Observing Proper Dining Etiquette in India

India is a diverse country with many different cultures. It is at the threshold between the Middle East and East Asia, resulting in the cross section of Muslim, Buddhist, Christian and Hindu religions. For this reason, it is important not only to know the etiquette of the country, but also of each region and setting.

Southern India

In most Southern homes, outside of popular tourist traps and Westernized hotels, it is considered proper etiquette to eat with your hands. However, it is also impolite to let the food touch your palms or upper fingers. Rather, the tips of the fingers should only touch the food. Eating food with your left hand is also considered rude, and the right should be the only one used to pick up food.

Northern India

In North India, particularly the metropolitan areas, forks and spoons are more prevalent. In these regions messy dishes like curry or cooked vegetables can be eaten with utensils. Breads and other easily eaten foods, however, should still be eaten with the fingers.

Other Common Rules

Sharing glasses, spoons, forks or anything else that has been in contact with your own spit is considered Jutha, or “contaminated,” Additionally, never serve yourself and always wait to be served. Putting your hands, which may have touched your mouth or other food, into the common serving bowl is uncouth.