear!
Sorry for the delay comments. I agree with you that we should take as per our requirement in our plate, small portions give us an opportunity to review the situation later. However, if one takes a large portion, there are chances of wastage. Thanks for sharing your considered thoughts.
Deepak
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
5 May 09
Hullo Deepak! It is consideed etiquette to keep a a teaspoonful of beverage in a party when we are offered coffee or tea or anything else to drink.But, regarding food, I have not heard of anysuch etiquette.As far as I am concerned, wehther it is a buffet or someone is serving me, I am very careful to see that only what can be consumed by me is on my plate.If it is abuffet, then I would just add a miniscule portion of the various items if I feel like tasting them.Normally,I make a reasonable assessment of what I would like too.So, I would never leave anything behind and I hate to see the wasted stuff on plates.it is a crime to waste like that.
If someone is serving me ,I would hide my plate with both hands when the person comes near with something that I may not like.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
5 May 09
Hi! Kala!
Thanks for enlightening me that we are supposed to leave a teaspoonful of beverage in a party, so that we are not served the same bevarage again. It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements and do not believe in wasting food. It is really good that you just do not allow others to forcefully serve you the dishes. I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage. Thanks again for eniching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
5 May 09
Hi Deepak,
You have asked many questions, isn’t it? Well in my opinion, don’t waste food. When attending party I will try to take the minimum amount of food, thanks for those who make the system of self service. But in our native place people are serving food and there is a chance to get the food than the required amount. So servers are busy by serving to the whole people and they can’t take back the food. In that condition, if we can’t take the whole food and there is no way but to drop the balance food in waste box. The place where there is self service, I prefer to take the required food and trying my best not to waste foods. Regarding your last questions, there is no custom like that to keep some food in plate, I have heard that we should finish the whole food so that it won’t go as a waste (means the plate should be clean).
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
5 May 09
Hi! Sree!
It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements and do not believe in wasting food. I agree with you that when you are being served, chances of you getting more food/dishes then your requirement are less rather than the buffet system, which prevails at many places. I agree with you that wastage of food must not be there. Thanks for your contribution, I got my answers to all my queries.
1 person likes this
@pinklotter (7)
• Philippines
6 May 09
Dont waste food on the plate because god will get mad if you waste food on the plate.some people dont have money to buy for a food.when i see poor kids staying on the streets i also give food to them if i have extra food or biscuits.just give them food not money .if you give a money for that they will just play not to buy a food?i want kids to help my giving them a food.what they do just work to buy food in the market?thanxs again.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
25 May 09
Hello my friend dpk262006 Ji,
Seeing after very long time. well, we do not waste any food under any circumstances.
We will take only required food and finish off. There are couple of sites, who handle
such waste food including disposing it at cheaper rate in the market. You may check
with following link :-
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Poultry/leftovers.htm
May god bless You and have a great time.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
12 Oct 09
Hi maygodblessu44ji!
Sorry for the delay comments. I know you are very wise and you use all your wisdom in not wasting food. I will check up the site. Thanks for sharing your considered thoughts.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
12 Oct 09
Hello my friend dpk262006 Ji,
I remember many instances, when my hubby during his Armed Forces career had to go without food under adversew conditions, he only said, he might have wasted food so those days were ought to come in his life. He never waste any food under all circmstances. There are people starving and ready to accept, iff at all anyone throws. May god bless You and have a great time.
@alokn99 (5717)
• India
5 May 09
I havae seen what you have described too many times in a buffet. It does trouble me a lot to see people fill up the plate and then waste it.
I adopt a very simplified way of doing things is a buffet.The first helping is to taste the items, so it's quite minimal in quantity. Once i like a few of the items, will then only take those as a second helping.
I don't think its inappropriate to clean the plate in that sense. I also feel it's a cultural habit as well. I've noticed that in some regions, people will make sure that there is not a single grain of rice of food left in the plate.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
5 May 09
Hi! Alok!!
