Shiny cutlery may have taken over our dining tables, but eating with hands is an age-old practice that has stood the test of time. Many Indians believe that eating with hands enhances the flavour of the food and also has a host of health benefits. On the other hand, this habit might sound weird to people from the West. A video of an Indian-American couple talking about this cultural difference has gone viral on social media. An American woman, Kenzie, uploaded a clip of her Malayali Indian husband Charles while he was eating food: a plateful of rice and a paneer gravy, with his hands. Pointing out this cultural difference in the caption, Kenzie shares how she eats “everything with utensils” except finger food.
Starting the caption, the woman said, "Raised in American and European-influenced culture, I eat almost everything with utensils unless it's considered a ‘finger food'. My husband, on the other hand, often eats with his hands - especially Indian food!”
Further Kenzie explained the significance of eating with hands. She wrote, “Indian food is known for its rich flavors and spices. Eating with your hands is believed to enhance the flavors of the food, and contribute to the holistic experience of the meal.”
Kenzie also asked her Instagram followers: “I want to know, what do you eat with?!”
Take a look at the video below:
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The clip has so far clocked over 3.8 million views and a bunch of reactions, which also included Charles' mother. She wrote, “I'm his mom. This is how he ate all his life . We all tried to correct it. I guess he likes to eat with hand without making his hands too messy ….. But he enjoys eating with hand.”
Taking a dig at users who claim eating with hands is unhygienic, a user said, “How do Americans eat burgers, fries, or pizza? Case closed.”
Another wrote, “Vision, smell, and touch will improve your taste. And I trust my hands more than the utensils somebody cleaned in the back of that hotel.”
“Gosh it would annoy the hell outta me trying to pick up every little grain of rice with my hand,” an individual commented.
Not everyone can master the art of eating with their hands. One of the users, who seemingly failed at this art, said, “I tried eating rice with my hands. I am not coordinated enough to do it. I respect all the people who can do it!”
What are your views on this viral video? Tell us in the comments.