Sans Cutlery: Eat Your Food With Hands To Enjoy It More; Even Luxury Restaurants Ask Diners to Eat With Their Hands
Sans Cutlery: Eat Your Food With Hands To Enjoy It More; Even Luxury Restaurants Ask Diners to Eat With Their Hands
Eating with hands is gaining fresh acceptance as experts link the practice to mindful eating, stronger food experiences and deeper cultural connections.
By Vidhi Lalla
For decades, forks, knives and spoons were often associated with sophistication, while eating with hands was considered informal. Today, that perception is changing.
A growing number of luxury dining establishments are encouraging guests to enjoy certain dishes without cutlery, believing that authentic food experiences go beyond formal table settings.
ITC Hotels pioneered the concept with Bukhaara at its Delhi property. Royal Afghan at ITC Windsor does not lay cut lery. Kebabs & Kurries at ITC Gardenia does not arrange cutlery either. However, a cutlery case is kept as an option. The steward too follows the protocol of encouraging each guest to eat with hands.
The focus is shifting from appearance to connection, a connection with ingredients, traditions and the story behind the meal.
Many fine-dining chefs believe some foods are best enjoyed the way they were originally intended. Traditional breads, kebabs, thalis and regional delicacies often offer a richer experience when touched, mixed and eaten by hand.
The trend reflects a larger shift in dining culture. Modern consumers increasingly seek authenticity rather than rigid dining rules. Restaurants are responding by creating experiences that celebrate local traditions and cultural heritage.
Experts studying food behaviour say eating with hands engages multiple senses at once. Before the food even reaches the mouth, the brain receives information about texture, temperature and consistency through touch. This creates a more immersive dining experience and increases awareness of the food being consumed.
The practice is also closely linked with mindful eating. In a world where many meals are consumed while scrolling through phones, watching television or multitasking, eating with hands naturally encourages people to slow down and focus on the meal. This increased awareness can improve satisfaction and strengthen the relationship people have with food.
Beyond taste, food often carries emotional meaning. Family recipes, festive meals and childhood favourites are deeply connected with memory. For many people, eating with hands serves as a bridge between generations, preserving traditions that have been passed down through families for decades.
In Pune, where traditional food culture continues to thrive alongside modern lifestyles, the practice remains common across Maharashtrian eateries, South Indian restaurants and Punjabi-style dhabas. Many diners believe certain dishes simply feel more authentic when enjoyed without cutlery.
“When I eat varan-bhat and ghee with my hands, it instantly reminds me of Sunday lunches at my grandmother’s home. The experience feels familiar and comforting,” said Kothrud resident Prasad Kulkarni.
“Fine dining today is about storytelling and authenticity. If a dish comes from a traditional culture, eating it the traditional way often enhances the experience,” said Aundh-based food enthusiast Neha Deshmukh.
“We spend most of our day connected to screens. Sitting down and eating with our hands makes us pay attention to the food and the people around us,” said Baner resident Shrikant Joshi.
The changing attitude toward hand-eating highlights a broader cultural shift. Rather than viewing traditional practices as outdated, many people are rediscovering their value in creating meaningful experiences and preserving cultural identity.
As dining habits continue to evolve, one message is becoming increasingly clear: eating with hands is not about ignoring etiquette. For many, it is a simple way to reconnect with food, family memories and traditions that continue to shape everyday life.
Reader Note: Proper hand hygiene remains essential. Washing hands thoroughly before meals helps ensure a safe and healthy dining experience.