It is nice to know that in parties you take food as per your requirements and do not believe in wasting food. It is really good that you go for samples at the first instance and if you like any of the dishes, you go ahead with that one.
I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage. Many Thanks for enriching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
6 May 09
So many questions in one discussion
and you know how food confuses me totally
Now, first and foremost let me say I just HATE wasting food. Having said that, I deal with different situations differently. Firstly buffet is the best option for me…I can taste and take whatever I want and in quantities I want so there’s always less chance of waste. However, sometimes a particular dish looks tempting and I take a ladle but it doesn’t quite meet up to my expectations so that goes waste…otherwise I waste little in buffets.
Now the system of sitting at tables and being served…well the boys serving are specifically instructed to serve fast so that people have less time to finish one item and therefore eat less. I know this coz during my son’s annaprasana, I had requested the caterer to go slow (I am a slow eater, I love to relax and enjoy my food) but he explained to me that if they go slow, people will eat more and they will run out of stock! OK so, I cant finish all that is on my plate and though I take very small helpings, I do end up throwing some food, esp when I am still stuck with mutton and they are serving sweets!
Thirdly, small get togethers where the host is serving. I’ll never waste food as I consider it an insult to the host to leave food on the plate and get off the table.
Regarding beverages and soft drinks, yes, its bad manners to gulp down the entire content…I always leave a little behind.
and you know how food confuses me totally
Now, first and foremost let me say I just HATE wasting food. Having said that, I deal with different situations differently. Firstly buffet is the best option for me…I can taste and take whatever I want and in quantities I want so there’s always less chance of waste. However, sometimes a particular dish looks tempting and I take a ladle but it doesn’t quite meet up to my expectations so that goes waste…otherwise I waste little in buffets.
Now the system of sitting at tables and being served…well the boys serving are specifically instructed to serve fast so that people have less time to finish one item and therefore eat less. I know this coz during my son’s annaprasana, I had requested the caterer to go slow (I am a slow eater, I love to relax and enjoy my food) but he explained to me that if they go slow, people will eat more and they will run out of stock! OK so, I cant finish all that is on my plate and though I take very small helpings, I do end up throwing some food, esp when I am still stuck with mutton and they are serving sweets!
Thirdly, small get togethers where the host is serving. I’ll never waste food as I consider it an insult to the host to leave food on the plate and get off the table.
Regarding beverages and soft drinks, yes, its bad manners to gulp down the entire content…I always leave a little behind.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
6 May 09
Hi! Sudipta!
Many Thanks for enlightening me that we are supposed to leave a teaspoonful of beverage in our glass in a party, so that we are not served the same bevarage again. It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements or miniscule and do not believe in wasting food. Tasting some portion of a dish and then not consuming the entire portion, specially when you did not like it, is permissible. I did not know that speed of serving has anything to do with the speed of consuming food, that for enlightening me on this aspect.....LOL!
I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage and those who just grab all the dishes in one plate looks like fools or butt of jokes. Afterall food is expensive and there are many who do not get even one time meal, in our country. Thanks again for enriching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
Deepak
Many Thanks for enlightening me that we are supposed to leave a teaspoonful of beverage in our glass in a party, so that we are not served the same bevarage again. It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements or miniscule and do not believe in wasting food. Tasting some portion of a dish and then not consuming the entire portion, specially when you did not like it, is permissible. I did not know that speed of serving has anything to do with the speed of consuming food, that for enlightening me on this aspect.....LOL!
I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage and those who just grab all the dishes in one plate looks like fools or butt of jokes. Afterall food is expensive and there are many who do not get even one time meal, in our country. Thanks again for enriching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
Deepak
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
12 May 09
Well, that isn't new. People always seem to go funny at gathering and such. I used to get surprised by it but not anymore. One could actually see someone that doesn't have much food, filling up a plate like that, but when you're at a high end party and see the same behaviour .... it makes one wonder.
