Do's & Don'ts
A fast reference. For the why behind each, follow the links to the full guides.
- Wash both hands with soap before and after eating. (Hygiene)
- Eat and mix with the right hand, using your fingertips. (Eating by Hand)
- Let yourself be served: food comes to you in rounds. (Serving & Hosting)
- Place the banana leaf tip to your left, glossy side up. (The Sadya)
- Take small helpings; you can always accept more.
- Say “mathi” or cover the leaf to politely decline a refill.
- Fold the leaf towards yourself when you’re done at a sadya.
- Take a token second helping of something you loved; it pleases the cook.
- Follow your hosts’ lead when a custom is unfamiliar.
- Don’t eat with the left hand at a traditional table (use it only for your glass or to pass dishes).
- Don’t double-dip the eating hand into shared bowls of pickle or curry.
- Don’t drink from a shared tumbler with your lips on the rim; pour, or use your own glass.
- Don’t let a serving spoon touch your leaf or plate; lift and pour.
- Don’t dig through the curries at a sadya; take what’s served.
- Don’t heap your leaf with more than you’ll finish; waste is frowned upon.
- Don’t start before elders and guests are served (when there’s an order to the meal).
- Don’t fold the leaf away from you at a celebration. (why)