Why New Yorkers eat on the move, Parisians refuse, and Tokyo commuters would never

We’ve all seen it on TV: a teenager biting into a shiny apple on the way to school, a New Yorker juggling a giant iced coffee and a long sandwich, or a commuter rushing with a muffin in hand. On-screen, it looks effortless, even stylish. But in real life, whether you can eat while walking without drawing stares depends entirely on where in the world you are.

In the United States, food “to go” is practically a way of life. A Stanley cup of iced coffee or a bagel wolfed down on the subway says: busy, important, moving fast. Eating while walking isn’t just acceptable, it’s expected in the culture of productivity.

Cross the Atlantic, and things change. In France, food belongs at a table, never in transit. The French stereotype of a baguette poking out of a grocery bag? True. But that loaf is meant for the dinner table, not for tearing chunks off on the way home. In fact, biting into a sandwich on a busy Paris street might earn you a raised eyebrow.

Sausages in hand, but not on the move
In Germany or the Nordic countries, quick bites are fine, but with boundaries. A currywurst, pretzel or hot dog is enjoyed standing at a stall or counter. You finish, then move. The idea of strolling and chewing at the same time feels sloppy.

In Japan, eating while walking is actively discouraged. Vending machines are everywhere, but the unspoken rule is: finish your drink or snack right there before moving on. Eating on trains is limited to long-distance journeys where bentos are part of the ritual. For everyday commuting, the cultural expectation is tidiness and consideration for others.

India’s love for street food
In India, street food is a way of life: pani puri, pav bhaji, samosas...But again, it’s food to be eaten at the cart itself, often shared and savoured while standing. Carrying it down the road would be impractical, if not messy.

So, is eating on the street rude? In some places, yes. In others, it’s just life. The American TV version - always eating, always rushing - has spread globally, but it doesn’t always land well in cultures where meals are treated as a pause, not a pit stop.

If you’re travelling, the rule is simple: look around. If everyone else has their coffee in hand, go ahead. If not, tuck that sandwich back in its wrapper and wait until you find a bench. What seems like harmless multitasking in New York might read as bad manners in Paris or Tokyo.