I am , however , in the middle when it comes to this specific situation. I believe that people should put enough food in their plates to satisfy their hunger. Not to survive on for the next month. But I also believe that there is nothing wrong about leaving some food on plates or cups. If one is satisfied, it is time to stop. I am not for waste of food, but I am also not for being obliged to clean the plate even if one doesn't feel like eating anymore.
Personally I try to fill my plate with small portions. If I am still hungry I can always get a bit more. But sometimes I am full while there is still a bit of food in my plate. I don't think I have to clean it up just because there's people hungry somewhere in the world. I should be responsible to fill my plate with small portions, but I should be free to leave some food in the plate without feeling guilty.
By the same token, there is no reason why one should not clean the plate. There is no specific rule. It used to be that in certain circles it was a costum to always leave a bit in the plate, but I don't think it still applies nowadays. It made no sense anyways.
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
5 May 09
This is a very common sight in parties here too. I see some people piling up foods on their plates that can feed few mouths. I think they have big eyes but doesn't realize that their stomachs cannot consume that much of foods. When they see the long array of delicious foods on display they suddenly become glutton. Thinking that all what they see is all what they can fit in inside them. At the end of the meal you can see half of the foods on their plates untouched. What a waste. They should have taken moderately and could go for second helping if they feel the need rather then wasting the food. Yes, it is a table etiquette not to wallop up everything on the plates or glass but to leave something behind.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
6 May 09
Hi! Zandi!
Many Thanks for enlightening me that we are supposed to leave a small portion of beverage in our tumblar in a party, so that we are not served the same bevarage again. I thought that the 'wastage' issue is confined to our city only, now you are telling me that the same thing happens at your place too. It means people behave in the same fasion, irrespective of places of types of dishes.
I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage and those who just grab all the dishes in one plate looks like fools or butt of jokes. Thanks again for eniching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
dpk
Many Thanks for enlightening me that we are supposed to leave a small portion of beverage in our tumblar in a party, so that we are not served the same bevarage again. I thought that the 'wastage' issue is confined to our city only, now you are telling me that the same thing happens at your place too. It means people behave in the same fasion, irrespective of places of types of dishes.
I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage and those who just grab all the dishes in one plate looks like fools or butt of jokes. Thanks again for eniching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
dpk
@youless (112103)
• Guangzhou, China
5 May 09
I think it is still better to eat up the food in your plate and won't leave any leftovers. On one hand, that means to say you really enjoy the food and therefore you finish it. On the other hand, it is a good habit not to waste the food. As you know, there are still many people who are starving in the world. So we shall be grateful that we have food.
I love China
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
6 May 09
Hi! Youless!
It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements or miniscule and do not believe in wasting food. I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage and those who just grab all the dishes in one plate looks like fools or butt of jokes. Thanks for eniching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
I love India.
dpk
@moonlitmagikchild (22181)
• United States
5 May 09
i only take a little of whatever i choose because im always afraid i wont like it and then the person that brought it notice that im eating everything BUT it.. and then if i cannot eat it at all there isnt much waste at all..
i dont fill my plate.. i usually cover 75% of the place.. if i do cover 100% of it i do not pile it high.. i hate it when people do that!! i remember i worked at a place that would have pizza day and people were suppose to only pick 3 pieces or so at first till everyone had some and some people would pick like 10 pieces and then my boss ended up not having ANY food.. it was sickening!
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
5 May 09
Hi! Moonlit!
It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements and do not believe in wasting food. It is really good that you do not fill up your place to the fullest and just leave some space. Thanks for sharing the pizza episode, this shows that how careless people could be and they just do not think that there are others, who have yet to take their food.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
5 May 09
Hi deepak! This is a great topic! In some cultures it is proper to leave a bit of food on the plate whereas in others, it is not at all proper. I think that it's ok to leave a small amount but not to the extent of being wasteful. I think it is vulger to leave a huge quantity of food on the plate to be thrown out when there are so many that do without. I do however think that if we are full and there is a small amount left..it's ok. It also shows the host that you have have had plenty and that it was good.In some cultures I think they will serve you their last bit if you keep cleaning your plate,thinking that you are still hungry. I do thnk that if we leave anything,it should be a very small amount.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
6 May 09
Hi! Jen!
