Restaurant eti-filter: what does your culture think of doggie bags?
May 3, 2018 12:48 PM Subscribe
For those of you reading this outside the US, is it currently considered okay in your country to take home the uneaten portion of your restaurant meal? Or is this just terribly awful and you would die of embarrassment if someone at your table did this?
Back some time ago in the US, it was considered gauche for a diner in a restaurant to ask for their uneaten food to be wrapped up so they could finish it later at home. Thus the conceit of "I'd like to take this home for my pet to consume"/the "doggie bag" was born.
This early to mid-20th century desire to not seem overly greedy has now turned around into a desire to not seem overly wasteful. Currently in the US it is completely normal to ask for one's uneaten food to be wrapped up for later consumption, and the "this isn't for me; it's for my dog" cover story is considered to be a bit absurd. At least in non-fine dining establishments. What is the current climate in other countries?
If you have knowledge about the acceptability of this practice of taking home food in US-based fine dining establishments, that would be helpful as well. I have a feeling it would be a no-no at Vespertine, for instance, but what about just your normal high-end restaurant?
Back some time ago in the US, it was considered gauche for a diner in a restaurant to ask for their uneaten food to be wrapped up so they could finish it later at home. Thus the conceit of "I'd like to take this home for my pet to consume"/the "doggie bag" was born.
This early to mid-20th century desire to not seem overly greedy has now turned around into a desire to not seem overly wasteful. Currently in the US it is completely normal to ask for one's uneaten food to be wrapped up for later consumption, and the "this isn't for me; it's for my dog" cover story is considered to be a bit absurd. At least in non-fine dining establishments. What is the current climate in other countries?
If you have knowledge about the acceptability of this practice of taking home food in US-based fine dining establishments, that would be helpful as well. I have a feeling it would be a no-no at Vespertine, for instance, but what about just your normal high-end restaurant?
Yeah, my rule of thumb is that if the place also offers takeout, it's okay to ask for this, otherwise I wouldn't.
posted by terretu at 12:53 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by terretu at 12:53 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
Sweden: it seems pretty uncommon but I’ve had no problem in mid-range places. My regular place offfers a side that I often take but where I only eat a couple of tablespoons, I usually ask to bring the remainder with me for sammiges. I’ve also brought half a rib dish home from there a few times. It’s delicious but a large portion.
posted by Iteki at 12:55 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by Iteki at 12:55 PM on May 3, 2018
In our rural area in the US, we take food home all the time; it just seems wasteful if it gets thrown out and maybe it's lunch for tomorrow?
I feel like the 'doggie bag' thing is retro and at some point everyone started talking about appropriate portions at restaurants and I have family members who crow about asking for a bag for half up front because of their caloric frugality.
That's less cool, in my opinion. It violates the norms of when stuff gets done in the kitchen.
But everyone around here always asks, 'do you want to take that home?' so it never seems weird. I think they assume customers take these things home and eat them, but could also feed them to their dogs or stick it up their nose--they don't care. The fanciest of these places are not like the finest restaurants in the country or anything, but wine lists, cloth napkins, no kid menu, that stuff. Not a seventeen course tasting menu, but fancy.
In less fancy places it's pretty much mandatory that you take it home around here. Like you've hurt their feelings if there's a meatball you're not shepherding home.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 1:01 PM on May 3, 2018 [3 favorites]
I feel like the 'doggie bag' thing is retro and at some point everyone started talking about appropriate portions at restaurants and I have family members who crow about asking for a bag for half up front because of their caloric frugality.
That's less cool, in my opinion. It violates the norms of when stuff gets done in the kitchen.
But everyone around here always asks, 'do you want to take that home?' so it never seems weird. I think they assume customers take these things home and eat them, but could also feed them to their dogs or stick it up their nose--they don't care. The fanciest of these places are not like the finest restaurants in the country or anything, but wine lists, cloth napkins, no kid menu, that stuff. Not a seventeen course tasting menu, but fancy.
In less fancy places it's pretty much mandatory that you take it home around here. Like you've hurt their feelings if there's a meatball you're not shepherding home.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 1:01 PM on May 3, 2018 [3 favorites]
Speaking on US based fine-dining, I have eaten at fancier restaurants quite a few times and though in a lot of places the idea of taking leftovers home never comes up because the portions are smaller, there have been quite a few places that have offered to pack up uneaten food, unprompted. I can think of a few restaurants in the $200-$300/head range where they were quite happy to box leftovers for us. I think in the US the concept of customer service/no waste trumps any unspoken rule about the gaucheness of taking home food.
