Spaghetti is one of the world’s most familiar comfort foods, yet the way people eat it can vary widely from table to table. Small habits, such as how you use a fork, what you do with a spoon, or how much sauce you gather, often reflect personal background rather than any shared standard. An etiquette coach recently weighed in on these everyday choices, offering guidance on how spaghetti is traditionally meant to be eaten and why those details still matter in more formal settings.
William Hanson explains how to eat spaghetti stylishly and effectively, showing that this Italian dish is less complicated than it seems.
He explains that there is no need to use a spoon when eating spaghetti. Even though that's how many people do it, Italians don't use a spoon; instead, they use a fork in their dominant hand. Starting at the edge of the spaghetti and working towards the middle, twist a small, neat parcel until it loosens and pulls away.
His viral video prompted thousands of people to leave comments, many realizing they'd been eating spaghetti incorrectly their entire lives. Hanson is known for his etiquette videos, which show people how to eat properly. Some of his other viral videos include how to stir tea, how to eat peas, and how to eat rice. He's the etiquette expert for a reason.
One person said, "That only works that easily when the spaghetti is cut short."
Another person said, "You can absolutely use a spoon if you want to. There is zero problem with using a spoon."
Some added humor. "Bro a small twist? I’m shoving as much in my mouth as possible." Long time viewers said, "Ok here I have to agree with it for the first time."
Why spaghetti eating etiquette exists
Spaghetti eating etiquette exists because the dish was created to be eaten neatly in shared dining settings, long before casual table habits became common. Traditional Italian dining emphasized minimizing mess and showing consideration for others at the table. Using only a fork encourages smaller bites and keeps sauce from flying across the plate and onto clothing.
These norms became a way to signal respect and awareness of social space during meals. While modern dining is more relaxed, etiquette around spaghetti persists as a reminder that how food is eaten can affect the comfort and experience of everyone sharing the table.
The most common spaghetti eating mistakes
Some spaghetti eating habits are so common they barely register as mistakes, but these are the ones most likely to draw quiet side-eyes at the table.
One frequent misstep is using a spoon to help twirl the pasta. While it feels practical, traditional etiquette considers it unnecessary and sloppy, encouraging oversized bites and excess sauce.
Another is cutting spaghetti with a knife. Long strands are meant to be twirled with a fork, not chopped into smaller pieces.
Overloading the fork is also an issue. Large bites are harder to manage and more likely to drip sauce or lead to awkward slurping.
Speaking of slurping, pulling strands into the mouth with a sound is widely considered poor manners in many dining settings.
Leaning too close to the plate or lifting the plate to the mouth is frowned upon as well. These habits were developed for convenience, but etiquette standards exist to keep meals orderly and considerate for everyone at the table.
Spaghetti etiquette around the world
Spaghetti etiquette varies widely by region. In Italy and the rest of Europe, spaghetti is traditionally eaten with a fork only, twirled neatly against the plate. Cutting pasta or using a spoon is discouraged.
In the United States, etiquette is more flexible. Many people use a spoon at home or in casual restaurants without concern.
Eating spaghetti may come with rules, but it ultimately comes down to awareness of the setting and company. Knowing when manners matter and when they do not helps keep the focus on the meal and the people sharing it.
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