You might have been downvoted by others, but you're right in that it _is_ a cultural point. A burger, for example, does not count as proper meal for most people

You might have been downvoted by others, but you're right in that it _is_ a cultural point. A burger, for example, does not count as proper meal for most people above 45 in my home country (Central/Eastern Europe). And for them, a proper meal must start with a soup. :) For me, restaurant is a place where food is important.