Can you provide etiquette guidelines for non-Indians eating at Indian restaurants?

Question

Are there any special ways to eat, or things to avoid doing? Your article on eating with hands is interesting. What other south Asian customs are there when eating?

Answer 1

I love Indian food Ive never eated it with my hands thought, if your advertureous try Ethiopian you eat with your hands an something called Injera its a bread like thing kinda looks like a napkin and you pick up the food with that and eat the whole thing. If you like spicy Id go for a Vindaloo (hot as hell literally) then theres Masala spicy but not as spicy. If you cant take the heat go for a Tandoori its more like BBQ style and isnt too hot. Usually you get a bread called Naan you can break off prieces and eat the meat with that if no utensils are provided. But most restaurants have Basmati rice (YUM) and you use a fork

Answer 2

There is really no written etiquette for Indian restaurants. Certain things you could definitely keep in mind like the the kind of restaurant you're eating at. It would be pretty awkward if you were to go about finger licking and noisy eating in a 5Star restaurant. So really the circumstances would define the etiquette. Otherwise its pretty normal in India to eat using your fingers or you could if you find it convenient to use a knife and fork. It also depends in the kind of food you're eating. It would be little hard to eat a 'crispy dosa' using fork. The few things you would be aware of while you eat in India, avoid eating with your left hand, avoid wasting food when invited to someones house, if you dont eat very spicy foods please inform in advance while ordering, make sure you keep some drinking water handy and last but not the least be ready to experiment with newer tastes and foods. Also if you're eating with couple of people from one group, like with a family, you'd be respectful if you waited until the head of the family started eating or got up from the table. Dont be surprised if you're made to sit on the floor with you're legs crossed on a mat, thats the traditional way of sitting for a meal at Indian homes. As for the rest, just enjoy every bit of the meal, Indian food can be really interesting. Bon Appetit.

Answer 3

The basic etiquette for any restaurant is very similar such as leaving a nice tip for good service, and being courteous to your host. Many Indian restaurants are not very formal. Yes even those considered best. They are usually very similar. The etiquette for Indian (or any ethnic South Asian) restaurants might be little different from other restaurants.

Answer 4

Indians dont carry such unwanted luggage as etiquette for dining etc. Just have your food whatever way u would like and enjoy it.

The reason indians eat with their hands is because the food is too finger licking delicious. U could try eating with your hands if u want.

Answer 5

It would be normal for you to eat Indian food with your hands--put the fork & knives away.
In North India:
Finger lickin' Tandoori masala Chicken does NOT taste good eaten any other way except with your hands! The Roti (unleavened bread) should be picked up from your side plate with your hands, torn into smaller pieces, dipped into the curry , and eaten noisily --with a lot of relish!
Smacking your lips, eating chomp chomp with your mouth full---shows appreciation for the food! The restaurateur will like it! Do not ever try to cut up the Roti with a knife & fork!
In South India:
Just put away the fork and spoons! Eat curry and rice, rolling them into small rice balls and eat with your right hand.(Not the left hand, which is considered unclean--- left is only used for washing your **** after a visit to the loo!)
Every restaurant has a wash basin (With a placard that reads 'Hand Wash'--- to wash your hands after eating food!) This is right inside the main restaurant.
Here you wont be appreciated if you ask for a spoon & fork. In Rome, do as the Romans do, right?

Answer 6

why do no longer you attempt cooking Indian food at abode. you will possibly be able to make it to extra healthy your flavor. the place you reside the food could be adjusted to a extra English flavor. it might additionally count number on the eating place. a number of them are actual astounding, on a similar time as others no longer plenty.

Answer 7

My brother, I am an American by birth and my family and I net ninety-four thousand dollars per year.
I and my wife have lived in cars and ditches and have eaten dog food to stay alive. We are American and learned how to use utensils but when there are none, you make do.
I hope someone understands and answers your question better than I.

Answer 8

indian food is best had with hands and licking is allowed!

Answer 9

just look where or which place ure goin
look if it is hygenic,closed from top
how d waiters are then u should probably go in

Answer 10

Forget the dinnerware, eat with your fingers...