INDIAN FOOD is usually served to each person on a circular tray about twelve inches in diameter which is called a thali. This thali can be made of brass, copper, silver or stainless steel and takes the place of a table setting. A series of small metal cups called sweet, pickles, vegetable curry, fruits, desserts, yogurt, salt, butter and rice or chapathi line the edge of the thali. Rice and roti are put directly onto the tray itself, usually in the middle. A copper tumbler for water completes the setting.
The hands and mouth are washed before sitting down to eat and again after the meal.
The food is eaten with the forepart of the first two fingers and the thumb of the right hand. The left hand is used for other cleaning purposes and is considered unclean for touching food. Thus, only water in the copper tumbler or a glass can be taken with the left hand.
Each person must take care not to touch or to drop any food particles on the thali of one's neighbour. Since this is considered unhygienic and the thali would then have to be removed and replaced by a fresh one.
The vast majority of India's population do not use knives and forks. It is thought that these implements are quite unsuitable to Indian food. Many of the more orthodox Hindus cannot understand how we can used forks again and again after having once put them in our mouths. Even though they have been thoroughly washed and cleaned, knives and forks are considered unclean by many.
Some orthodox Hindus will not use plates and serving dishes at their meals, believing them to the unhygienic. So their foods are served on banana leaves or the leaves of certain tree sewed together.
Frequently, banana leaves will be used as plates, especially in the South, at large gatherings such as wedding to facilitate the serving and cleaning up operations.
Referred from the book
A Taste of India
- Mary S. Atwood
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