There are many different ways to consume food and this is often influenced by the country or culture we’re from. While some people are accustomed to using cutlery such as knives and forks, others will use different utensils such as chopsticks. Some cultures even eat with their hands, but what is the significance of this and why is it more common in some parts of the world than others? Let’s delve deeper.
Cultural Tradition
Eating with our hands is a deeply ingrained tradition in many societies, passed down through generations. In India, for example, curry, rice and flatbreads are eaten using the right hand specifically. This is believed to aid digestion and promote mindfulness when eating. If you look at various recipes such as those found on the Little India restaurant menu, you’ll also see that lots of food – such as samosas and pakoras – is easy to eat by hand. Flatbreads can also be used to scoop up more saucy dishes and curries. Those who eat with their hands are skilled at eating food in an organised and often systematic way which also allows for good table manners.
Connection to the Food
Many people believe that eating with our hands offers a deeper connection with food. This is because it allows the person to feel the texture, temperature and consistency of what they’re about to eat, creating an appreciation of ingredients and an awareness of what’s entering the body. This is especially important in cultures where food is viewed as sacred or a gift from nature. In countries like Ghana, you’ll rarely see anyone eating foods such as fufu and soup with cutlery. Instead, the experience and the connection to the maize-based dish is enhanced by breaking parts of the fufu off the main serving, rolling it between the fingers and using it to help eat the soup or sauce.
Eating fufu with the hands is also part of a social bonding experience, with everyone enjoying the sensory elements of the meal together – and maybe even commenting on how the fufu has turned out. While some people like theirs fairly solid in texture, others prefer a wetter consistency and this can be something of a conversation starter.
Cultural and Religious Beliefs
Eating with the hands instead of cutlery is often associated with spiritual practices and beliefs. In Hinduism, for example, it’s thought that the fingers correspond to the five elements – fire, earth, space, air and water. Using them to eat is therefore thought to help balance these elements within the body creating a sense of wellbeing.
Whether you’re heading to a country like India on holiday or booking a restaurant like Little India in South Kensington, it’s worth keeping these cultural traditions in mind and thinking about the importance of consuming food using your fingers. How might it feel to put down your cutlery and enjoy a more hands-on experience? Of course, anything we’re not used to will feel alien at first. But, after some time it’ll become second nature. That’s why many cultures don’t think twice about using their hands at meal times.
If you’re looking for outstanding Indian cuisine in London, Google ‘Little India restaurant near me’ and enjoy the mouth-watering dishes created by our expert chefs. And why not explore eating some of the food choices with your hands?
