This may seem an alien concept to some and some may lack dexterity to eat with their fingers, but those who know it and can do it know that food tastes a million times better that way. This not only elevates the sensory experience relating to the meal, but studies have shown it to be healthier than eating with cutlery.
Make sure to wash your hands well before you head to a dining table that encourages eating by hand. After you get there and seat yourself comfortably, here are a few things to keep in mind and practice:-
01. Always use only one hand to dive in to your plate, though ideally both should be clean. If you need to break off a piece of bread, roti or naan, you can use both hands, but only one should get greasy with gravy. The other should be more or less dry, save for some crumbs.
02. Use the unsoiled hand to serve, pass dishes around the table, use your napkin or when you reach out to the cruet set.
03. Mix the food with your fingers slowly and be conscious not to squirt gravy around.
04. Handle only so much that your fingers can manage (no extra large mouthsful please).
05. The hand that is not in use should ideally be placed on the edge of the table behind the plate. This method allows you to keep one elbow on the table; meaning, the arm that is not used for eating should be bent at the elbow and placed between you and the plate with the palm facing downward.
The alternate position is parallel to the plate on the side with your downturned palm extending towards the table. Refrain from placing it in this position if the table is cluttered and there is minimal space.
06. Once you complete your meal, excuse yourself from the table and proceed to wash your hands.
07. If you have the option of using a finger bowl, don’t swim in it. Only one hand goes in at a time. In case the other hand is slightly greasy or crumby, rinse it first and place that hand on the napkin. Then rinse the soiled hand slowly without splashing any water around. If there is a piece of lime in the bowl, resist the temptation to squeeze the lime with the other hand. If it is an absolute must and your hands are super oily, press against the tiny sacs of the slice of lime with the soiled hand itself and degrease your hand. Once done, move that hand to the napkin too and dab it dry.
Remember, the finger bowl is only a temporary solution, you must proceed to the closest wash basin and soap your hands clean soon.
This is a lot of do’s and don’t’s for eating by hand, hopefully it will be put into good use at the next eat by hand dinner or lunch or simply at home.
If you think you need more guidance to do this right, write to us at fullofetiquette@gmail.com.
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