If you’ve always eaten with a knife and fork, it might be strange to see others eating with their hands. But believe it or not, this is extremely common in many parts of the world including India, and is deeply rooted in culture and tradition. But how did this practice come about and why do people still do it? Here’s a detailed explanation.
Practicality
The first reason many people eat with their hands is practicality. Let’s take Indian food, for example. This includes a variety of breads including roti and naan that are used to scoop up rice, meat and various sauces. The bread itself acts like a utensil and therefore no cutlery is needed. Bread can be dipped into many dishes creating a unique flavour with every bite. Those eating this way can therefore tailor meals to suit their preferences. So, if you want a little taste of India, try eating in the traditional way.
Sensory Experience
If you’ve never tried eating with your hands, you’re missing out. It’s a unique sensory experience that allows you to smell, taste and touch the food you’re about to consume. Many people get great pleasure from feeling the texture and temperature of the food before they consume it.
Ayurvedic Principles
Incredibly, eating with your hands is believed to aid digestion. This is according to the Ayurvedic Principles which is the ancient Indian system of medicine. It’s thought that fingers stimulate the digestive process by activating the taste buds and releasing digestive enzymes. So when you’re tactile with food and eat with your hands, it essentially prepares your stomach for what’s about to happen.
Ayurvedic teachings also state that our bodies are in sync with the elements of nature and our hands hold a certain power. Each finger is believed to be an extension of the elements and eating with the hands can help balance these elements. By joining all fingers together when you eat it’s supposed to improve our consciousness and the taste of food.
Here’s what each finger represents:
1. Through the thumb comes space
2. Through the forefinger comes air
3. Through the middle finger comes fire
4. Through the ring finger comes water
5. Through the little finger comes earth
Cultural Etiquette
In many parts of India, eating with your hands is considered polite and a sign of respect. Many families share food in this manner to connect and bond with one another. It’s a much loved communal event that families and friends can enjoy. Asking for a knife and fork in such a situation would be considered poor manners.
Hygiene and Trust
When eating with hands and sharing dishes, hygiene becomes extremely important. Traditionally, people wash their hands thoroughly before and after meals as a sign of respect. This practice fosters a sense of personal responsibility for cleanliness and respecting others.
When looking for the best curry house near me, don’t miss Little India in Kensington. Nestled close to many top attractions, our restaurant offers a taste of India in London that anyone can enjoy.
