How likely are people in the Netherlands to serve food to their guests? Here’s the map that took Twitter by storm.
When it comes to Northern European hospitality norms, people do not expect much. But when an amateur historian tried to explain the reason behind it, netizens were mad — to say the least.
The map of truth
Accompanied by a long thread of user-generated historical analyses of hospitality norms, the map supposedly shows that Northern Europeans are way less likely to offer their guests food than their Southern counterparts.
This is blowing people’s minds, so as an amateur historian and sociologist I’m going to try to explain this development/ cultural artifact. pic.twitter.com/vNF0MMpMFK
— Incompetent Beneficiary of Nepotism (@WallySierk) May 29, 2022
The scale, going from “almost always” to “very unlikely,” has offended many a Scandinavian, shocked many an Italian, and provoked many a historian.
The Netherlands is steadily grounded on the “very unlikely” end of the scale, and lots of netizens recognised the trend.
My brother in law is Dutch and he asks people to pay for their food when they eat at his house. It’s fucking WILD.
— dumpsterfire (@riffraffrumblin) May 30, 2022
Some even offered their own interpretations of Dutch inhospitality, suggesting that it stems from their obsession with being efficient and organised.
Also, culture difference. The Dutch and Germans are about efficiency and planning. Arriving unannounced might mess up our plans which is seen as rude here because you insert yourself in another persons time without consent. Nonetheless we change plans and are hospitable.
— Leeroypon (@LeeroyPon) May 30, 2022
That being said, enough people are disagreeing too.
"none of this sounds normal" but… it is normal… its culture, my friend, its just different than where you live
— plutonium (@gohomecourier6) January 28, 2025
Could there be a historical explanation?
Look. I’m from Norway, and I’ve been living in the Netherlands for almost three years now. I can tell you that the map holds at least a little bit of truth.
I can’t even count the number of times I’ve visited a Dutchie (or a Norwegian, for that matter) and seen them slap their thighs with that characteristic sigh before standing up and ushering me out the door.
It typically happens sometime between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. The Dutch like to eat early.
READ MORE | This expat’s TikToks about weird Dutch habits went viral (because they’re relatable AF!)
But why? Is it not gezellig to eat together with your guests? The Protestants didn’t think so.
According to the historian on Twitter, people from Northern Germanic cultures used to consider serving someone food a sign of superiority. In other words, if you’re being served food, you’re indebted to whoever serves you.
Debt used to bring about a lot of violence and force, which the Protestant church didn’t like.
READ MORE | 7 reasons the Dutch don’t do debt
So, in their attempt to make society more egalitarian, individualistic, less debt-focused, and most importantly, less violent, Northern societies supposedly stopped offering their guests food when they came over.
True?
It might sound like a bit of a stretch. I’ve always assumed the habit was a random Northern quirk that was founded in convenience.
After all, the Dutch are known for being extremely stingy, sending Tikkies for a half-bitten apple, and being very honest and direct.
So it’s believable on its own without the dodgy historical backstory. 🤷♀️
What do you think of the viral hospitality map? Funny, shocking, or offensive? Tell us in the comments!