Are Muslims allowed to talk while eating?

Assalaamu Alaikum, I recently had a discussion/argument with my bud regarding this. According to his Aalim Muslims should talk a bit while eating because Yahoodi(Jews) do not talk while eating so as part of Muqalifat(in offense) Muslims should talk? He didn't prove this by any evidence which I asked for but still the question arises, if an Aalim has commented on this. So if anybody has any reference to this or the correct evidence to prove this wrong or right please let all our brothers and sisters know it. Jazaakallahu Khair.