How to Eat Indian Food Traditionally With Hands
India is known for their spicy, largely vegetarian, cuisine. Visitors to the area are often surprised at the country's custom of consuming food using the hands instead of traditional cutlery. Although this way of eating takes time and practice to perfect, learning to eat Indian food with your hands is a way to gain a greater appreciation for the country's culture.
- Wash your hands prior to beginning the meal. Use soap and water to ensure the hands are clean and free of germs and bacteria. Dirty hands may also negatively alter the taste of certain Indian foods.
- Know the traditional Indian dishes. Most Indian meals consist of rice, usually basmati rice, and a bread such as dosa, naan, chapati or bhatoora. In addition to these staples, a main dish comprises each meal, like a lentil soup, curry, pork vindaloo or kadhi.
- Eat only with your right hand. Even those who are left-handed should eat Indian food with their right hand.
- Scoop the food with your fingers. Your fingers, as opposed to the palm of your hand, also serve as the primary mechanism for placing the food into your mouth.
- Mix the rice and main dish together, while still on the serving dish, before placing it into your mouth. Sampling each dish on its own is acceptable, but many Indian foods are designed to be eaten together for the best taste experience.
- Gather the food and place into your mouth slowly. Do not shovel the food.
- Clean your hands after eating the meal. In most parts of India, licking the fingers is considered to be rude and crass.