In southern India, a well-rinsed banana leaf is used as a plate for hygiene purposes, and its visual impact
Several customs are associated with the manner of food consumption in India. Traditionally, meals are eaten while seated either on the floor or on very low stools or cushions. Food is most often eaten without cutlery, using instead the fingers of the right hand (not the left since that hand is used for cleaning oneself after a bowel movement). Indian culture dictates that eating with your hands is a pleasurable experience, activating a so-called sixth sense, rather than using cutlery. Furthermore, the food is already in bite-size pieces making the use of a knife and fork unnecessary. Traditionally, the fingers are also used to feel the temperature of the food to one’s taste and combine flavors such as by tearing a small portion of bread (Roti, Naan) and folding it into a small pocket to scoop a desired amount of food. However, these traditional ways of dining have been altered under the influence of eating styles from other parts of the world. Traditional serving styles vary from region to region in India. A universal presentation is a thali, a large plate with samplings of different regional dishes accompanied by raita, breads such as naan, puri, or roti, and rice. In South India, a cleaned banana leaf is often used as a hygienic and visually interesting alternative to plates.
Restaurant meals(Thalis)
An Indian meal in a restaurant is generally calledthaliand is usually served on a round tray made of either silver, stainless steel, orbrass, with a selection of different dishes in small bowls. According to the region in which the restaurant specializes, a choice of native vegetarian or non-vegetarian delicacies is offered. Rice, even in a modest amount, is an essential component ofthali. A North Indianthaliconsists mainly of Indian bread such as chapati, roti, paratha, phulka, or naan along with rice, while South Indianthalisare served mostly with rice. Some restaurants offer ‘unlimited’thalis, with “bottomless” refills on all components of athali, so that the customer eats until fully satisfied.
Wait to be served before eating, since you will be eating with your right hand and would otherwise get food on the serving spoon. Never offer food from your thali, even if it has not been touched. The same basic rules of Western etiquette still apply, such as washing your hands before and after a meal.
Wash your hands before eating or serving food to an Indian. Everyone normally uses their right hand to serve themselves, scooping with the fingers or with a serving spoon. Avoid using your left hand if you are encouraged to eat with your hands.
According to Indian food customs, a meal should balance all six flavors. Thali dishes vary across regions and are usually served in small bowls on a tray or banana leaf. Typical dishes might include rice, dal, vegetables, roti, yogurt, chutney or pickles, and something sweet.
Plan to tip around 10-15% in Indian restaurants. However, the exact tip amount when eating out in India depends on the place, occasion, and order size. It's customary to give your waiter or waitress a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip with the kitchen staff.
Most food is prepared to be bite-sized, but when large items such as a chicken leg are served, it is acceptable to eat with one's hands. Traditionally, sitting down together on floor mats in comfortable clothes is the norm.
Distorting or playing with food is unacceptable. Eating at a moderate pace is important, as eating too slowly may imply a dislike of the food and eating too quickly is considered rude. Generally, it is acceptable to burp, slurp while at the table. Staring at another diner's plate is also considered rude.
Also, note that Indians will often touch their head or eyes as a show of apology. On the other hand, it's a sign of respect to bend down and touch an elder person's feet in India. Pointing with your finger is also rude in India.
In Indian culture it is considered unclean and disrespectful to use your left hand for eating. Use your right hand to scoop up your food with naan or some rice, and keep your left hand dry to pass dishes around the table or have a drink.
When dining in a traditional Indian household or even at a restaurant, you must finish whatever you bring to your plate. Leftover food on one's plant is severely frowned upon in Indian culture. While it's encouraged to share food and taste all the different dishes, you're not required to do so.
All of India's most widely practiced religions have dietary laws and traditions. For example, Hindu texts often praise vegetarianism, and Hindus may also avoid eating beef because cows are traditionally viewed as sacred.Muslim teachings, meanwhile, prohibit pork.
Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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