Cutting your food before you start eating it is not inherently rude. In fact, it is a common practice and completely acceptable in many cultures and social settings. The act of cutting food before eating can often be a practical and convenient way to manage larger or unwieldy portions, especially with certain dishes like steak, chicken, or pasta.
However, there are a few situations where cutting your food before eating may be considered impolite or inappropriate:
Formal dining: In some formal dining settings, cutting all your food in advance might be considered improper etiquette. In such situations, it is generally best to cut one bite-sized piece at a time and eat it before proceeding to cut the next piece.
Fine dining restaurants: High-end restaurants may have specific dining etiquette rules, and it's advisable to observe how others around you are handling their food. If you are unsure, you can always ask the server for guidance on the best way to approach the meal.
Cultural considerations: In certain cultures, there are specific customs and traditions related to dining etiquette. For example, in some Asian cultures, cutting food in advance might be less common, and chopsticks are commonly used instead.
In most everyday situations, cutting your food before eating it is perfectly acceptable and not considered rude at all. It can even be seen as a considerate action, especially if the dish is difficult to manage in larger pieces or requires some effort to cut while eating.
Remember that dining etiquette can vary across different regions, cultures, and social contexts. When in doubt, observe the practices of those around you or ask for guidance politely. Overall, the most important thing is to enjoy your meal while being respectful of others around you.