It seems to be common knowledge that, in some countries, belching immediately after a meal is seen as a compliment to the chef. Everybody’s heard this, but is this true? Is there actually a country where you can cut loose with a soggy belch and get grateful smiles from your hosts?
They say I got the power, because I got the monkeys.
They are WRONG! I got the power because I am not afraid to let the monkeys loose.
I’ve heard this, regarding Muslim countries of the Middle East; however, I don’t believe a ‘big soggy belch’ would be considered anything but ill-mannered :mad:. A genteel, gently-released belch would be more acceptable. 
No myth there. It’s true.
DIF: it has nothing to do with being Moslem – but you are generally right that its the ‘quality’ of the belch rather than the ‘quantity’ that counts.
Some minor corrections though.
The complement is not to the chef but to the host.
At least in India, a polite belch says this:
“You are too good a host. You have fed me until I am absolutely full. I am not just saying this, behold - the belch.
Also, since I cannot intrude into your kitchen to thank the cook, let this belch let them know that they can stop making fresh bread for me.”
Didn’t know a belch could say so much, did you?
Some southerners (americans) also belch their compliments. Not formally, but among close friends and family. You lean back, belch, say “ahhh”, smile, and rub or pat your tummy. Can’t say I blame them. Fried chicken, grits with gravy, biscuits, and greens, followed by a piece of pie can induce that kind of behavior in anyone.
Really.
Peace,
mangeorge
I only know two things;
I know what I need to know
And
I know what I want to know
Mangeorge, 2000