Many Thanks for enlightening me that in some cultures it would be considered appropirate to leave small quantity of food in the plate. I agree with you that in some cultures, you are served again and again, if you clean your plate.
It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements or miniscule and do not believe in wasting food. I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage and those who just grab all the dishes in one plate looks like fools or butt of jokes. Thanks again for eniching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
dpk
dpk
@pickwick (858)
• India
5 May 09
Hi Deepak!In a country like India where there are so many people starving for food ,it is a shame to waste food.My mother always say when we leave something in the plate that if we waste food today when we have in plenty then we might have to starve for food tomorrow.She has taught us to respect food.So , whether it is at a party or at home not a morsel of food is wasted.I usaully serve a little portion of what I feel I could eat and if I want more after eating that I do not mind helping myself with second serve.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
6 May 09
Hi! Pickwick!
It is nice to know that you take food as per your requirements or miniscule and do not believe in wasting food and you were well taught the lesson about not wasting food through your monther. I also believe that we must avoid this kind of wastage and those who just grab all the dishes in one plate looks like fools or butt of jokes. Thanks for eniching the post and sharing your thoughts on the issue.
dpk
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
12 Sep 09
In some cultures it is considered rude to clean one's plate, in other cultures, it's considered rude not to. In some cultures finishing all the food on one's plate is a sign that the hosts didn't provide enough food to satisfy their guests, but in other cultures not finishing the food on one's plate could mean that the hosts didn't provide good food that the guests wanted to eat.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
12 Oct 09
Yes, danish, you are right, there may some cultural differences. Leaving some food could interpreting in two different ways, as you have elaborated. Sorry for the delay comments. Many thanks for joining us.
@Sissygrl (10912)
• Canada
5 May 09
I dunno about proper edicate i dunno even how to spell edicate. lol but i put a lot of small portions of a lot of things when i'm at a buffet, that way if there is something i like i can go back for more, and if there is something i dont, i'm not wasting a lot!
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
6 May 09
It is good that you do not waste food and take it as per your requirements. Thanks for joining us.
1 person likes this
@d_red_madelaine (528)
• Philippines
13 Sep 09
I don't leave food on my plate because I think it's a waste of money. Even if I'm already full I still try to eat everything on my plate. When I was young, my father always tells us, if he sees us leaving something, saying it's bad, don't waste food, your wasting money etc.
A friend of mine, when we are young, once said that if you leave rice, even if just a portion or piece, it will be the number of days you'll spend in hell LOL. I don't know if it's true, but I took her advice.
My best friend said that rich people do leave a very small portion of food, that's etiquette she said. I don't think so, just think of the people who lack food on their plate, who beg for food, who work hard to have food, who look in the trash for food... Lucky for you, you have something to eat.
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
6 May 09
Yes, if I leave anything on my plate I feel horribly guilty. I was raised not to waste. I was taught only to take what I will eat. If I want more, I can go for a 2nd helping.
My husband obviously never had to do without, because he wastes food all the time and it drives me crazy. He'll warm up a bowl of soup and eat half of it. Or only half of the sandwich that he made. 
Or if I have made supper, and he doesn't "feel like" eating that particular dish, he'll go ahead and make something else, only to leave half of it.
Or if I have made supper, and he doesn't "feel like" eating that particular dish, he'll go ahead and make something else, only to leave half of it. 
@boogerman (1544)
• Philippines
5 May 09
Good day dpk262006. Well, I noticed that also. In some parties, I always see plates with some leftovers in it. That was really disgusting. We must only get the right amount of food that we can. But if there are leftovers, it can be wrapped and could be brought home and continue eating it there or give to pets if they have. That would help the person who had set the parties because it is easier to clean the mess if there are no leftovers found. This is my view to your discussion, happy mylotting!
1 person likes this
