Historically India has had rulers and visitors from numerous countries and cultures in the past and that makes this nation a melting pot in every sense of the word from the perspective of food, culture and languages. Hence there are not many set but varying etiquettes for Indian dining.

Here are a few thumb rules to help you understand what to expect:

• Upon entering the host’s home, be prepared to take off your shoes at the door as the shoes are supposed to carry impurities to the house, but if the host doesn’t mind shoes inside the house then by all means, keep them on.

• Although among the young people a simple “Hello” is the acceptable way to greet, the elderly prefer to be greeted the traditional way - put your palms together in front of your chest and utter the word “Namaste” with a slight bow of your head.

• While most families have transitioned to the table, there are some families which still eat the traditional way by sitting on a mat spread on the floor, with legs crossed. If such a setting has been made, then sit on the floor in front of your plate and bend a little forward to eat your food. Do not pick up your plate from the floor to eat; rather use your hands to lift the food from the plate to your mouth.

• Indian food has been traditionally eaten with hands and is still best enjoyed like that! It’s perfectly acceptable to eat without any forks, knives or spoons. Therefore washing hands before and after the meal is absolutely necessary.

• A traditional Indian meal will consist of the Indian-style breads, rice, a variety of curries, yogurt or raita, dessert and a few condiments like chutneys & pickles. The breads are broken into bite sized pieces and used as a scoop for the curries.  However eating rice with fingers involves practice and using spoons is perfectly fine. For any liquids or soupy items using spoon is found most appropriate.

• Alcohol is not usually a part of the dinner so don’t be surprised if no wine is served with the meal. Also since a considerable portion of the Indian population is vegetarian, the meal served might be completely meat-free. However, milk and its products are consumed by most people.

• Sharing food with others is a big part of Indian culture. This, nonetheless, does not include sharing used fork, spoon or glass. This also includes - not sharing any item on your plate that you might have already eaten. Basically any food item which has touched your hands or mouth should not be offered. This concept is called “Jootha” or contaminated food. Even double dipping is considered rude.

• The host might be hovering in and out of the kitchen bringing out fresh rotis or breads and other stuff; be prepared for auto refills on your plate without warning! Even when you say that you are done, you will certainly be asked to eat a little more by the host. That’s another way to making sure that the guest is absolutely and fully satisfied with the meal.

• Take as much food on your plate as you think you can eat comfortably. It’s considered inappropriate to leave uneaten food on the plate.

• Last but not the least, maintain the universal etiquette rules like complimenting the person who prepared the food, not talking while eating, being attentive and polite and of course, thanking the host for the invitation.

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