Comments on: Indian Survial Guide: How to Eat Indian Food (Part I) http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i intercultural relationship stories and advice Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:32:35 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 By: That the Great Work may not fail, http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-30115 That the Great Work may not fail, Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:18:34 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-30115 <strong>preferred by majority of people to get...</strong> rid of hair loss permanently.other cosmetic products that cover or disguise hair loss is not much expensive and out of pain but of course it should be done away from scalp as excess use may create scars or irritation on the... preferred by majority of people to get…

rid of hair loss permanently.other cosmetic products that cover or disguise hair loss is not much expensive and out of pain but of course it should be done away from scalp as excess use may create scars or irritation on the…

]]> By: Ash http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-30087 Ash Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:28:44 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-30087 In India, we do not have entrees like European or American food. The veggis and meat are kept in bowl at the center of table and every one gets a plate. Each person takes whatever portion he or she needs from these bowls in their own plate. So whenever you need more portion or need to drink water (which is always served with the food in a tall glass), you have to use your left hand. Touching a common bowl with dirty right hand(which you are using to eat) is considered inappropriate. Now there are some breads that you can not cut with one hand (especially North Indian). For that common practice is to hold the bread in left hand and cut it with right one. (That is why all other Indians think North Indians have less etiquette than others!!) Most of the states have rice as main food. Western states those eat bread as main food (Maharashtra, Gujrat and Rajasthan) have very soft bread, which could be easily cut by right hand! Main and every important thing that you need to follow is washing both hands with soap! That's a must! You also need to wash your mouth thoroughly after meal. You also can not waste any food that you have taken in plate. That is considered as showing no respect to food. Also, when you finish your meal, you need to pick up your own plate and thank your host (mostly moms) and god for the food and keep the plate in sink. :) :) In India, we do not have entrees like European or American food. The veggis and meat are kept in bowl at the center of table and every one gets a plate. Each person takes whatever portion he or she needs from these bowls in their own plate. So whenever you need more portion or need to drink water (which is always served with the food in a tall glass), you have to use your left hand. Touching a common bowl with dirty right hand(which you are using to eat) is considered inappropriate. Now there are some breads that you can not cut with one hand (especially North Indian). For that common practice is to hold the bread in left hand and cut it with right one. (That is why all other Indians think North Indians have less etiquette than others!!) Most of the states have rice as main food. Western states those eat bread as main food (Maharashtra, Gujrat and Rajasthan) have very soft bread, which could be easily cut by right hand!
Main and every important thing that you need to follow is washing both hands with soap! That’s a must! You also need to wash your mouth thoroughly after meal. You also can not waste any food that you have taken in plate. That is considered as showing no respect to food. Also, when you finish your meal, you need to pick up your own plate and thank your host (mostly moms) and god for the food and keep the plate in sink. :) :)

]]> By: Lisa http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-30035 Lisa Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:47:55 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-30035 What are you supposed to do if you are left-handed? It feels extremely awkward for me to hold a fork with my right hand, let alone successfully tear and eat naan. Is there any exception? What are you supposed to do if you are left-handed? It feels extremely awkward for me to hold a fork with my right hand, let alone successfully tear and eat naan. Is there any exception?

]]> By: Deepa http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-29991 Deepa Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:08:22 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-29991 Hi Gorigirl I am reading your blog, a request, can you write for us and or share your blog with us. Rgds Deepa Hi Gorigirl
I am reading your blog, a request, can you write for us and or share your blog with us.
Rgds
Deepa

]]> By: harpreet http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-4956 harpreet Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:11:35 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-4956 hi this is Singh i am in australia right now and love my country but i am scared of getting back b-coz of all coruption in every field of life even in food as well hi this is Singh i am in australia right now and love my country but i am scared of getting back b-coz of all coruption in every field of life even in food as well

]]> By: Ashish http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-4060 Ashish Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:45:12 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-4060 Refreshing read! Didnt realize there were there so many aspects that I took for granted :) To add to the mix: In south india (at least in my village), the right hand is only used for the food on your plate. You would still use the left for water, serving yourself or to pass dishes around. But chances are, if you are invited over, you'll always have the hostess serving you.. that leaves only the water for the left hand. As a leftie I have fond memories of being repeatedly rapped on the head for serving guests with my left hand :| (The hosts will always serve with the right) Refreshing read! Didnt realize there were there so many aspects that I took for granted :)

To add to the mix: In south india (at least in my village), the right hand is only used for the food on your plate. You would still use the left for water, serving yourself or to pass dishes around. But chances are, if you are invited over, you’ll always have the hostess serving you.. that leaves only the water for the left hand.

As a leftie I have fond memories of being repeatedly rapped on the head for serving guests with my left hand :| (The hosts will always serve with the right)

]]> By: A foreigners guide to traditional Indian dining etiquette | neoIndian - Confessions of a newly returned Indian http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-4039 A foreigners guide to traditional Indian dining etiquette | neoIndian - Confessions of a newly returned Indian Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:35:00 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-4039 [...] this is normal, so just relax and start eating! The main meal Now you are ready to eat. First, some technique. Make sure to only use your fingers (right hand only - yes, even if you are left-handed!) to tear a [...] [...] this is normal, so just relax and start eating! The main meal Now you are ready to eat. First, some technique. Make sure to only use your fingers (right hand only – yes, even if you are left-handed!) to tear a [...]

