Meals and Dietary Considerations
When planning a meal for international visitors, you should consider any dietary or medical restrictions or other cultural considerations. The best approach is to ask the visitor or a representative if there are any dietary restrictions or specific customs that should be observed. Most caterers are used to creating meals for people with a variety of dietary needs. You should discuss your particular situation with your caterer as soon as possible.
You may also want to prepare a list of local restaurant suggestions and descriptions for visitors when they are on their own.
Religious Observances
Below are a few of the most common dietary-related religious observances. Keep in mind that these do not apply to all people of these religions, nor do they cover all possible religious observances. Once again, it is best to ask the visitor or a representative if they have any special dietary needs.
Judaism: Observant Jews require special kitchen utensils and cooking practices, which some caterers can take into account. When in doubt, always ask if participants are strictly kosher; no offense is taken by such a question. Many Jews are not strictly observant other than possibly avoiding shellfish, pork, and pork by-products.
Islam: Muslims follow the doctrines of the Koran, which forbids alcohol and the eating of some food like pork, poultry, and shellfish.
Hinduism: Hindu dietary restrictions vary according to region, local custom, caste, and acceptance of outside practices. Primarily, though, orthodox Hindus don't eat animal and fish products except milk and honey because of the Hindu doctrines of non-violence, karma, and rebirth. Beef is taboo because the cow is sacred, thus, most Hindus are vegetarian.
Buddhism: Although dietary restrictions are not part of Buddhist doctrine, they may be self-imposed. A great number of Buddhists are vegetarian because of Buddhist values.