5 Large Differences When Dining Out in Mexico vs. USA
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At the time of this article, I have been living in and touring Mexico for over 5 months. And while I have spent a lifetime in the USA dining out, we are going to explore the differences in eating out or dining at a restaurant between the USA and Mexico.
Note: I do no claim to be an expert, so I welcome your comments, and observations in the comments.
Dining Out in Mexico: How is it Different than the USA?
Mexican culture is different from the USA in a variety of ways, let’s take a look at how. Side note: We are not saying one is better than the other, just merely a comparison.
After Food Delivered
In the USA soon after the meal has been delivered by the waiter, they will ask, “how is the food, how is everything, do you need anything else…” If you want more catsup, or a new spoon, or extra dressing, this is the time to request it.
In Mexico, while waiters and waitresses are attentive, I don’t commonly see this question asked after the meal has been delivered. If you need more salsa for example, or napkins, a knife, you have to get the attention of the waiter and request it.
Tips for Dining Out in Mexico
- Embrace Local Flavors: When dining out in Mexico, be adventurous and try local dishes that are unique to the region. From tacos al pastor in Mexico City to mole in Oaxaca, each area has its specialties that offer an authentic taste of Mexican culture.
- Mind the Spice Levels: Mexican food is known for its bold flavors and spices. If you're not used to spicy food, don't hesitate to ask for a milder version of a dish. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate your spice preferences.
- Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: While many restaurant staff speak English, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your dining experience. Simple phrases like "¿Puede recomendar algo?" (Can you recommend something?) or "La cuenta, por favor" (The bill, please) show respect for the local culture and can make interactions smoother.
- Respect Dining Etiquette: Dining in Mexico often starts with complimentary chips and salsa, but it's customary to leave a tip for good service, usually around 10-15% of the total bill. Additionally, lunch is typically the largest meal of the day, often enjoyed between 1:00 and 3:00 PM, so plan your dining schedule accordingly.
The Bill (La Cuenta)
In Mexico if you wish to request your bill, you have to wave or get the attention of the waiter and request your cuenta. In the USA, your bill is delivered right toward the end of the meal, without asking.
Method of Payment
In Mexico, payment is mostly paid in cash/pesos. I say mostly because there some tourist cities which accept credit cards. In the USA, payment is mostly paid by debit or credit card. It appears the society is moving toward a cashless society.
Time Spent After a Meal Together
In Mexico, and in Latin American culture, spending time together as a family is commonly done after a shared meal together. The word for this is sobremesa. It’s translated as time spent after a meal together.
In the USA, the culture is a little different. While family is important in the USA, there doesn’t seem to be this same culture of spending time together after a meal as in Latin America. I believe the concept is there, but meals tend to end quickly, and people move on to other activities. Now, if there is a special event, there may be more time spent with each other connecting, but overall, the USA could learn a lesson or two from this social custom.
Bonus: Tip Culture in Mexico
There have been several changes in the tip culture in the USA in recent years and after the pandemic, it seems to have steadily increased. What is happening with tip culture?
Some restaurant establishments use a Point of Sale (POS) system that generates a new question at checkout. The question, drum roll please, is the percentage you wish to tip.
After buying a coffee from your favorite establishment, this question is popping up more and more and in places where it hasn’t been customary to tip. What is driving this change? If you believe it’s the advancement of technology, you may not be far off, read this article here to learn more.
In Mexico, while there are variances in how and when to tip when dining at restaurants, a common suggestion is 10%, unless the restaurant is more upscale, then a range of 15% is customary.
The importance to note is that the tipping percentage in the USA is significantly higher, around 15%-20%, of course, tipping is also at the discretion of the tipper. Some may wish to tip more or less depending on their experience.
Have you noticed these differences between the Mexican culture as compared to the USA when dining out? Which one surprised you the most? Which one was the most helpful? Which one did we miss? Drop a comment below and let us know!
