Hi Caroline,
When we serve food we tend to use the same hand holding the plate as the side we are serving from. For example, the left hand holding a plate, then we place plate down from the left-hand side in front of the guest. In the Middle East, the left hand is considered the ‘dirty’ hand and therefore sometimes servers opt for serving and clearing from the right-hand side so as not to offend. Many private establishments of course have their own set of rules that have been that way for many years, perhaps this is the case with the interview you recently had.

Could you please kindly share examples of service when the food is served from the right?
Recently I had the job interview (tasks to do) for a Butler position and the recruiter was very surprised that I did served from the left side. I was sure of what I was doing but he was the one who placed minus next to the task I completed.
Thank you in advance.

Hi Caroline,
It is indeed a much-asked question. Different types of service follow a different set of rules. However many people and establishments take a more international approach and suggest serving from the left and clear from the right. The key point to remember is to always check with the team that you are working with. This ensures consistency whilst serving.

What side is the food served from?

So many articles, so many opinions.

In your opinion is served from the left and the plates cleared from the left too (8.), while in your course I’ve been told :
serve from the left, clear from the right.

Regrettably, I never got the right answer to so simple question

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Hi Ainsley, thank you for your message. One of our consultants will be in touch via email

Hi Aafke, that is most interesting. I have actually only seen your response today
6 October 2023. Thank you very much for responding.
Best Wishes,
Sandra

Great question, Pierce! Always try service with the less dominant hand due to the correct body language, but if you can’t then you should use your left hand. However, one should be aware that it’s not ideal, and focus on where your body is going, taking into account the guests to the left and right. Hope that helps!