Good food becomes great food when shared 🙂
But sometimes, you may be out and about on your own and want a bite, or just don’t have company for lunch or dinner and yet want to have a nice one. What do you do? Are you comfortable eating alone or do you prefer to just pack a takeaway and take it home to enjoy instead?
Some foods don’t translate well to a takeaway as they taste better made fresh for you. Like soupy noodles for instance. So, what do you do? 😀
I generally dislike eating alone. Its boring, to start, and if you are at a hawker stall or local coffee shop, you may have to end up sharing a table with strangers, which doesn’t quite make it better. It stresses me out more.
So on days when I don’t have company for lunch, I pack my lunches and eat at my desk. Helps me get some work done or I can spend a little time reading stuff online. However, although I used to be quite uncomfortable eating alone, I’ve learned to do it.
I’ve found that some places are more conducive to having solo meals. Sandwich bars or cafes are one, and Japanese restaurants are another, because you can sit at the sushi bar for a quick bite and not feel too uncomfortable about it. It is in fact quite common in Japan I believe, so the sushi bars are a great way to have a nice hot solo meal.
When I eat alone, I don’t gobble down my meal and run. Why should I? I should just enjoy it as I would if I were with a friend. So I have with me a newspaper or my iPad so I can read while I eat. I’ve learned to enjoy that little me time where you don’t have to contend with conversation or watching how quickly or slowly you eat. It also gives you time to people watch which is great fun 😀
Are you comfortable eating alone? Or would you rather just do a takeaway than eat alone?
Whilst I don’t eat solo very often, I can if I have to. Its quite relaxing sometimes, but don’t try it in a busy hawker place or coffee shop because then it can get stressful, especially if you have to share tables with a bunch of noisy strangers.
Paris B
Jyuanneth says
I am personally love eating alone (especially when it comes to cakes, a tub of ice cream or chocolate :P)
Paris B says
Haha! More for you to savour and enjoy right? 😉
Simply Fem says
Totally agree with you!! Those kinds of food are not to be shared (evil laugh) hahaha
Irene says
I love shopping alone and enjoy eating alone. I can eat all the stuff my bf won’t let me. Desserts, cream pasta ~ ^M^
But I pick carefully of the places I must eat. I avoid the places with “low-level guys” as they like to stare rudely and make ugly noises while you’re eating. I even had one waiter who walked to my table and put his elbows on my table while pretending to look at the tv while shouting to his collegues in the kitchen (wth..crazy!)
Usually, I would take this chance to sample expensive or exotic restaurants as those usually have more well-mannered staff and patrons (or at least they try to act classier and not stare so blatantly :P).
Actually, if it wasn’t for the few cases of random people trying to get too friendly and the usual staring I love eating alone. No need to mind my manners and act ladylike. 😀
Paris B says
Whaaat? That was such an uncomfortable and rude experience you had with that waiter! I pick and choose places I’d eat at alone too. Some are just less conducive, no matter how wonderful their food is.
Amanda says
I enjoy eating alone. I can be on conference calls and in meetings all day and I appreciate some quiet time by myself 😉
Paris B says
A perfect time to collect your thoughts after all the noise of the day eh? 🙂
HapaGirl says
You know what’s funny? Here in the US I almost never eat alone – I’d rather do take-away or cook at home, and hang out with my cat or watch TV. But when I was in Malaysia, I was there to do “social” research, so I ate alone all the time, almost every time I went out to eat without my host family or friends. I would people watch, write notes, and read books. KL especially seems quite conducive to eating alone because it’s a big city and few people notice you – even if you are a foreigner who kind of sticks out. Even in hawker stalls and while sharing tables, it was never a big deal to have a relaxed meal alone and take the time to jot down thoughts and ideas. One of the many reasons why I love Malaysia. 🙂
Paris B says
I love seeing my country through the eyes of someone else because you notice different things that I do, especially things I take for granted 😀 I don’t know its like in the USA (still haven’t made plans to visit) but I always thought it would be easier to eat alone there than it is here where everyone is so all encompassing 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed your time here !
