Table manners

[minisoji]

* Traditionally, Indian food is served on a rug on the floor and people are supposed to sit in a circle. In case you are using a table, let the eldest person sit first. The host is supposed to sit in a direction from where he can see everyone around him.

* When everyone is seated, wait for the food to be served. You should not chatter unnecessarily with the people around you.

* Indian tradition does not emphasize on the use of cutlery which are considered to be a part of western culture, such as fork and knife. Indian food such as curries and gravies are enjoyed best when eaten with hands.

* Wash hands properly before starting as much of the food is eaten with hands, even if you are using basic cutleries such as spoon and fork.

* Wait for the eldest to start first. Even if you are starving don’t attack the food or east hastily. It is considered disrespectful and a bad manner.

* You are not expected to use your left hand while eating. Even breads and chapattis are broken into pieces using the right hand alone. But you are supposed to transfer food from the common plate using your clean left hand.

* In north India it is not acceptable to stain your hands with gravies or curries, only fingertips it used to pick and gather food. However, in south India, you can take liberty to dip your hand up to your palms

* Don’t flood your plate with food. You don’t have to taste each and every dish served. Finish your whole food before asking for more. Wasting food is considered disrespect to the host and the food.

* Once you have finished your food, don’t leave the table until the host asks you to. If you have to leave the table, ask for the permission from the people before leaving.

* Don’t wash your hands in your plate or on the bay leaf and you are not expected to close the bay leaf- if you are in south India. Use a finger bowl (lemon and water) to wash your greasy hands.

* You are expected to say polite terms like ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ as a courtesy towards your host.

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