In my limited experience visiting European countries, it's less common to take home food. I distinctly remember asking if some uneaten food could be boxed up in a Parisian cafe and getting a very looooonnnng stare and a "we don't do that." It seems like restaurants are just less equipped to provide that service there (no ready supply of to-go containers), but I've also found in certain cases that they are able to accommodate if I really ask (maybe just trying to be kind and cater to my weird American habits). One time I asked if I could take a dessert to go from another Parisian restaurant and though they scrambled a bit they kindly sent me on my way with a tart on a paper plate (they even "dressed" the plate as if it was a dine-in dish).
posted by sprezzy at 1:06 PM on May 3, 2018 [4 favorites]
In my limited experience visiting European countries, it's less common to take home food. I distinctly remember asking if some uneaten food could be boxed up in a Parisian cafe and getting a very looooonnnng stare and a "we don't do that." It seems like restaurants are just less equipped to provide that service there (no ready supply of to-go containers), but I've also found in certain cases that they are able to accommodate if I really ask (maybe just trying to be kind and cater to my weird American habits). One time I asked if I could take a dessert to go from another Parisian restaurant and though they scrambled a bit they kindly sent me on my way with a tart on a paper plate (they even "dressed" the plate as if it was a dine-in dish).
posted by sprezzy at 1:06 PM on May 3, 2018 [4 favorites]
Basically imo it doesn't ever hurt to ask, unless you're deeply uncomfortable doing that. Some food just doesn't lend itself to being taken home (like hot pot, obvs) but otherwise, why not? It all depends on how okay you are with leaving your money on the plate, figuratively.
posted by sprezzy at 1:10 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by sprezzy at 1:10 PM on May 3, 2018
Germany: in cheap up to mid-range places, it‘s ok but...it‘s not something you‘d do in front of your in-laws or your date, if you know what I mean. Just seems a bit cheap/weird, culturally.
In expensive places, it just plain isn‘t done, as in, they don‘t have doggy bag supplies and would probaby tell you no, outright. With a frown.
Portions are typically smaller, though.
posted by The Toad at 1:17 PM on May 3, 2018 [3 favorites]
In expensive places, it just plain isn‘t done, as in, they don‘t have doggy bag supplies and would probaby tell you no, outright. With a frown.
Portions are typically smaller, though.
posted by The Toad at 1:17 PM on May 3, 2018 [3 favorites]
Some places in the UK are fine. If they don't offer takeaway, then I'd consider it a no-no.
Absolutely not done in places I've been to in Denmark and France. They'd either have insulted you by making too much, or you're insulting them by not eating the food they made for you in the surroundings they curate.
posted by scruss at 1:22 PM on May 3, 2018
Absolutely not done in places I've been to in Denmark and France. They'd either have insulted you by making too much, or you're insulting them by not eating the food they made for you in the surroundings they curate.
posted by scruss at 1:22 PM on May 3, 2018
China: Portions are large and you overorder anyway with the express intent of Taobao, taking it home. Every restaurant has even the same take away plastic containers and you collect them. Some people carry their own boxes just for that purpose.
Italy: Not really a thing.
Never do it if fine dining, you are being crass.
Family restaurants may be ok, but still not really a thing.
Exception to the rule: Children. Pack up the food the child did not eat in case he gets hungry later is totally a thing.
posted by thegirlwiththehat at 1:40 PM on May 3, 2018 [7 favorites]
Italy: Not really a thing.
Never do it if fine dining, you are being crass.
Family restaurants may be ok, but still not really a thing.
Exception to the rule: Children. Pack up the food the child did not eat in case he gets hungry later is totally a thing.
posted by thegirlwiththehat at 1:40 PM on May 3, 2018 [7 favorites]
American who has lived in Europe for 10 plus years... I miss “doggy bags” although the last person I heard use that term was my mother. I’ve found in Germany and Scandinavia this is not done. Germany certainly you’d get some funny looks. But I’ve also found the dinners and nights out last so much longer that either my husband offers to finish for me or I wouldn’t even fancy anymore of what was left. It’s not like when I was 10 at the sizzler and we’d order burgers to take home and eat the salad bar. I couldn’t even imagine that now.
posted by catspajammies at 1:46 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by catspajammies at 1:46 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
Canada: totally OK here!
posted by grouse at 2:16 PM on May 3, 2018 [6 favorites]
posted by grouse at 2:16 PM on May 3, 2018 [6 favorites]
I've been in the coastal US for all my restaurant-going life, and most places that have portion sizes large enough that there is anything left to take home have been happy to give me a box ("would you like a box for that"). I haven't heard "doggy bag" uttered except when my mother was quoting her American co-workers, who were older.