HapaGirl says
This thought just came to me, too: when you’re surrounded by stimulation like other people and smartphones/tablets, it’s exciting and fun, but it can also be a distraction to “checking in with yourself.” Without all that stuff, you’re forced to ask yourself, “How am I doing? Am I having a good day? What am I worried about? What can I do something about? What do I need to let go of?” These mini conversations you have with yourself are super important because they allow you to put things in perspective. When I eat alone, yes, it’s a bit boring because I don’t always have that stimulation, but I do have the opportunity to check in with myself. It’s kind of nice, actually.
And in the US, I’d say most places outside of urban lunch areas don’t have many solo diners. People here in California often eat lunch in their CARS, with the air conditioning on! I’ve seen a lot of that. I don’t mind going to a cafe to do work, but to have a full-on, sit down meal by myself – well that’s a bit more unusual.
Anyhow, sorry for the rambling, but thanks for posing this question, Paris! You are thoughtful and sweet as always. 🙂
Paris B says
That was thought provoking! 😀 You are absolutely right. We need time to reconnect or lose ourselves to the hubbub and the digital noise out there >.< I found it amusing that people would eat lunch in their cars LOL!! Some day, I'm going to have to go and see this for myself. Its so intriguing 😀 I'm glad a simple question has given a lot of food for thought 😉
Charlotte says
Haha! I’m eatin alone as I’m reading this! I don’t mind eating alone once in awhile. It’s nice to eat at my own pace, read some magazines or just fiddling with phone as long as I like; my own me-time 🙂
Paris B says
LOL what a coincidence! Eating alone means its ok to play with a gadget because otherwise you’d have to make conversation LOL!
Tine says
I’m with Geek; I love eating alone. I do it very often during the week.
I still remember the first time I ate alone. This was back in the UK. I was at a shopping centre, came out of WH Smith with a mag, was very hungry and decided to grab a bite to eat next door. It felt really strange as I’ve never eaten alone before. The magazine was my safety net.
Years passed and with practice, I now love it. I can even say I don’t need a safety net any more. No magazines, no books, no iPad, and sometimes, even no phone. It’s nice to just sit back and watch people. This is usually when good ideas come in 🙂
Paris B says
Haha I learnt to eat alone from student days too! I always felt more comfortable eating alone there than I do here. But you’re right – it does need practice especially to shake that “Are they staring at me?” feeling. These days I don’t really care anymore but there was a time when I did. Glad I’ve outgrown that phase 😀
Jesz says
I used to feel awkward eating alone, but no more ever since separated with my hubby (yes, broken marriage…). Learning to eat alone, shop alone & watching movies alone is entirely brand new experience, i love to do this alone now sometimes. Of course I’m not anti-social, best if we got a company be it family, friends or colleagues, if not, going alone does not bother me anymore. Sometimes, eating alone let me have more ‘leisure’ time observing the surrounding, peoples, things, food, it kinna interesting. If I’m with company, I often stick to my company for conversation & do not really bother about the surrounding. Oh ya, I can eat anywhere alone, strangers that tag along at coffee shop does not bother me at all, some could even start conversation with me out of no where, kind of weird but sometimes the conversation get interesting too. However, I’ll normally bring along a book just in case I would like to spend more time at a cafe sipping my coffee/tea.
Paris B says
Sorry to hear that, Jesz. I don’t think being alone makes us anti-social. I find its a lot harder to get used to being alone than it is to being with a group of people or with someone else all the time. Its great to know you don’t feel uncomfortable sharing tables with strangers. I still do but spending time alone doesn’t bug me anymore. I think its all in the process of growing up 😀
C says
I am OK eating alone usually, although I do agree some places are better than others for it. I recently went alone to a restaurant and they only had tables of 6 or more! I’m not kidding. it made me feel so awkward. I appreciate it when restaurants have small tables for couples and singles – I loved how in Japan they often had these small tables and lots of other people would be chilling by themselves. I do admit a meal with someone has a different kinda feel but reading quietly whilst eating my meal is fine for me too. I just think that if you want to go somewhere then sometimes its the quickest, easiest option to go alone. waiting around for friends to be free can often mean nothing ever gets done! Not to mention often friends don’t want to go to the places. and I’m a slow, picky eater which makes me feel a bit anxious eating around others too. :/
Paris B says
Only tables for 6! That’s not very nice of them. I do think its helpful for restaurants to have smaller tables too, unless of course they only expect big groups of people all the time. I have to agree with you about getting things done more quickly alone or by yourself. Sometimes, being in a big group or even with one other person can hold you back longer than you can imagine!
