How to Eat Indian Food Traditionally With Hands

Indian cuisine is inspired by a blend of cultures from all over the region, and the dishes and even table manners can vary from area to area. Follow the basic rules of etiquette when you eat Indian food in the traditional manner and you shouldn't go wrong.

Instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly prior to the meal with plenty of anti-bacterial soap. When you sit, place a large napkin over your lap to catch stray pieces of food. If this is your first time to try eating with your hands, lean slightly over the table so your mouth is positioned directly over your plate.

2. Order a selection of sauce-rich foods, such as a curry or masala, and then add dry accompaniments. Traditional naan breads, papadams and rice or biryanis are all good choices to combine with your messier dishes to mop up the sauce.

3. Use only your right hand throughout the meal and never touch any food with your left hand. In Indian culture, many people see the left hand as "unclean" and are offended when Westerners use it to touch their food and mouth.

4. Break off small pieces of bread with your hand from the communal plate and dip them into the sauces and chutneys on the table. Only touch what you take for yourself and never redip the same food after it has touched your mouth.

5. Make a small pile of rice blended with sauce on your plate and pick this up with your fingers only so that your thumb is free. Bring the food to your mouth and hold your fingers containing the food to your bottom lip. Use your thumb to push the food into your mouth and avoid touching your fingers inside your mouth.