Dispatches from Kolkata Finger Lickin' Good
Aug 6, 2025
Explore the clash of dining etiquette between Western norms and Indian customs, sparked by a Texas Congressman’s remarks. A humorous incident at a historical hotel leads to a witty discussion on cultural identity and the remnants of colonialism. Dive into how food practices reflect pride in traditional heritage, revealing the deep connections between culture and cuisine.
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Eating With Hands: Cultural Pride
- Sandip Roy and his partner Bishan experienced a lunch without cutlery or plates in Tarangambadi, India.
- They chose to eat with their hands, asserting post-colonial cultural pride.
Dining Etiquette Sparks Controversy
- Texas Congressman Brandon Gill criticized biryani eating with fingers as uncivilized, sparking uproar in India.
- Eating with hands is normal for millions and culturally significant, not unhygienic.
Civilization in Dining Is Subjective
- Forks were once seen as decadent and foreign in the West, brought by a Byzantine princess.
- What is considered civilized dining varies historically and culturally.