Several cultures around the world traditionally eat with their hands.
In parts of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, eating with the hands is a longstanding cultural practice. This isn't simply a matter of convenience; it's often deeply rooted in tradition, etiquette, and even religious beliefs.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Africa: Many cultures across the African continent use their hands to eat. This is particularly common in countries like Ethiopia (where injera, a type of flatbread, is used to scoop up food), and in many West African countries where dishes like fufu are common.
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South Asia: In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, eating with the hands is a common practice, especially when consuming rice, curries, and bread. Specific rules and etiquette dictate which hand is used (typically the right hand) and how the food is handled.
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Southeast Asia: Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines have traditions of eating with the hands, particularly when enjoying rice-based meals or dishes like nasi lemak or boodle fights.
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The Middle East: In many Middle Eastern countries, eating with the hands is a traditional practice, especially in Bedouin cultures and when enjoying communal dishes like mansaf.
It is important to note that within these regions, the specific customs and etiquette surrounding eating with the hands can vary significantly. For instance, the right hand is almost universally preferred over the left, which is generally reserved for other purposes. The manner in which the food is gathered, the portions taken, and the way the hand is cleaned before and after the meal are all part of the cultural practice. Even within these cultures, cutlery may be used in some situations, depending on the formality of the occasion or the type of food being served.
