The “Not To-Do” List.
Fun/Quirky/Strange things which you should not do while eating in different states of India.
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Indian Cuisine, besides reflecting a rich culture, also is a means of recreation. Indulging in a sumptuous meal with companions is one of the few things people love to do. We love to gossip, laugh, and share information over a meal. So let’s say you are a traveller who decides to tour the country to taste the different cuisines. This article will guide you about what you must not do during a meal in different regions. So keep your quirky food habits and curiosity in pockets. Because in some regions, “mere curiosity might kill the appetite.”
NORTH INDIA
In Kashmir, if you are offered “Noon Chai” during breakfast, don’t let the irony reflect on your face. Noon in Kashmir means salty and Noon Chai is a special kind of tea, people prefer after meals. If you are invited over for a Wazwan meal, never ask for Dal. The dry rice might tempt you to question the absence of Dal. Wazwan is a multicourse meal which is treated with respect and its is considered sacrilege to include lentils in the meal. You must never ask for the Wazwan meal recipe (out of curiosity) because they only like to pass it through heredity and it is rarely passed through blood relations.
Never make fun of the appetite of people in Punjab and Haryana. They are known for their grand meals and making fun would mean mocking the culture. In a Punjabi Meal, never start a meal (yes !!even if are dying of hunger and want to ravish the tandoori chicken) without offering it to others. Wait for others to start eating. Never start first.Your zeal for cuisines wont be appreciated, certainly.
People in Uttar Pradesh live by the motto “ Nothing before and nothing after Biriyani”. So don’t binge eat in Uttar Pradesh even after a satisfying meal of Biriyani.
( Source -http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/the-awadhi-food-etiquette-nothing-before-nothing-after-biryani-744872)
NORTH WEST INDIA
“Khan ke baad kuch meetha ho jaye?” Never utter this golden line in Rajasthan. They don’t prefer to term sweet dishes as desserts. The sweet dishes are served before and during the meal and not after.
SOUTH INDIA
South Indians stick by the principles and you have to be disciplined during the meals. Never preach about the side effects of sugar during a meal in Karnataka. People here are very emotional about the sweet dishes. Some of the iconic sweet dishes have originated here. Kerala is known for the exports of coconuts. Coconut forms a part of every dish. So when in Kerala don’t complain about it and don’t reflect your dissatisfaction ( if any) on your face. Never offer non veg food item to a Brahmin from Tamilnadu. Never talk and shout during a meal in South India. Keep your discussions aside. Never leave the Banana Leaf unfolded after a meal.
EAST INDIA.
Odiyas adore Pakhala (famous dish). So never tell them that its unhygienic or untidy. Don’t shudder at the way they eat it.They will then start preaching about its benefits and we are afraid that you will fall short of arguments.
In Kolkata it is looked down upon if you decline and invitation for a meal.Also elders don’t like when one talks during a meal. In case you are a trivia lover and you are relishing Rasgullah, don’t get started over its history!!! ( given that it is controversial).
WEST INDIA
For starters, don’t complain about weight gain during meals in Gujarat. The Gujaratis believe in elaborate meals. Don’t ever ask for “Daaru” with the chicken tandoori. Gujarat is a dry state.
CENTRAL INDIA
Central India is very versatile as far as dishes are concerned. The only quirky thing that you will ever do is miss out on a dish during your stay.
NORTH EAST INDIA
If you go to Mizoram, you will mostly find subtle preparation with minimum use of oil and mostly boiled. Never be a quirky expert and add your own seasonings. You may end up ruining the pristine dish. While in Nagaland, never ask for more chili in your food. Heard of Bhoot Jholakia? It could give you the worst time of your life. Never miss out on the vegetable dishes in North east India. That would be a foolish mistake.
