Unethical or Part of Filipino Culture?
As I grew up it has been a part of our meal to use our hands when eating specially at home. I remember those days that I'd roll the rice and put fish on top of it. I could savour the taste of the food when I'm eating bare hands. But for Foreign they would see it primitive, unethical or maybe a sign of poverty. But no offense I understand them for thinking so because it is not part of their culture. Just like when Koreans, Chinese or Japanese uses chopsticks. It's pretty unusual for Filipinos to use them since we are not used to it. But as the saying goes when in Rome do as the Roman's do, that means you have to adjust with the culture ones country has.Dining etiquette is very important and observed in every country, each one of us have different etiquettes depending on our culture. It is a sign of good behaviour to properly eat on the dinning table. Despite the fact that we Filipinos use our hands in eating we also use spoon and fork and even chopsticks.
How it all Started?
Long before spoon and fork were introduced to our ancestors, they already used their bare hands in eating. When utincils were not yet invented people use bare hands in eating. In the Philippines this is what we call the Kamayan which means bare hands or the use of the hands.
Lechon is best eaten bare hands.. 😋
What Benefits us in Eating Bare Hand?
It's convenient since you can control the amount of food you will take, but in my case it's doubled than using spoon.haha
You can also identify if the food is too hot to eat or not. So it prevents you from being burned. But in mycase I still like to eat the food even if it's hot,haha.
It's appetizing, simply because you have all the flavorsin there. Specially when your eating barbeque, lechon or something that needs dipping.. Yummy!!
Lesser dish washing, you don't need to wash your utensils after. You can save time, effort and dish washing soap.haha
It's hassle free, coz anytime or anywhere you can just eat. This is very typical when you eat street food.
You'll just have to make sure when eating you have a clean hands, washed it or sanitized it. Your finger nails must be trimmed to. Or if you didn't you can use plastic gloves or a plastic.
For those who haven't tried eating bare hands here's a tip for you on how to eat bare hands. Well you know it takes practice.haha
How to eat bare hands?
In eating rice use one hand only it should be of your preference, gather up the rice. It's like molding a clay but use the tip of your fingers. Once you have gathered the rice you should also put your viand underneath the rice.
Squeeze, not to much coz you still have to taste the rice. Then squeeze your fingers together grabbing the mound of rice.
Lift and push, then open your mouth..haha then you can actually eat.
Look at that face, so surprised eating such a delicious food..haha I'm actually eating Spicy Boneless Lechon.
And presto, you are now ready to eat Filipino Style. But do remember that when eating bare hand you don't need to use use both hands you'll just make things complicated and don't use your palm as I mentioned awhile ago. Eating bare hands needs tender loving care, TLC.. haha
Images:
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Inspiring You,