Fancy places give tiny portions and if I don't eat it all, it means I didn't like it.
At a Chinese place in the USA I ask if they can "da3 bao1".
I was told by a Danish ex that this was absolutely not done in Denmark.
posted by batter_my_heart at 2:17 PM on May 3, 2018
Fancy places give tiny portions and if I don't eat it all, it means I didn't like it.
At a Chinese place in the USA I ask if they can "da3 bao1".
I was told by a Danish ex that this was absolutely not done in Denmark.
posted by batter_my_heart at 2:17 PM on May 3, 2018
It is not a thing in Australia, and when I've had American people visit, they have remarked upon it. It is primarily a food safety issue, since the food has already been sitting out unrefrigerated for however long you've been at the restaurant, and it will be longer still before you get it home and into a refrigerator. That said, at least one American with a small appetite who visited started to bring her own take - away containers and put her leftovers in them. The restaurant did not object, though I'm sure other diners thought it was weird.
I'm actually surprised that the two countries behave this way, since the US is vastly more litigious culturally than Australia is. I think it's more just a public health thing here though rather than a fear of getting sued.
posted by Athanassiel at 2:18 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
I'm actually surprised that the two countries behave this way, since the US is vastly more litigious culturally than Australia is. I think it's more just a public health thing here though rather than a fear of getting sued.
posted by Athanassiel at 2:18 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
Back some time ago in the US, it was considered gauche for a diner in a restaurant to ask for their uneaten food to be wrapped up so they could finish it later at home.
I’m not sure how far back you’re thinking, but the “doggy bag” has been a thing in average US restaurants since at least the 1940s, if not longer. Maybe you’re thinking of the most tony, high-end, white-linen eateries?
posted by Thorzdad at 2:26 PM on May 3, 2018
I’m not sure how far back you’re thinking, but the “doggy bag” has been a thing in average US restaurants since at least the 1940s, if not longer. Maybe you’re thinking of the most tony, high-end, white-linen eateries?
posted by Thorzdad at 2:26 PM on May 3, 2018
In Australia it varies from state to state- it's totally normal In the ACT but illegal in Victoria for the food safety reasons mentioned above. Not so sure about other states.
posted by the duck by the oboe at 2:26 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by the duck by the oboe at 2:26 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
Also Australian. I don't think it's been a thing here because our portion sizes in restaurants are more reasonable. There are exceptions of course but generally they've been about the same as a generous serving at home.
Also we don't get free bread baskets so maybe we're not filling up before the main meal arrives?
I would ask if we had a substantial untouched portion of food that made it worthwhile (would not be ruined by reheating) but in my opinion the waste occurs at the time the the huge portion is served and getting a plastic container to take it home is just compounding the issue.
posted by kitten magic at 2:29 PM on May 3, 2018 [3 favorites]
Also we don't get free bread baskets so maybe we're not filling up before the main meal arrives?
I would ask if we had a substantial untouched portion of food that made it worthwhile (would not be ruined by reheating) but in my opinion the waste occurs at the time the the huge portion is served and getting a plastic container to take it home is just compounding the issue.
posted by kitten magic at 2:29 PM on May 3, 2018 [3 favorites]
Huh, just goes to show I don't leave Victoria much and when I do it's mostly to Tasmania. I've never seen it happen there either, though I don't know if it's illegal.
posted by Athanassiel at 2:30 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by Athanassiel at 2:30 PM on May 3, 2018
Yeah, it was new to me too. Not illegal in NSW as far as I know (have taken stuff on occasion but only where they also offer take away)
posted by kitten magic at 2:34 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by kitten magic at 2:34 PM on May 3, 2018
UK: totally fine except in the fanciest places (where portions would tend to be smaller in any case)
France: not generally done, I don't think - plus portions are small enough anyway that you wouldn't need to
posted by altolinguistic at 3:03 PM on May 3, 2018
France: not generally done, I don't think - plus portions are small enough anyway that you wouldn't need to
posted by altolinguistic at 3:03 PM on May 3, 2018
> I’m not sure how far back you’re thinking, but the “doggy bag” has been a thing in average US restaurants since at least the 1940s, if not longer.
Emily Post didn't approve, in 1968. Sadly, I can't find the origin of the tinfoil swan.
