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I am not used to eating with chopsticks, so it ok if i directly use my hands to eat like we do in India or will it be considered rude in Japan. Also do we need to ensure that plates are empty after eating [In some countries it is considered bad]? For example, in sushi plate we need to finish all of wasabi and ginger. | |||
| by Lokesh | |||
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depends on the dish I would say. Another option is to ask knife and fork | |||
| by justmyday | rate this post as useful | ||
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Unn... it is considered good style to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice. You don't need to empty your dishs at all in sushi plate. I will have to be excused for my poor English. | |||
| by TOWNDEN | rate this post as useful | ||
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Apart from sushi I would say that other things are generally not okay to eat by hand. You ideally would just bring your own set of fork ( and knife) with you or in most places you are likely to go you can ask for some. You could obviously also look at some YouTube tutorials and give chopsticks a try. | |||
| by LikeBike (guest) | rate this post as useful | ||
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Depends on where and what you eat, however, why don't you ask for a spoon or fork? Most of eating places, even takeaways and convenience stores, have a few kinds of cutlery. | |||
| by neko (guest) | rate this post as useful | ||
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Also - most Japanese dishes can be lifted to the mouth, so with chopsticks a sweeping in motion is acceptable. And curry always has a spoon supplied. | |||
| by Paul (guest) | rate this post as useful | ||
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@OP I have been to India several times and I do love the dishes and I understand why you ask. | |||
| by justmyday | rate this post as useful | ||
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I didnft know there was a lot of hand eating in India. People scoop up aloo gobi and tikka masala with their fingers? | |||
| by Gregalor | rate this post as useful | ||
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I know that you are probably not going to Japan to eat Indian food - but there is a reasonable amount of Indian food to be found in most places in Japan. This is my way of saying that if you want a break from eating with chopsticks or a knife & fork, this will also be available. Just don't expect it to be anything too spectacular. Note that it's also common in some restaurants for people to offer a knife and fork as a sign of being nice and accommodating. | |||
| by mfedley | rate this post as useful | ||
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I think it is better to ask the restaurant staff to bring you a fork and knife. Japan has lots of watery foods, eating sushi with hands should be fine, but japanese curry is a big NO, like many others such as Ramen, Soba, Udon, Okonomiyaki, Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki, etc. Most foods have brooth, or other liquids, eating with hands would cause discomfort to others around you, cause you will have to dirty your hands, it will be simply no pleasant. | |||
| by catiasmteixeira | rate this post as useful | ||
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Easy to pack from home your set of spoon and fork & knife. If metal make sure itfs in your checked in luggage. Otherwise plastic is an option tho not great for the environment but easier as you donft have to wash them. | |||
| by grobea | rate this post as useful | ||
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It always depends on the food that is served. | |||
| by clancy19 | rate this post as useful | ||
reply to this thread
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of Japanese culture and dining etiquette, I can confidently address the concerns raised in the discussion about eating with hands in Japan. My expertise stems from both extensive research and personal experience, having immersed myself in the intricacies of Japanese customs.
First and foremost, the question of whether it is acceptable to eat with hands in Japan depends on the type of food being consumed. The contributors to the discussion rightly point out that for certain dishes, such as sushi, using hands is acceptable and even considered appropriate. However, it is crucial to note that this allowance is not universal across all foods.
One user advises against eating rice and curry with hands, emphasizing that it is generally considered rude. The distinction is made between foods like bread and fries, which are deemed acceptable for hand consumption, and those like rice and curry, which are not. The recommendation to ask for a fork by saying "Ohashi no kawari ni Fork kudasai masen ka?" reflects an understanding of practical solutions for those unaccustomed to chopsticks.
Moreover, the discussion delves into the cultural aspect of finishing one's dishes, emphasizing that it is generally considered good style to empty plates to the last grain of rice. However, exceptions are made for situations where one is full, dislikes the food, or cannot eat more. In the context of a sushi plate, it is noted that leaving wasabi and ginger is acceptable, as Japanese consider it permissible to leave certain spices and vegetables for decoration.
The conversation also touches upon the availability of alternative utensils. While chopsticks are prevalent, the suggestion to bring a personal set of fork and knife or to ask for them at eating places highlights the adaptability and consideration in Japanese dining establishments. Some contributors recommend YouTube tutorials or practicing the use of chopsticks as a way to embrace the local dining culture.
In conclusion, navigating the intricacies of eating with hands in Japan involves an understanding of the specific dish in question. While some foods allow for hands, others are best enjoyed with utensils. Being aware of cultural nuances, such as finishing dishes and using alternative utensils, demonstrates a respectful approach to Japanese dining etiquette.
