In many Nepali homes, dal bhat is eaten with the right hand. Restaurants always provide spoons, so you never have to. But plenty of visitors like to try, and many say the food tastes better that way.
Why hands?
Mixing is a big part of eating dal bhat. You combine rice with dal, a bit of vegetable, a touch of pickle and some curry, adjusting each mouthful. Fingers do this better than a spoon. You also feel the temperature, which helps you avoid burning your mouth.
How to do it
- Wash your hands first. Most Nepali restaurants have a sink in the dining room.
- Use your right hand only. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean for eating. Use it to hold a glass or pass dishes.
- Mix a small portion. Pull a little rice towards you and pour dal over it. Add a pinch of vegetable or pickle.
- Form a small ball. Gather it with your fingertips, not your whole palm.
- Push it in with your thumb. Place the food on your fingertips near your mouth and use your thumb to push it in.
It feels clumsy at first. After a few mouthfuls it starts to make sense.
Other customs worth knowing
Accept refills gracefully
In Thakali restaurants staff will offer more rice, dal and vegetables. If you are full, cover your plate with your hand or say "pugyo", which means "enough".
Do not share from your plate
Food that has touched your plate or hand is considered "jutho", or impure. Share by serving from the common dish, not from your own plate.
Eating at your own pace
There is no rush. A Thakali meal is meant to be enjoyed slowly.
Spoons are perfectly fine
Nobody will mind if you use a spoon. Comfort comes first.
Ready to try? Our how to eat Thakali khana guide covers the order of a meal, and our menu lists every set.