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:07 PM on May 3, 2018
Emily Post didn't approve, in 1968. Sadly, I can't find the origin of the tinfoil swan.
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:07 PM on May 3, 2018
It's not a thing in Japan.
posted by Caravantea at 3:27 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Caravantea at 3:27 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Hi - just jumping in to hopefully avoid this derail. I'm well aware that the "doggy bag" is from the early/mid 20th century US and why it was called that and how it was formerly considered poor etiquette to admit that the food was for one's self and not the dog (please see original post). I'm interested in current practices.
posted by queensissy at 3:37 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by queensissy at 3:37 PM on May 3, 2018
In NZ (and Australia) I've seen people ask occasionally. Sometimes the restaurant will do it. Often they don't have any containers. It is considered pretty unusual unless it's a place that also does takeaway meals. I think it's slightly less weird in NZ, but maybe that's just because my mother does it a lot there (and she's a bit weird).
posted by lollusc at 3:54 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by lollusc at 3:54 PM on May 3, 2018
One of my housemates went out to dinner at a high-end Beverly Hills steakhouse* a couple weeks ago with a well-traveled friend of some reknown who had zero embarrassment about ordering lots of food and sending most of it home with my housemate in a series of appropriately-sized branded takeout boxes in branded takeout bags, and I know people who have gotten/been offered go-boxes at French Laundry and Alinea and the house was fully prepared for it. Probably in part because these drawn-out tasting menus mean people get full halfway through.
*Steakhouses are kind of a thing of their own, because they've been feeding old people - old rich people who didn't get rich by leaving perfectly good food to waste, dagnabit - since time immemorial, basically inventing at-home room service for the rich and famous. So maybe you'd expect it at any steakhouse. But I think delivery culture is becoming more or less universal in the US now and there are very few fine dining establishments that aren't willing and able to package all or part of a meal for later or private consumption to anyone willing to pay - hell, all the better if they're buying the food but leaving the table free for another turn.
posted by Lyn Never at 4:10 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
*Steakhouses are kind of a thing of their own, because they've been feeding old people - old rich people who didn't get rich by leaving perfectly good food to waste, dagnabit - since time immemorial, basically inventing at-home room service for the rich and famous. So maybe you'd expect it at any steakhouse. But I think delivery culture is becoming more or less universal in the US now and there are very few fine dining establishments that aren't willing and able to package all or part of a meal for later or private consumption to anyone willing to pay - hell, all the better if they're buying the food but leaving the table free for another turn.
posted by Lyn Never at 4:10 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
Here in vienna you can ask, in midrange priced places, and also at places like Schnitzelhaus which is a local self service fast food chain, they provide packaging. In pizzerias it is universally accepted, and also in places where one is a regular.
In more fancy restaurants (eg the kind with cloth napkins and cover charge) it is a nono, but the portion sizes wouldn't allow for it anyway.
The low to mid range places sometimes even offer extra large portions and expect you to take the rest.
What is totally unacceptable in any category is asking to take home a not quite finished bottle of wine.
posted by 15L06 at 4:12 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
In more fancy restaurants (eg the kind with cloth napkins and cover charge) it is a nono, but the portion sizes wouldn't allow for it anyway.
The low to mid range places sometimes even offer extra large portions and expect you to take the rest.
What is totally unacceptable in any category is asking to take home a not quite finished bottle of wine.
posted by 15L06 at 4:12 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
Australia: every time we've been in a situation where we have desired a doggy bag (more accurately, a plastic takeaway container), and have asked for it, we have received one, from all manner of establishment.
As we do not have a dog however, I am effectively the dog, and tend to eat everything within my purview when we go out, and thus nothing remains "to go".
posted by turbid dahlia at 4:28 PM on May 3, 2018
As we do not have a dog however, I am effectively the dog, and tend to eat everything within my purview when we go out, and thus nothing remains "to go".
posted by turbid dahlia at 4:28 PM on May 3, 2018
It's definitely a thing in Australia - its not a thing in Victoria any more because a couple of people died from eating bad take-away in the early 2000s and the govt banned it.
