Why Eating With Your Hand Is Considered Good in India?

Eat with Your Hands was the title of a book by a New York chef and the subject of an article in January 2012 in the New York Times.

In many parts of the world eating with the hands is common (Asia,  Africa and the Middle East).

You can use your fingers while eating Indian food in Monroeville and it is essential to good eating as it increases the experience of what you eat and the sensory connection to the food. It is a very natural way to eat, and when eating in company it breaks down formality, creating a social atmosphere. You can find people eating by hands in some of the best Indian restaurants in Pittsburgh.

In this blog, we will tell you about benefits of eating with your hands and its ritual parameters.

Use of fingers: In India, it is nice to use your thumb, pointer and middle finger and to let only the first two joints of those fingers touch the food. Messing up your palm while eating is considered bad manners. Breads, like roti, naan, puri or appam are used to scoop food. It takes some practice, but once you learn this way of eating, you’ll realize what you’ve been missing about Indian food in Pittsburgh.

Hand-washing: In many Indian Restaurants there is a sink near the dining area to wash up, prior to and immediately after eating. This is significant for good hygiene and also the ritual of eating in this way. You can find it Indian restaurant in Monroeville.

Sitting down: It is natural for many to sit on a mat on the floor (the traditional way at a South Indian feast, served on a banana leaf). Many also consider this a sign of humility and a way of showing respect to the food and the host. Generally footwear is removed and legs are crossed or placed to the side.

Right hand rule: Like many Asian cultures, Indians consider the left hand as unclean, so food is not touched with the left hand. However the left hand is used to serve food onto the plate, and to drink water. The left hand is also used to gesture with when talking. 

Contamination: The concept of saliva contaminating food is common throughout India. According to this concept, any food, dish, or utensil that has come in contact with one’s saliva, lips or mouth is considered unclean and offering such food or items, or using a “contaminated” spoon for serving is considered rude and insulting. Also, the right hand, which is used for eating, is deemed to contain saliva, so nothing but one’s own food is touched with the right hand.

Other rules: At formal gatherings, generally you do not begin to eat until the plate is fully served and the elders have started eating. Always take the host’s permission before leaving the table. Leaving food on your plate is considered impolite, a sign of disrespect to the food and also a signal to the host that you’ve not had enough!

Next time you’re sitting down to an Indian restaurant for a meal, try eating with your fingers for a whole new dining experience – the true Indian way!

Article Source:- https://minttindiancuisine.wordpress.com/2021/09/15/why-eating-with-your-hand-is-considered-good-in-india/