]]> By: Anita http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-3724 Anita Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:48:39 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-3724 These rules do change somewhat depending on where in India you go. In my traditional Gujarati family, using the right hand for a water glass or a communal serving spoon is actually considered dirty, since you use it for your food, and napkins are not usually used during a meal. North Indian families tend to follow the rules you stated, with the napkin and the right hand for the water glass etc. Also, as for the naan, roti, etc., many people use the three furthest fingers to hold the bread and the index finger and thumb to pull/rip it. But to be honest, as long as you're ripping the bread (not rolling is up like a burrito) and and actually putting the piece in your mouth with your right hand, it's okay if you use both hands to make the pieces. Don't worry yourself too much. :) These rules do change somewhat depending on where in India you go. In my traditional Gujarati family, using the right hand for a water glass or a communal serving spoon is actually considered dirty, since you use it for your food, and napkins are not usually used during a meal. North Indian families tend to follow the rules you stated, with the napkin and the right hand for the water glass etc.

Also, as for the naan, roti, etc., many people use the three furthest fingers to hold the bread and the index finger and thumb to pull/rip it. But to be honest, as long as you’re ripping the bread (not rolling is up like a burrito) and and actually putting the piece in your mouth with your right hand, it’s okay if you use both hands to make the pieces. Don’t worry yourself too much. :)

]]> By: Gori Girl http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-3638 Gori Girl Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:40:27 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-3638 I think it's one of those things that just takes time & practice. I've gotten <em>much</em> better at since I wrote this post. I think it’s one of those things that just takes time & practice. I’ve gotten much better at since I wrote this post.

]]> By: Jamily5 http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-3584 Jamily5 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:53:28 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-3584 As a blind woman, I am still grappling with tearing and scooping. I thought it was my lack of sight: but fiancee is blind also, so can't be. I usually tear a piece that is too big and end up hogging all of the naan. Still working on eating right! (smile) As a blind woman, I am still grappling with tearing and scooping. I thought it was my lack of sight: but fiancee is blind also, so can’t be. I usually tear a piece that is too big and end up hogging all of the naan. Still working on eating right! (smile)

]]> By: Farhan Rehman http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-2350 Farhan Rehman Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:40:01 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-2350 Gori Girl I love it!! It's so funny to see things from a Gore's perspective in India, though to be fair, I'm probably going to be as Gora as you once I ever make it back to India, having been born and raised in the UK ;) As far as I know, the rules that go with eating meals tends to be right hand only, when it comes to putting the food into your mouth. With our family, we were always allowed to use both hands when tearing our nan's and our rotis.. In fact, I think I've only very rarely seen anyone eat with just one hand, and then I usually watch them and think how cool are they, especially cos I could never do that! Though I must admit because we have extended family still in India, and we're from the 'West' we were treated like royalty on the only trip we did as kids, and so no body minded how we ate, they were just so happy to see us ;) Look forward to reading more about your awesome adventures in the coming months ;) Gori Girl I love it!! It’s so funny to see things from a Gore’s perspective in India, though to be fair, I’m probably going to be as Gora as you once I ever make it back to India, having been born and raised in the UK ;)

As far as I know, the rules that go with eating meals tends to be right hand only, when it comes to putting the food into your mouth. With our family, we were always allowed to use both hands when tearing our nan’s and our rotis.. In fact, I think I’ve only very rarely seen anyone eat with just one hand, and then I usually watch them and think how cool are they, especially cos I could never do that!

Though I must admit because we have extended family still in India, and we’re from the ‘West’ we were treated like royalty on the only trip we did as kids, and so no body minded how we ate, they were just so happy to see us ;)

Look forward to reading more about your awesome adventures in the coming months ;)

]]> By: Gori Girl http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-351 Gori Girl Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:01:11 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-351 @ Vick: I agree that the rules do change - certainly, the younger Indian crowd Aditya & I run with don't really care about the right hand thing. But it's a good thing to know - sorta like which fork to use at a formal dinner. @ Cio_cio_san: I've heard of various "right hand only" rules in other cultures (like Ethiopian), so I think it might just be a rule developed for good sanitary practices wherever people eat with their hands. @ Vick: I agree that the rules do change – certainly, the younger Indian crowd Aditya & I run with don’t really care about the right hand thing. But it’s a good thing to know – sorta like which fork to use at a formal dinner.

@ Cio_cio_san: I’ve heard of various “right hand only” rules in other cultures (like Ethiopian), so I think it might just be a rule developed for good sanitary practices wherever people eat with their hands.

]]> By: cio_cio_san http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-343 cio_cio_san Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:03:47 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-343 I always thought it was just in Muslim countries that people only ate with their right hands. But we still use both hands to put food in our plates, and to tear our roti/ other breads, etc.. It's just when we actually put our food in our mouth, we need to use our right hand. I always thought it was just in Muslim countries that people only ate with their right hands. But we still use both hands to put food in our plates, and to tear our roti/ other breads, etc.. It’s just when we actually put our food in our mouth, we need to use our right hand.

]]> By: Vick http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-342 Vick Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:35:57 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-342 And BTW rules do change and while many people will find it impolite to eat with left hand(rather with hand you do your stuff with in toilet) many wouldnt have much issues with it. Also i think the rules needs to get more flexible now. It was fine in the olden days when we didnt have soap to wash hands with. And BTW rules do change and while many people will find it impolite to eat with left hand(rather with hand you do your stuff with in toilet) many wouldnt have much issues with it. Also i think the rules needs to get more flexible now. It was fine in the olden days when we didnt have soap to wash hands with.

]]> By: Vick http://gorigirl.com/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i#comment-341 Vick Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:31:59 +0000 http://gorigirl.com/2008/03/indian-survial-guide-series-how-to-eat-indian-food-part-i/#comment-341 Where’s Haryana, by the way? >>>Its just north west to Delhi. Borders Delhi. Small state. Where’s Haryana, by the way?

>>>Its just north west to Delhi. Borders Delhi. Small state.

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