It's not something you'd typically do at fine dining - though I have eaten at many fine dining establishments and I've never seen one where - if someone asked - they wouldn't box it up for you happily. It's definitely something you can do anywhere that does take-away food without fear of judgment.
posted by smoke at 4:29 PM on May 3, 2018
It's not something you'd typically do at fine dining - though I have eaten at many fine dining establishments and I've never seen one where - if someone asked - they wouldn't box it up for you happily. It's definitely something you can do anywhere that does take-away food without fear of judgment.
posted by smoke at 4:29 PM on May 3, 2018
Not a thing in the Netherlands. When I moved there and asked for a take away box, my date nearly died with embarrassment.
posted by frumiousb at 4:33 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by frumiousb at 4:33 PM on May 3, 2018
It would be very weird in Italy. It’s a shame, in a way, but portions are so much smaller than it doesn’t really come up very often anyway.
posted by lydhre at 4:33 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by lydhre at 4:33 PM on May 3, 2018
Note to self: when debating whether to say "here in Melbourne" or "here in Australia", choose the former.
posted by Athanassiel at 4:39 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by Athanassiel at 4:39 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
Some US friends visiting England told of a multicourse meal at an upscale establishment where they got full when there was still a savory course and dessert left to go, and the servers gleefully offered to box it all up for them, and not only that but (as my friends discovered when they went to eat the leftovers the next day) increased the portions and added extra sides so that the single course and dessert became a complete, large meal for two.
posted by Former Congressional Representative Lenny Lemming at 5:18 PM on May 3, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by Former Congressional Representative Lenny Lemming at 5:18 PM on May 3, 2018 [3 favorites]
Canada: it's generally fine ("could I get this wrapped up?" is probably what you'd ask).
Although if the restaurant is very fancy, or you're dressed up fancy, or you're going somewhere else before going home, it could feel kinda gauche.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 5:50 PM on May 3, 2018
Although if the restaurant is very fancy, or you're dressed up fancy, or you're going somewhere else before going home, it could feel kinda gauche.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 5:50 PM on May 3, 2018
My experiences as a New Zealander in NZ: Our restaurant portion sizes are smaller than what you'd find in the U.S.A. so it's almost never an issue to begin with. You'd hardly ever be left with enough food to bother taking it home. Also, I think NZ has a lot of that 'clean your plate!' mentality which contributes to a lack of taking home leftovers.
Echoing others in that I would only feel comfortable doing it if I knew the place also did takeaway because it means they have the containers. Though we have Uber Eats here in Auckland now, so I suppose most restaurants are takeaway these days? I have done this in pizza places a couple of times, didn't feel like it was a big deal and they acted like it was totally normal. I also did this a couple months ago when a burger joint forgot one of our sides (mac and cheese balls!) and didn't bring them out with the rest of our food. By the time they turned up we were too full so they packed them to go. Aside from scenarios like these, I wouldn't feel comfortable asking. I wouldn't even feel ok about asking for a takeaway box at Denny's and that's about the lowest rung on the 'proper restaurant' ladder here. Definitely, definitely wouldn't ask at a fancy place but again, they aren't serving up enough food to have leftovers.
posted by BeeJiddy at 6:28 PM on May 3, 2018
Echoing others in that I would only feel comfortable doing it if I knew the place also did takeaway because it means they have the containers. Though we have Uber Eats here in Auckland now, so I suppose most restaurants are takeaway these days? I have done this in pizza places a couple of times, didn't feel like it was a big deal and they acted like it was totally normal. I also did this a couple months ago when a burger joint forgot one of our sides (mac and cheese balls!) and didn't bring them out with the rest of our food. By the time they turned up we were too full so they packed them to go. Aside from scenarios like these, I wouldn't feel comfortable asking. I wouldn't even feel ok about asking for a takeaway box at Denny's and that's about the lowest rung on the 'proper restaurant' ladder here. Definitely, definitely wouldn't ask at a fancy place but again, they aren't serving up enough food to have leftovers.
posted by BeeJiddy at 6:28 PM on May 3, 2018
grouse: "Canada: totally OK here!"
Yep, from the least formal eat while standing to black tie sorts of places they'll wrap it up for you to take home. Many places will even ask if you'd like it wrapped up.
posted by Mitheral at 7:11 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
Yep, from the least formal eat while standing to black tie sorts of places they'll wrap it up for you to take home. Many places will even ask if you'd like it wrapped up.
posted by Mitheral at 7:11 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
Agreeing with Caravantea that basically there is no takeaway (taking food you were eating at the table out with you) in Japan. [They do have takeout, as in order food specifically to eat outside the restaurant, like at fast food, but not takeaway].
Compared to the US, however, I find myself wanting takeaway much much less because portions are smaller. In the US I frequently cannot finish my meal, this is much less common for me in Japan.
posted by thefoxgod at 7:18 PM on May 3, 2018
Compared to the US, however, I find myself wanting takeaway much much less because portions are smaller. In the US I frequently cannot finish my meal, this is much less common for me in Japan.
posted by thefoxgod at 7:18 PM on May 3, 2018
What is totally unacceptable in any category is asking to take home a not quite finished bottle of wine.
