Food & Nutrition

Traditional Indian food

Indians eat sitting on the ground or at a very low table. They use a lot of utensils while preparing food, but do not use them while eating, because they think that food is tastier if eaten with hands. To do this, wash your hands very carefully before eating, emphasizing the tips of your fingers and nails. Long nails are considered a manifestation of poor manners and are avoided. Indians eat only with the right hand. The left hand is considered unclean and should not even touch the plate. Rice is scooped with pieces of nan or roti, a type of Indian bread. A spoon is used for some more liquid dishes.

In India, food hygiene is very important. Something that has touched someone’s mouth, spoon, plate or hand should not be consumed by anyone else. It is not acceptable for a person to eat from another’s dish. An exception is made only for very close people.

If someone eats too fast or too slow, Indians think they don’t like food. You should never pour more food into the plate, because if food remains in the plate, it is considered disrespect to the host and desecration of the food. It is not polite for the guest to ask for extra food, even spices, but it is the duty of the host to offer the guests enough extra food.

Members of the upper castes have a number of dietary restrictions. The first two castes must be vegans. Kshatriyas can eat goat meat because the goat is not considered a dirty animal. They are also allowed to drink alcohol. Shudras can eat chicken in addition to goat meat. The untouchables can eat all kinds of meat, even beef and pork.

Indian food is characterized by seven flavors – sweet, salty, sour, spicy, spicy, bitter and astringent. The skillful use of spices is an art that mothers pass on to their children from an early age. It is important not only for improving the taste of food, but also for healthy eating.

According to the teachings of Ayurveda, a person’s health depends on what and how he eats and how much food he eats. It provides dietary rules that contribute to the creation of positive nutritional energy, which is important for human health. According to them, one should be calm while eating, start eating with blessings, eat quietly and chew one’s food well. Healthy eating requires freshly cooked food, cooked over low heat in combination with a moderate amount of vegetables. While eating, one should not swallow cold drinks. After eating one should relax, lie down, listen to pleasant music, and after the evening meal a walk is mandatory.

Eating Habbits

Indians eat mostly without utensils. They eat and drink most often in metal containers, as the metal is believed to bring prosperity, stability and good luck in the home. The main dish is served in a large metal plate, on which are arranged a metal bowl with a liquid dish, another “dry” dish and the traditional flat cakes roti or naan. The women prepare at least 100 of them daily and by hand. Fork and knife are used very rarely. Even rice or cake is eaten with a spoon. Instead of a spoon (even for liquid dishes) they use a short “roti / chapati” to scoop the dish.

The variety of their cuisine is huge, as well as the products. A weak body means to them a weak spirit and exhaustion. It is eaten often and usually 2-3 different dishes are cooked and in the meantime the ancient tradition of “tea and snacks” runs throughout the day.

The traditional dish is “dal chaval” – lentils with rice and “sabji” – fried vegetables with spices. The traditional drink is the so-called “masala tea”, which is made from black tea, milk and spices / cardamom, cloves, ginger /. Tea is drunk at any time, with occasion and without occasion, at least 4-5 times a day