When I was a teenager we had an English exchange student staying with us. What caused some discussing with my mum was that he wouldn´t "eat up". He´d always leave something on the plate and if it were some peas.

Do you eat up?

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I can only imagine how many people from around the globe I've offended in one way or another at the dinner table! I tend to "eat up" but do try to be aware of when/where that might be considered impolite.

I was brought up in an 'eat up' household, so I usually eat up unless it's something I don't really like. The only other time when I don't eat up is when I've been given too much food.

And omg, what a lot of rules for all the different countries!!

I think it depends if it is a "serve-youself" culture or a "serve another".

In Europe, it is normal to state the amount you want on your plate (or serve yourself). In many Asian countries, the rule is the opposite. Your table neighbours ever go on heaping more food on your plate.

In the first case, you should eat up, because you're responsible. In the second case, you're not, so you should leave something at the end.

(and children should do as they are told, in both cases!)

You eat up. Easy.