Exploring the Unusual Eating Customs of Indian Cuisine: What foreigners find strange
India’s rich and diverse culinary landscape is a testament to its cultural heritage and traditions. From the use of hands to unique rituals before and during meals, Indian eating customs can sometimes be surprising to foreigners. Let's delve into some of these practices and understand why they might seem unusual yet integral to Indian culture.
Eating with Hands: A Sensory Feast
One practice that might strike foreigners as unfamiliar is the tradition of eating with hands. In parts of the world where cutlery is the norm, the act of using hands to consume food can appear foreign. However, in India, this practice is deeply rooted in tradition and serves a greater purpose. According to Ayurvedic beliefs, the practice of eating with one’s right hand, which is considered sacred, helps in the digestion process and connects the person with the earth, thus promoting overall well-being.
When you eat with your hands, the act isn't merely about picking up food. It's a ritual that involves whole-body involvement. The touch, the temperature, and the texture all play a role in enhancing the sensory experience. Moreover, the practice of eating with hands is not confined to traditional food items; even modern dishes like pizzas, fries, and burgers are tastier when consumed in this manner. The hands become an extension of the soul, making the act of eating a holistic and enriching experience.
The Art of Thanking for Food: A Ritual Before Eating
Another unique ritual that might surprise visitors is the act of thanking for food before the meal. This practice, known as Prasad, is a way of expressing gratitude to the divine and showing respect for the food prepared. Even before touching or consuming the food, one is required to water their right hand, which symbolizes purification. By pouring water on your right hand and circling it around the plate, you are acknowledging the source of the food – nature and God, who has provided it. A short mantra is then chanted, expressing gratitude.
After chanting the mantra, the ritual continues as you take a small amount of rice and drink the water. This action is believed to symbolize absorbing the benefits of the food into one’s being. The rice is then eaten while reciting the mantra in each of the four directions, thus invoking blessings from all directions. This ritual, while it might seem strange to outsiders, is a deep-rooted tradition that signifies respect, gratitude, and the interconnection between humans and nature.
The Versatility of Curry: Beyond Just Vegetables and Meat
Curry is often considered the epitome of Indian cuisine, and while many associate it with just vegetables and meat dishes, the term is actually quite broad. In its true sense, a curry in India refers to a wide variety of dishes that encompass both the preparation method and the flavor profile.
Each state in India has its own culinary traditions, with every city, town, and village boasting unique dishes that reflect the local tastes and ingredients. For instance, Khichdi, Samosa, and Chole are cherished dishes that have their roots in different regions and varying cultural influences. The notion of a widespread "curry nation" is a misnomer, with Indian cuisine being a complex and diverse mosaic of flavors, textures, and cooking techniques.
Vegetarian Delights in Indian Cuisine
For vegetarians, Indian cuisine offers a wide array of delights. Many Indian dishes are vegetarian, incorporating a variety of legumes, lentils, vegetables, and spices that create unique and flavorful dishes. Vegetarians can relish in the depth of flavors and the simplicity of these dishes, which often combine multiple vegetables and spices to create a harmonious blend. From Dal Makhani to Palak Paneer, the vegetarian options are as extensive as the non-vegetarian ones, making any vegetarian visitor feel at home in the land of diverse flavors.
The practice of invoking a Sanskrit shloka before partaking in the food’s benefits, as mentioned in the text, is a powerful ritual that emphasizes the spiritual aspect of dining. Translating this shloka for a better understanding, it can be broken down as follows:
Om Bhurbhuvaswahah: Salutations to the Earth, Universe, and Sky. Tat Santvartena Parsnishyami: May I become the experimenter of that which exists through this. Vishnum Annam Rashaswaha: O Lord Vishnu! May I become the partaker of food. Antascharati Bhuteshu Guhaaya Am: May I then become one of the exhilarated enjoyments in the bodies endowed with senses. Sarvatha Mukha: In every direction. Om Amrita Peetamasi: May I drink the immortal nectar (the pure essence of the food).The translation further clarifies the meaning behind each line, helping to appreciate the cultural and spiritual significance of this ritual. If there are any improvements or corrections needed, please feel free to share your insights in the comments section below.
Understanding and experiencing these customs can offer a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine. While some practices might seem strange, they are an integral part of the culture and can offer a unique and enriching experience to anyone willing to explore them.