Though I grew up as a quiet kid with my head down, I worried about disturbing European locals with my loud, rambunctious American accent. However, I may return to the States wishing we carried French restaurants’ quality and etiquette.

I used TikTok and Duolingo as gateways to understand French culture in preparation for studying abroad in Lyon, France. Duolingo stressed the importance of saying “please” and “thank you.” My TikTok feed is full of slideshows titled, “Things I can’t wait to do in America after being in Europe” with the National Anthem playing full-blast. They usually griped on bland European flavors and worried me about its scarcity of ice water.

We eat too fast

My first appreciation of dining out in France was its interactive culture. In America, fast food restaurants provide several conveniences: cheap pre-made food, quick service (especially with drive-thrus) and an occasional playground to get a break from the kids (you know, the ones that smell like socks). Fast food joints in France, even American chains, feel more quaint than expected.

For instance, French McDonald’s prioritizes quick service but encourages customers to slow down. No clattering from the kitchen or brash combinations of music and televisions calmed even the busiest McDonald’s in Lyon. In fact, televisions are nonexistent in French restaurants!

French McDonald’s use reusable dishes, which discourages customers from taking leftovers. If you want to eat at home, you have to indicate your order is to-go. (Photo by Gabrielle Lopez)

Since France is an old country with limited space, it doesn’t host drive-thrus or playgrounds in its McDonald’s. However, no playgrounds or screens encourage families to relax while they eat — the core of French dining culture.

We eat poor (yet expensive) food

French food is exceptionally affordable. In the U.S., a meal for me is about $20 and usually consists of a small sandwich, chips and a drink. At my favorite French coffee chain, Columbus Cafe, 7€ (about $7.57) grants me the same amount of food. My greatest expectation for France was its food quality. Unusually cheap food keeps me full throughout the day without making me feel sluggish. My classmates repeatedly gab about how French dairy products are superior for not upsetting their stomachs.

At my first time at Columbus Cafe, I accidentally doubled my order but didn’t realize because I thought ~8€ was the average price for a coffee and pastry. (Photo by Gabrielle Lopez)

I have had my share of French coffees but am more of a matcha connoisseur. At least, I thought I was until I had my first French matcha latte. Before meeting my class to take a train to Dijon, I made a pit stop at Pret a Manger, a coffee chain based in London. I once had a latte from a Pret in New York but wasn’t impressed. I risked ordering a matcha latte this time. I would never expect authentic, ceremonial-grade matcha from a British chain, but I needed the caffeine. One sip and I scrunched my nose.

“Yeah, that’s not good,” I said to my classmate. I scanned the cafe for a sweetener stand — no luck.

We walked a few steps over to meet the rest of our class at a Starbucks, which also failed to have a sweetener stand. I took short, quick sips of my matcha. It tasted like straight milk for a second, but I slowly realized it was organic matcha. Suddenly, my last-resort instant tea tasted like a delicacy. On the train ride, I was fueled by legitimate, healthy caffeine instead of a good ol’ American sugar rush.

This matcha made me reflect on how I will react to American food norms when I return. One of the best elements of French dining culture is its privacy.

We focus on service and gratuity instead

During my first weekend in Lyon, a small group of French locals commented that Americans are too nice. Not very, but too nice. Consider how often American restaurants train servers to check in on customers throughout their visit. We see it as considerate, but the French may see it as an interruption. I noticed French servers take a step back so customers spend intimate time with their meal.

A bountiful spread from Le Comptoir Libanais in Lyon. The servers provided speedy service but gave us plenty of space and time to eat before providing the dessert course. (Photo by Gabrielle Lopez)

One classic American experience is standing in uncomfortable silence as a server swivels an iPad towards you to ask for a tip. Tipping culture in America is a rising topic as prices increase and wages decrease.

When I dine out at home, I have to balance ordering what I want with what I can afford. The American dining experience comes down to whether you qualify for a military, youth, senior or student discount. My father would say, “If they ask, you’re 12 years old,” before we entered a Denny’s until I was 16. Several of my family’s celebration dinner plans fell out because invitees couldn’t afford the restaurant of choice.

This is not to say that everyone can afford to dine out in France every day. Dining abroad taught me that France values the experience of a quiet meal. America prioritizes profit over quality. My first meal in America after a day-long international flight may be a Whataburger combo, but I will encourage my family to peel their eyes off the restaurant’s TVs.

*Amo Cafe* is a pink-themed cafe in El Paso, Texas. My boyfriend generously surprised me with a date here. He paid $24.94 for two medium drinks and a sample of cheesecake. While we did enjoy the aesthetics, he said I “make better coffee at home.” (Photo taken by Gabrielle Lopez)

Original story and images published on Medium
All photos taken and edited by Gabrielle Lopez

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