Something I find very interesting in the US is how state-specific this one is. In Texas it was basically theft if the restaurant didn't put the cork back in the bottle and give it to you, and we were sometimes chased down as we left to make sure we didn't want it, if we didn't take it. In California they can give it to you (it has to go in the trunk and then gets complicated if you don't have a trunk) but we get a much more uncertain reaction and it always feels like the server would just rather we finish it or leave it.
posted by Lyn Never at 7:55 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
Something I find very interesting in the US is how state-specific this one is. In Texas it was basically theft if the restaurant didn't put the cork back in the bottle and give it to you, and we were sometimes chased down as we left to make sure we didn't want it, if we didn't take it. In California they can give it to you (it has to go in the trunk and then gets complicated if you don't have a trunk) but we get a much more uncertain reaction and it always feels like the server would just rather we finish it or leave it.
posted by Lyn Never at 7:55 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
I wonder if Canada is an outlier due more to its proximity to the US or due more to its climate, since for a good portion of the year in a good chunk of the country it's cold enough to forestall the concerns of refrigeration if you just leave the food in the car.
posted by halation at 7:59 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by halation at 7:59 PM on May 3, 2018
Sorry, I'm in the US so not really relevant, but I always,ask for leftovers and I really do feed them to the chickens. I hate the idea of eating good chicken treats!
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:14 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:14 PM on May 3, 2018 [2 favorites]
Very common to take food home with you in South Africa.
posted by Gomez_in_the_South at 8:24 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Gomez_in_the_South at 8:24 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
Absolutely not a problem in NZ, and my experience in the Netherlands has also been compliance without any problems.
posted by HiroProtagonist at 8:31 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by HiroProtagonist at 8:31 PM on May 3, 2018
It's definitely a thing in Western Australia: I've had staff at TWO cafes come up to the table and prompt me "would you like me to box up the unfinished food on your plate?" without me having even asked.
Mind you, they were both VERY environmentally-friendly cafes...
posted by Murderbot at 9:16 PM on May 3, 2018
Mind you, they were both VERY environmentally-friendly cafes...
posted by Murderbot at 9:16 PM on May 3, 2018
Poland: not a problem usually, but I've only asked like half a dozen times in my life, and I wouldn't dream of doing it in an upscale restaurant or when dining with important people. It helps that the average portion is maybe a third of the typical US restaurant serving, so I've only run into the problem when ordering dishes to be split in a group.
Tbilisi, Georgia: likewise not a problem even in fairly posh restaurants. Again, a culture of ordering dishes to share in a group, which often leads to over-ordering.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 9:25 PM on May 3, 2018
Tbilisi, Georgia: likewise not a problem even in fairly posh restaurants. Again, a culture of ordering dishes to share in a group, which often leads to over-ordering.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 9:25 PM on May 3, 2018
I got intrigued by this and it turns out it is not illegal in Victoria either. Although I really do think that - especially in Melbourne - it is not a common practice in VIC and there are certainly many restaurants that have established their own rules that they will not provide doggy bags.
I do love the last line of that document, which could be applied to all of the "can I eat?" questions here on AskMe: if in doubt, throw it out.
posted by Athanassiel at 10:06 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
I do love the last line of that document, which could be applied to all of the "can I eat?" questions here on AskMe: if in doubt, throw it out.
posted by Athanassiel at 10:06 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm in Sydney, Australia. It's fine at cheaper places (noodle bars and such) but generally they will not take your half-eaten plate back into the kitchen to box it up - something about hygiene regulations, I think. Instead, they'll bring a takeaway container to your table and you'll transfer the food yourself. You might also be charged 50 cents for the container. I wouldn't do this at more expensive places, but I'm sure some people do. The term "doggie bag" would probably come across as weird/disrespectful and would be at risk of being misunderstood across language barriers. I would probably just ask for "a takeaway container please", since I know they are unlikely to pack it up for me. Generally portions in Australia tend to be smaller than in the US, so leftovers are less inevitable, I suppose.
posted by embrangled at 10:25 PM on May 3, 2018
posted by embrangled at 10:25 PM on May 3, 2018
Common in Pakistan, though less common in higher end Western or Japanese style restaurants where, however, it is still not unknown. This is partly, I think, because of a strong taboo against throwing away food (I've seen waiters pack up a half-eaten chicken leg unasked), and partly because a lot of dining is family style: you order collectively rather than individual portions and hospitality decrees that more food is ordered than is needed. These family-sized portions are close to the same size as individual portions in mid-level US restaurants so I can certainly see why taking back leftovers is commonplace in the States.
posted by tavegyl at 10:57 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by tavegyl at 10:57 PM on May 3, 2018 [1 favorite]
when ordering dishes to be split in a group as an aside, this - ordering dishes to share - is by far the greatest offence in Viennese restaurants. No quicker way to piss of the service staff and chef. Wrapping up leftovers is fine, but dish sharing is considered rude and cheap and i know of a case in an upscale place where guests were actually asked to leave.
