When it comes to the gastronomic traditions of different countries, for some reason it is customary to discuss anything, but not lunches. We can easily imagine the usual dinner in Spain or randomly list the ingredients of a Mediterranean breakfast, but you hardly know what business lunch people in Switzerland prefer and what Chinese clerks have for a bite to eat.
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It’s time to fill this gap.
Finland
The Finnish government takes seriously the health of its citizens. Naturally, food is also treated with special attention there. The right to a lunch break is enshrined in law. And so that it goes with maximum benefit, many employers independently provide employees with useful lunches. Dishes are organized in the offices by special services, which also ensure that all products are as natural and fresh as possible. The menu is all according to the canons of proper nutrition: vegetable soups, meat, fish and light salads. But it’s much more curious that many Finns prefer to drink all this with the most ordinary cow's milk - they love him very much here.
China
Unlike Finland, in the Middle Kingdom, workplace dinners are not welcome. They say this is due to the fact that Chinese dishes, as a rule, have rather harsh and specific flavors. So what is customary in cafes, squares, on the streets - in a word, anywhere, if only not in the office. Our usual sandwiches are not considered lunch there, as well as soups - they are preferred in China for breakfast. But steam rice, noodles, meat with vegetables and other nutritious dishes are a completely different matter. But no matter what the business lunch in China is, there are three rules that are always observed: lunch starts at exactly 12 noon, portions must certainly be extremely voluminous and supplemented with a drink - most often, green tea or natural lemonade.
USA
Despite the fact that in recent decades, healthy eating in the United States has become a real cult, employees of American offices are still unable to wean from fast food. There is nothing to be done: time is money. Therefore, still one of the most popular formats are lunch boxes with a comprehensive lunch. Their contents may vary depending on the cost. In the most budget version, most often you can find a sandwich with turkey or tuna, a simple salad, french fries, or even just a bag of chips. Drink it all taken with carbonated drinks. Most Americans do not consider this something reprehensible. It's not so surprising when you consider that many people in the United States even prefer to treat colds with lime-flavored soda, arguing that they are high in citric acid, which is not without meaning.
Switzerland
Across the Atlantic, habits are completely different. In Switzerland, they have a thorough approach to dinner: a business lunch can easily last up to two hours, so that office employees can relax or even get home to spend this time at the family table. Fast food on the menu will not be definite, although it is unlikely to reach racket or fondue either. The Swiss prefer the middle ground: hearty, hearty cooked dishes like veal stewed with cream, mushrooms and white wine. By the way, alcohol at dinner will only be in the sauce. In addition to the main dish in Switzerland, coffee and mineral water are most often.
Italy
Do you like to drink wine at dinner? The Italians are completely in solidarity with you. Moreover, they are unlikely to be limited to one glass, because lunch with ease can take several hours. Drinking alcohol at the height of a busy day is not considered a sign of frivolity, quite the contrary: according to Italians, wine improves the absorption of food. Especially when it comes to hearty dishes, such as pasta, which is often served for lunch. But the matter is not limited to pasta only: most likely, immediately after they will be served the second - fish or meat, as well as a vegetable side dish or salad. In a word, help digestion and the truth will not be superfluous. Drink preferences may vary depending on the region: if in Rome you will most likely be offered a glass of dry white for lunch, then in Veneto it may already be Prosecco or Spritz.
