Once inside, shake everyone's hand and follow your host's lead. Dining is
somewhat formal and follows traditional European dining,
such as keeping your hands in sight and eating with the knife in the right hand
and fork in the left. Also refrain from using your left hand while eating, especially
if you touch the food for any reason, such as eating bread.
If dining out, some restaurants are divided by sex, particularly all-male restaurants.
These places don't restrict women from entering, but women may feel awkward
in these settings.
Tipping isn't common in Armenia, but at higher end restaurants,
it is appreciated. In these locations tip what you feel is appropriate; 10% is generous.
Drinks
Like a growing number of countries, Armenians are growing
more and more accustomed to a cup of coffee in the morning and most prefer it black.
Armenia also has a yogurt-based drink called leban or tahn, which
is commonly found throughout the region. Other drinks, such as tea, juices, soft
drinks, and milk are also available.
For alcoholic drinks, beer is probably the most popular, although few are produced
locally. Armenia also produces their own brandy, a couple local wines, and kvas,
which is a drink made from bread. Of course imported beers, wines, and hard liquors
are also accessible.
There is no consensus on the cleanliness of the tap water in Armenia.
Near mountain springs and in the major cities the water is generally clean, but
this is more of a tendency than a rule. In other areas the water quality is poor,
and perhaps unsafe, so should be avoided. The best course of action is to check
with locals for the cleanliness of the local water or be cautious and avoid the
tap water entirely. If you do decide to drink the tap water, remember that many
people may have troubles adjusting to the local water, as it will most certainly
be different from what your system is used to.