In several cultures across the globe, one dining practice stands out, and it is eating with hands. Filipinos call it kamayan and Ethiopians refer to it as gursha. Hath se khana (eating with hands) is something that you will find common in the dining rooms of South Asians, Africans, Southeast Asians, and Middle Eastern households.
From north to south, and east to west, Indians cherish this practice especially if they are eating rice with curry or dal, roti, and paratha. Traditional medicine practices indicate that touching food while eating makes it easy on the digestive system and promotes portion control so that one does not overeat. Here are some do’s and don’ts of eating with hands that everyone must follow.
Clean Hands Before Eating
Cleaning hands before eating is not just an etiquette but also good hygiene. When you eat, especially with your hands, your fingers will come in contact with your tongue and carry the germs inside your body. It can also alter the taste of the dish and even make you sick. Cleaning hands ensure you eat clean food and no bacteria or viruses enter your body while eating.
Avoid Overfilling Your Plate
Whether in India or any other country, you can always ask for a second serving. Therefore, you do not have to (should not) overfill your plate with food. It will make you appear rude and ill-mannered. The best idea is to get a small serving of food on your plate and ask for seconds if you are hungry or want to try something else on the buffet.
Use Right Hand
In many cultures, especially India, it is considered respectful to eat with your right hand. Even a left-handed child is taught to eat with their right hand. The right hand is always extended when receiving prasad, the right leg is extended when entering a house for the first time, and the right hand is extended when shaking hands. Hence, the right is considered auspicious.
Avoid Licking Fingers
When it comes to delicious food, everybody likes to get the last drop of it, even if it means licking the plate or fingers. However, when you are sitting with others and eating with your hands, you must avoid licking your fingers. It is not only an unpleasant sight but is also considered impolite.
Use Only Fingers
If you ask an elderly to teach you how to eat with their hands, the first rule they will tell you is not to include the little finger. The second rule is to pick the food only with fingers and not use palms. Using palms is considered messy, and it will soil your face when you try to eat. You mix the ingredients using four fingers and a thumb, make a bite, and consume the food. If you observe closely, you will find that when people eat with their hands, they only put the middle finger, ring finger, and thumb in their mouth.
Avoid Double Dipping
If you are in a communal dinner setting, do not go for the second serving with your hands, especially if you have eaten with them. You will be soiling the ladle and contaminating the food, which would be considered disrespectful towards the host and guests. Either wash your hands first or ask someone else to serve you. Double dipping is impolite and unhygienic.
Follow Elders Or Host
When you are eating with everyone, follow the lead of the elders or the host. If you will be eating with your hands for the first time, closely observe how they mix different dishes, make a bite, and eat the food. Also, observe how they use their left hand, ask for a second serving, and excuse themselves from the table. In the end, put the dishes in the sink and wash your hands.