Serving utensils are often used to collect food from a communal platter. Using a spoon to eat wetter dishes (like soups or daals) is another exception. [2] X Research source If you find that using your hand alone is way too difficult to eat most dishes without making a huge mess, asking for a spoon is perfectly fine for newcomers. [3] X Research source Forks and knives, however, may puncture the leaf.
Types of bread often served with banana leaf meals include chapati, khakhra, naan, paranthas, phulka, puri, roti, and rumali.
Be careful to only use your fingers to roll the rice, since using your palm can be considered rude. When bringing the food to your mouth, hold it up to your lips and nudge it inside with your thumb without inserting your fingers. [7] X Research source
Take your time as you eat. Pay attention to your stomach to gauge how full you are becoming. Avoid treating yourself to one more helping to only then realize that you are too stuffed to eat it.
Some restaurants will offer extra sinks just for this purpose. [11] X Research source If no water or soap is available, wiping your hands clean with a cloth or towel is acceptable. [12] X Research source Since your hands will undoubtedly get messy, be sure to wash them after eating as well.
This rule exists because such societies are supposed to use their left hand only for cleaning their body. [14] X Research source So placing this hand on the table where others are eating or handling shared food with it is considered disrespectful.
Do not help yourself to the last serving of a communal dish. [16] X Research source Wait until your fellow diners make it clear that they do not want it. If you use a toothpick afterward, shield your mouth with your hand to catch any bits that may escape your mouth. If smoking is permitted, wait until everyone has finished eating so you do not ruin their experience.
For example, the following items are placed in this order from top to bottom: lemon, chutney, raita, fritters/bhajii/nastha, and then sweets.
