Recently we took the Zee network connection. My in-laws are here and we thought something Indian on TV might just help make them feel at home. Turns out its one of the saddest channels ever in existence. Anyway, in one of those senseless serials that I happened to see, this man/hero was chiding his wife/illiterate wife for eating with hands/fingers and actually making all those gross expressions as if his wife was uncivilized (so happens she is a villager). I was kind of pissed with that whole thing. Somehow I get a little irritated when especially Indians themselves react to eating with fingers/hands that way.
A few people (non-Indians) in NZ questioned me about this too. Its not like I have had Indian food in public especially overseas with my hands/fingers. (I would be outcast by now ;) I agree that you have to be a Roman when in Rome). Somehow I didnt know what else to say other than the fact that its a tradition and there is nothing wrong about it and we enjoy traditional meals that way. But isn't it unhygienic was the next question. How? As if we are that uncivilized that we don't know to wash our hands with soap before we eat. What about all the times when I see some non-Indians lick their fingers after a sandwich/burger and not wash their hands afterwards? Isn't that unhygienic?
The fact is to enjoy Indian food and thoroughly relish it it must be eaten by hands/fingers. I read the following in someone's blog, which we all know, but is well worded:
There is a philosophy behind this Indian practice of eating with the fingers. In India, eating is perceived as being a very sensual activity. The idea is that one should be able to enjoy the process of eating with as many of the senses as possible – taste, smell, sight, and touch.
Source: http://foodsofindia.blogspot.com/2006/02/practice-of-indians-eating-with-their.html
A few people (non-Indians) in NZ questioned me about this too. Its not like I have had Indian food in public especially overseas with my hands/fingers. (I would be outcast by now ;) I agree that you have to be a Roman when in Rome). Somehow I didnt know what else to say other than the fact that its a tradition and there is nothing wrong about it and we enjoy traditional meals that way. But isn't it unhygienic was the next question. How? As if we are that uncivilized that we don't know to wash our hands with soap before we eat. What about all the times when I see some non-Indians lick their fingers after a sandwich/burger and not wash their hands afterwards? Isn't that unhygienic?
The fact is to enjoy Indian food and thoroughly relish it it must be eaten by hands/fingers. I read the following in someone's blog, which we all know, but is well worded:
There is a philosophy behind this Indian practice of eating with the fingers. In India, eating is perceived as being a very sensual activity. The idea is that one should be able to enjoy the process of eating with as many of the senses as possible – taste, smell, sight, and touch.
Source: http://foodsofindia.blogspot.com/2006/02/practice-of-indians-eating-with-their.html
4 comments:
"Eating with your hand - proud or ashamed?"
- Very Proud indeed !!
You eat respective foods from their respective countries the way its supposed to be eaten. That is part of the food experience.
This whole 'hand or not' thing is simply based on your convenience. Your fulfillment and ease are the ONLY factors to be considered.
Not class or fashion or any such pseudo nonsense.
Indian food is best eaten with hand. It hands down kicks the spoon and fork's ass !
I would like to meet some of these idiots who in the name of fashion and style make a mockery of themselves and indian food by eating dosa,idly, chapathi, upma etc using a spoon or fork :)
i agree with supriya. for me, it is simply a matter of convenience. when i am eating rice and dal/charu kinda things, i like my fingers to work well with the food first before i get down to actually eating it.
and i don't care about what people think, about my eating or about anything else.
well i would have to agree(even though i am a very disagreeable person) as far as indian food, eating with ur hand ROCKS!! that's the best way to eat indian food, but then if i see some indian guy eating a steak or spaghetti with their hands...YUCK!!!!!!
what? u stopped writingaa?
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