South Indian meal served on a banana leaf
While watching a show about street food from around the world, I saw people in India enjoying their meals using just their hands. It looked so natural and fun, and it got me thinking. Why do we in the West often see eating with hands as odd? While for many it's just the usual way. This moment sparked a realization in me about the deeply ingrained cultural norms surrounding eating habits. Particularly the perception in the West that eating with hands is somehow 'savage' or uncivilized.
Why is this the case, and how did such a divide in eating customs come to be?
Historically, using hands to eat is as ancient as humanity itself. Our ancestors found it natural and effective. But as societies evolved, so did eating utensils, especially in the Western world during the Middle Ages.
Ancient forks & knives
The adoption of forks, knives, and spoons was driven by a complex interplay of factors including hygiene, convenience, and social etiquette. Contrast this with countries like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, where eating with hands remains a deeply ingrained part of the culture. Eating with hands is not just about the act of consumption but is imbued with various cultural and religious significances. It's believed to enhance the sensory experience of eating, connecting the body and mind to the act of nourishing oneself. Moreover, the traditional thali system—where a variety of dishes are served together on a single platter—encourages the mixing of flavors with rice or bread, something that is most effectively accomplished with the use of hands.
Several hands are gathered around a shared meal on a banana leaf, a communal style of eating typical in some cultures