Simply Fem says
There are times when I totally prefer to be on my own and eat alone. Those are the times when I just want peace and quiet and room to think. Eating helps me relax and think straight. But most of the time, I like eating out with my husband or a close friend or with my family. Eating time has always been a great time to bond and talk over some stuff with the family, share experiences and even crack jokes.
I am a talkative person so it’s always good to have someone to talk to even when eating. Just imagine how insane i would look if I was talking to myself in a resto!
Other than eating, I also prefer to work alone. hen I have someone to talk to I can’t concetrate at all! :p
Jennifer says
I used to dread eating alone thinking people will think I have no friends hahahaha. I also disliked doing things alone. Then I grew up, figured that no one will always be available to accompany me so I took the courage to eat and shop alone. Now I am so comfortable doing that (except eating – still need to practise more). Food is the best company actually haha and I agree with you on noodles, but not eating alone at food court during peak hour, then your table gets snatched. Despite not very used to eating alone, but when I do, I like to savour my food at my pace and also dislike sharing tables. Smart phone is the next best buddy as well 🙂
Paris B says
I am like you 😀 I used to be a little uncomfortable doing things by myself because it looks lonely then I grew up and realised, its all in my head! I think some people are secretly jealous some of us get to spend time alone. Its the best way to regroup and get yourself together 😀
Pinkelle says
I ate soup noodles alone yesterday and this pesky lady sat opposite me and insisted on striking up a conversation. She nosily peered at what I was eating, commented it was expensive and proceeded to tell me what value for money her meal was. If not for a crowded food court, I would have left for another table. People should learn to respect another’s personal space. Just because I’m eating alone, it doesn’t mean I’m desperate for conversation.
Paris B says
It sounds like she felt she needed the company more than you did! Next time, just tell her, thank you but no thank you and stick earphones in your ears!
Jue says
I’m used to travel alone for work purpose that last for months and moving from a place to a place.
I can’t say I like it but I am used to it. Sometimes it feels lonely so I have a book at hand always and if not sunglass works best.
And time out by yourself, drinking coffee and eating extremely delicious food at a foreign place is a different experience.
Paris B says
I guess travelling for work, while eye opening isn’t exactly all that fun as its made out to be is it? 🙂 I do have to agree with you with the bit about eating alone in a foreign land. Its one of the most interesting things I’ve ever done and you really get to have a sense of the people living in that city/town just by having a meal, or in my case, going to a grocery store or supermarket.
Liz says
Problem is, I live in a small town where everybody knows everybody so eating alone just makes me look sad and highlights my ‘single’ status. It gets really awkward when somebody who recognizes you would ask why you’re eating alone because the truth hurts. Almost all of my friends are married and pretty much don’t have time for me anymore. That’s why I’m always prepared with my “short break from work” excuse or I would only eat at times when most people won’t be eating just so I won’t run into anybody. =P If I walk into a restaurant and saw someone I know, I’ll immediately switch to take-away.
However, I don’t mind eating alone if I’m out of town.
Paris B says
Oh darn, small towns are the worst. Everything has stigma 😛 After living in a small town, I truly appreciate the big faceless city. It can be very anonymous at times but at other times, liberating 😀
Mari Ohira says
I don’t mind eating alone, but I’d rather eat with someone. In popular restaurants, it is not uncommon to share tables: just a quick greeting and a smile and you are done with the social etiquette. Whenever you feel like it, you can always try some talking with your neighbours, they usually appreciate that as long as you keep it short. I dislike doing anything either than eating/chatting at the table so I never check my iPhone or iPad… actually, showing off an iPad can be quite dangerous. o_O But I do enjoy taking pics of whatever I’m eating.
Paris B says
It used to be that having an ipad out was a bit dangerous, depending on where you were. I still don’t take it out if I’m at more rough and ready places, but only do so in a cafe inside a mall. It doesn’t hurt to be a little careful 🙂 However, I’ve noticed that so many people carry it these days, everywhere! I’m the odd one out for not doing so LOL!
Sam says
I’m more than happy eating alone. In these days of technology, you can be entertained by your phone/tablet and look incredibly busy and important whilst reading social media 😉
Paris B says
“look incredibly busy and important whilst reading social media ” HAHAHA! How true 😉