There are exceptions, in midrange places you can share a dessert and in some pizzerias it is ok. Most often though the only places you can do this in Vienna are Indian restaurants
posted by 15L06 at 11:07 PM on May 3, 2018
There are exceptions, in midrange places you can share a dessert and in some pizzerias it is ok. Most often though the only places you can do this in Vienna are Indian restaurants
posted by 15L06 at 11:07 PM on May 3, 2018
London based: Not really common but portions are not as big as in the states. I usually finish my meal or don’t have enough leftover to make it worth it. There just isn’t places like Cheesecake Factory here, where when I used to go to the expectation was to have at least enough for lunch the next day.
I don’t think it would be necessarily frowned upon but servers don’t ask if you want to take anything away even if you didn’t finish it. And this is assuming it’s a place that you can reasonably assume does takeaway. I would never ask if I wasn’t sure.
posted by like_neon at 12:02 AM on May 4, 2018
I don’t think it would be necessarily frowned upon but servers don’t ask if you want to take anything away even if you didn’t finish it. And this is assuming it’s a place that you can reasonably assume does takeaway. I would never ask if I wasn’t sure.
posted by like_neon at 12:02 AM on May 4, 2018
Denmark, specifically Copenhagen here: not really done at all. Not that you couldn't ask for it in lower class places (I guess), but seems outside of the social norms. Honestly I have never really experienced this anywhere except for a pizza place. It is just not a danish thing. Portions here aren't as large as I have experienced in the US so maybe that is a factor, there's just not that much left over to even consider taking it with you.
posted by alchemist at 12:13 AM on May 4, 2018
posted by alchemist at 12:13 AM on May 4, 2018
Competition for portion sizes has gotten so out of hand in the US low-mid range that people will talk bad about the restaurant if they aren't taking any home. I've had servers more than once express astonishment that I finished a whole plate they brought me.
I can nth that in Japan, not a thing. In fact, even in the little restaurant I love run by the elderly Japanese chef and his wife in the US, she doesn't offer to box up leftovers. I asked once and she politely did it cheerfully, while expertly making me feel like I was asking for something weird. As if she was improvising on the spot to do that for such a valuable guest. (Yay, I feel like a king! but also shame! for inconveniencing her.)
posted by ctmf at 1:13 AM on May 4, 2018
I can nth that in Japan, not a thing. In fact, even in the little restaurant I love run by the elderly Japanese chef and his wife in the US, she doesn't offer to box up leftovers. I asked once and she politely did it cheerfully, while expertly making me feel like I was asking for something weird. As if she was improvising on the spot to do that for such a valuable guest. (Yay, I feel like a king! but also shame! for inconveniencing her.)
posted by ctmf at 1:13 AM on May 4, 2018
UK: Don't think anyone would blink at this at a mid-budget restaurant. Just did this yesterday at my local pizzeria. I think this would be unusual at a place that was high-end. Also the portions really aren't big enough at most expensive eateries that I've been to (I don't really go to a lot!) to make doggie-bagging necessary. (I am consistently flabbergasted by portion sizes when I visit the US.) One exception to the expensive eateries "rule" (if it is a rule): I've gone for afternoon tea at swanky-ish places, been unable to finish everything and doggie-bagged it with no one around me batting an eyelid, and the places have always had containers that seemed tailor-made for the purpose.
posted by Ziggy500 at 2:33 AM on May 4, 2018
posted by Ziggy500 at 2:33 AM on May 4, 2018
I've lived in Germany and have traveled frequently in Belgium. It doesn't really seem like a thing in either place. I've never eaten with a Belgian or a German who asked for something to be put in a doggie bag. I think it'd be seen as sort of tacky. And I've never had a waiter or waitress ask me unprompted if I'd like to take the rest home the way they often do in the U.S.
