Etiquette of Indian dining

When eating in India, there are certain manners or "rules" that people follow to show respect for themselves, others, and the food they are eating. Here are some tips:

1. Wash your hands before you eat. India is a hot country and it's important to avoid getting sick by keeping clean.

2. When sitting down to eat, it is customary to sit cross-legged on the floor or on a mat, with your plate or bowl in front of you.

3. Before you start eating, say "Bon appétit" or "Enjoy your meal" to everyone at the table.

4. It is polite to eat with your right hand only. Indians consider the left hand to be unclean as it is used for cleaning purposes.

5. Do not touch the food with your fingers if you are not eating it.

6. It is customary to use a spoon for serving food.

7. If you are invited to an Indian meal, do not assume that you can bring a guest without first checking with your host.

8. When being served food, take only what you can eat in one go, and avoid wasting food as a sign of respect for the host and the food itself.

9. If you are given a choice of different dishes, it is polite to take a little bit of each and try them all.

10. If you are a guest, wait for the host to start serving before you help yourself.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to show proper respect for the food, your hosts, and the culture of India.