A video featuring an American man questioning the practice of eating with hands in India recently resurfaced on social media, igniting a fervent debate about cultural customs, hygiene standards, and perceived global double standards.
Sanyal's "Simple Test" for Eating with Hands
Sanjeev Sanyal, a prominent member of India's Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, swiftly entered the discussion to champion the age-old Indian tradition. Responding to a user on X (formerly Twitter) who asked, "Seriously, question, why do they all eat with their hands?" Sanyal offered a direct counter.
“It is a simple test… if you cannot bear to touch it and need metal instruments, then it is probably a bad idea to put it in your mouth,” Sanyal wrote, making a compelling case for the tactile connection with food.
He further elaborated on his stance in a follow-up comment, highlighting a perceived inconsistency: the same critic, Sanyal noted, "will eat pizza, doughnuts, bread, burgers, etc. with his hands." Sanyal suggested that the skepticism often arises not from genuine concerns over hygiene, but rather from an unfamiliarity with how Indians skillfully combine various dishes on a single plate using their fingers.
Cultural Roots and Online Support for Indian Eating Customs
Eating with hands remains a deeply ingrained tradition across India, particularly during meals served on banana leaves or classic thalis. Beyond mere custom, the practice is linked to a heightened sensory connection to food, aiding in mindful portion control and offering a seamless tactile experience when blending rice, lentils, curries, and side dishes.
The exchange quickly escalated into a broader online conversation about dining etiquette and cross-cultural biases. Indian social media users largely rallied behind Sanyal, affirming that the custom is both natural and hygienic when hands are properly washed. Many users pointed out the hypocrisy, noting that global staples such as sandwiches, tacos, sushi, and kebabs are routinely eaten by hand without question.
Supporters lauded Sanyal’s logic as "solid" and "simple." One commenter remarked, "This is the best explanation I’ve seen," while another asserted, "Indian food just tastes better this way." Others highlighted the environmental benefits of the tradition, with one user noting, "Eating with hands on a banana leaf = 0 cutlery, 0 detergent, 0 plastic, 100% biodegradable." Another user added nuance, stating, "It's just more enjoyable to eat with your hand with some food. It's not like all Indian cuisine is eaten by hands."