Portion sizes are also a lot smaller, so you can usually finish whatever you're served. In my experience, if you leave a lot of food on your plate at a decent restaurant, the waiters are concerned that there was a problem with the food and they will ask you about it, rather than offering to wrap it up for you.
posted by colfax at 2:40 AM on May 4, 2018
Portion sizes are also a lot smaller, so you can usually finish whatever you're served. In my experience, if you leave a lot of food on your plate at a decent restaurant, the waiters are concerned that there was a problem with the food and they will ask you about it, rather than offering to wrap it up for you.
posted by colfax at 2:40 AM on May 4, 2018
I did it about an hour ago in Victoria, Australia and do so pretty regularly. Definitely not illegal.
That said, I'd only ever do this somewhere that offers take away as well as eat in. It's not for a fancy restaurant with the in laws.
posted by deadwax at 5:00 AM on May 4, 2018
That said, I'd only ever do this somewhere that offers take away as well as eat in. It's not for a fancy restaurant with the in laws.
posted by deadwax at 5:00 AM on May 4, 2018
Yes in Philippines. Lots of food is served family style, and there's no way a table could finish it.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 5:17 AM on May 4, 2018
posted by Ms Vegetable at 5:17 AM on May 4, 2018
Super common in India. Portion sizes vary widely from restaurant to restaurant, but I've never felt uncomfortable asking for packed leftovers. One caveat might be that for Indian food, it would be the curries that'll be taken rather than the bread, which are not nice when cold and stale.
Nor have I ever heard that it's frowned upon.
posted by Nieshka at 10:02 AM on May 4, 2018 [1 favorite]
Nor have I ever heard that it's frowned upon.
posted by Nieshka at 10:02 AM on May 4, 2018 [1 favorite]
Misssed the edit window: thinking more about it, it has to be said that India is a country with a sizeable and very visible population that goes hungry every day, so it would be in incredibly poor taste to waste food. Perhaps that, too, explains the attitude to packing leftovers.
posted by Nieshka at 10:12 AM on May 4, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Nieshka at 10:12 AM on May 4, 2018 [1 favorite]
In Australia it varies from state to state- it's totally normal In the ACT but illegal in Victoria for the food safety reasons mentioned above. Not so sure about other states.
I live in Melbourne and bring food home all the time and never have had anyone tell me it was illegal.
In Malaysia it's really commonplace.
posted by divabat at 12:07 AM on May 5, 2018
I live in Melbourne and bring food home all the time and never have had anyone tell me it was illegal.
In Malaysia it's really commonplace.
posted by divabat at 12:07 AM on May 5, 2018
Interesting. A restaurant in Victoria told me it was illegal in the state. They probably just found it easier to say that than to explain that it was allowed but against their own policy. Or something.
posted by the duck by the oboe at 2:23 PM on May 5, 2018
posted by the duck by the oboe at 2:23 PM on May 5, 2018
It was outlawed in Vic Australia for a while but I think it's been relaxed a bit because I am asked all the time if I want to take my food home with me? I am a tiny eater so I always have left over food!
In USA I am always embarrassed how much food I leave on my plate! I can't help it!
posted by MsRachyDoodle at 4:05 PM on May 5, 2018
In USA I am always embarrassed how much food I leave on my plate! I can't help it!
posted by MsRachyDoodle at 4:05 PM on May 5, 2018
Ontario, fine dining: Only if the server offers. “Can I wrap that up for you?”
Ontario, all other dining: I find if you *don’t* want to take away uneaten portions you might feel pressured to make an excuse. “We’re heading straight out to something after this, we can’t carry food,” or something to that effect. Leaving uneaten food is like throwing money away — a sort of wasteful, crass way to behave.
posted by Construction Concern at 4:52 PM on May 6, 2018
Ontario, all other dining: I find if you *don’t* want to take away uneaten portions you might feel pressured to make an excuse. “We’re heading straight out to something after this, we can’t carry food,” or something to that effect. Leaving uneaten food is like throwing money away — a sort of wasteful, crass way to behave.
posted by Construction Concern at 4:52 PM on May 6, 2018
I've been in many "fine" dining establishments in Italy and asked for a takeaway (usually for protein) "per gli gatti" and never had even a blink. I then took it and fed it to the cats, but it's not like it seemed to matter either way to the server. If you're trying to judge how embarrassed your friends might be, maybe float "Oh I hate to waste this, do you think it would be all right to ask for a wrap?"
posted by cyndigo at 3:49 PM on May 7, 2018
posted by cyndigo at 3:49 PM on May 7, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by EndsOfInvention at 12:50 PM on May 3, 2018