whenever i eat in an indian restaurant, no matter with indian or non-indian friends, i always choose to eat with my hands. actually, it should be hand, and just the right hand. the left hand should not never be used to handle any food at all. you should never pass or receive anything with your left hand. before you start on your meal, you need to wash both your hands first.
and if you eat off a banana leaf, which is usually the case in an indian restaurant, there are certain things you have to bear in mind. when you have had your fill, you should fold the banana leaf to indicate that you do not want any more helpings.
when you are eating the rice mixed with the dhal curry, all your five fingers have to come into play. you form the rice into a small ball, holding it with the four fingers. then using the bent thumb you push the rice into your mouth. you do not need all five fingers when handling the rest of the food.
the way you fold your banana leaf is an indication to the host - in this case, the restaurant people - how you feel about the food. if you have enjoyed your meal, you are to fold the banana leaf towards you. however, if you feel that you are not likely to return to the same shop again because the food does not agree with you, you may want to fold the banana leaf away from you.
the traditional indian way of eating is to sit crossed legs on the floor and eat with your hands.
incidentally, today i discovered a new place in johor bahru to enjoy good indian food - the restoran nilla on jalan ungku puan and its branch on jalan trus, very near to the kotaraya shopping complex.
No comments:
Post a Comment