Muslims follow the doctrines of the Quran, which forbids alcohol and pork; while for devout Hindus, beef is prohibited, as the cow is considered to be sacred. Some Buddhists do not take meat altogether.

Therefore, when entertaining Muslim guests, keep in mind to not use pork or lard in the cooking. The safest bet is to buy food items that are labelled “halal” (permissible food items that are prepared accordingly). Also, never serve alcohol to a Muslim. If you plan to visit a Muslim home, do not bring wine.

When entertaining a devout Hindu or Buddhist, prepare meals which do not contain beef. Often times, Hindus practice a strict diet which consists solely of vegetables; so try to prepare a variety of vegetable dishes to complement your spread.

When in doubt, check with guests beforehand on their dietary restrictions. It will be considered as a respectful and considerate gesture.