Eating by Hand: The Art of Eating Without Cutlery in Indonesian Culture
In many parts of Indonesia, eating with your hands is not only common but is also a respected cultural tradition. Despite the presence of spoons, forks, chopsticks, and other modern utensils, many Indonesians still prefer to use their hands when dining. This practice is not simply about tradition. It connects to deeper philosophies, sensory experience, and a sense of shared identity within the community.
Introduction to Eating with our Hands
Eating by hand is often encountered by foreign tourists visiting local warungs or traditional food stalls. While it may seem unfamiliar at first, many travellers have embraced the practice, finding it both enjoyable and enlightening. It offers a direct connection to the food and adds a sensory dimension that cutlery does not provide.
A Foreigner’s Experience: Going Local in Bali
One example that recently went viral on social media was shared by TikTok user @georgiemay_7. In her video, she wrote,
“Life changed when I stopped listening to Bali TikTok…now I eat with my hands at warungs, live off street food, and brush my teeth with tap water.”
@georgiemay_7 Here’s your reminder to not listen to everything you watch online and just live your best life like a local 🌺🌴 #bali #balitravel #streetfood #solotravel #livinglife ♬ The Winner Is… Version – DeVotchKa
Her caption continued:
“Here’s your reminder to not listen to everything you watch online and just live your best life like a local #bali #balitravel #streetfood #solotravel #livinglife.”
The video received widespread attention and sparked discussion among netizens, many of whom agreed with her sentiment. One user commented,
“That’s the point of a vacation, right? Trying new experiences 😁.”
Another added,
“Eating with our own hands strengthens our immune system.”
Benefits of Eating with Hands: Scientific and Sensory Perspectives
The idea that eating with your hands improves the taste of food is not merely anecdotal. According to a report from the Daily Mail, scientists have found that touching food with one’s hands before eating it can enhance the brain’s sensory perception.
Even before the first bite, the sensation of touch prepares the brain to expect a more flavourful experience. This boosts overall satisfaction when the food is finally consumed.
This approach also resonates with Ayurvedic philosophy. In Ayurveda, each finger is believed to represent one of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Eating with your hands is thought to harmonise these elements and stimulate digestion, helping the body become more in tune with the food being eaten.
Historical Roots of Eating by Hand in Indonesia
Before the introduction of cutlery by European colonisers in the 16th century, Indonesians traditionally ate with their hands. According to culinary expert Arie Parikesit,
“Before Indonesians were introduced to spoons and forks brought by European traders and colonisers, Indonesians originally used their hands to enjoy traditional dishes.”
He also highlighted dishes like nasi ramas, a style of rice served with various side dishes across Java, Sumatra, and other parts of the archipelago, which are traditionally eaten by hand. This way of eating not only preserves the authenticity of the cuisine but also maintains a connection to Indonesia’s culinary heritage.
In Eastern Indonesia, staple foods like root vegetables are also customarily eaten by hand. The method of eating often varies by region, yet it retains the same principle of closeness to the food and respect for tradition.
Art of Eating with Hands: Cultural Practice
In Javanese culture, the practice of eating by hand is known as muluk. Muluk carries two philosophical values. First, it encourages people to take only as much food as they need. Second, it teaches appreciation and gratitude for the food that has been taken.
This practice includes a hygiene component as well. There is a strong cultural expectation to wash hands before and after eating. Such habits contribute not only to cleanliness but also to mindfulness during meals.
Eating by hand is not only a daily habit but also an integral part of traditional ceremonies. In Java, it is commonly done during selamatan rituals, especially when enjoying nasi tumpeng.
Among Sundanese communities, this communal eating practice is referred to as ngaliwet or ngeliwet, which involves laying out rice and side dishes on banana leaves and eating together seated on the floor.
These various terms, muluk, kenduri, ngaliwet, represent more than just regional vocabulary. They signify different cultural traditions across Indonesia, yet all highlight the values of community, simplicity, and gratitude.
Expert Opinions on Cultural Significance
According to Professor Murdijati Gardjito, Professor of Food Science and Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada,
“In Sumatra and Java, people eat using their fingers, all ten of them. This habit is connected to the tradition of eating wrapped rice.”
In her research, she emphasises that eating by hand is an indigenous custom of the Indonesian people, linked to the way food was historically prepared and consumed, particularly rice wrapped in leaves.
Such customs, even with the arrival of Western influences, have remained resilient. Today, although some urban residents may prefer cutlery for convenience or hygiene reasons, many still enjoy food with their hands, particularly in rural or traditional settings.
Joy of Eating by Hand in Modern Relevance
Despite globalisation and changing habits, eating with one’s hands remains widely practised in Indonesia. Traditional food stalls, especially those selling nasi padang, nasi rames, and warteg-style meals, still allow and encourage diners to eat with their hands.
It is also common in community events and family gatherings where food is served on banana leaves or in bamboo baskets, and shared communally. The practice is often accompanied by the tradition of sitting on a mat (lesehan) or cross-legged (bersila), fostering a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.
While some individuals may express discomfort about dirty hands or the lingering smell of spices, proper handwashing usually addresses these concerns
. The focus is on enjoying the food and sharing the experience, rather than on appearances or etiquette imposed by Western dining standards.
Eating with Our Hands Around the World: A Shared Cultural Tradition
In many countries beyond Indonesia, the tradition of eating with hands is deeply embedded in the local food culture. Like India, for example, people often use their right hand to eat food like paratha, rice, and various types of stew.
The method typically involves using the thumb, index finger, and middle finger to scoop the food, while the ring finger and little finger help support the motion.
This practice is not only in Indian cultural but is also believed to stimulate digestion. Using hands also can be traced back to Ayurvedic teachings. Some Ayurvedic teachings even suggest that enzymes present on the fingertips can aid in the breakdown of food, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Similarly, in Ethiopia, meals are often enjoyed using the hands by Ethiopian, especially when eating dishes served with injera, a sour flatbread made from teff flour. Diners use the injera to scoop up richly spiced stews and vegetables, folding it delicately with their fingers.
In West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana, fufu, a starchy side made from cassava or yam, is commonly used to eat food. Eaters use their fingers to shape the fufu into small balls and dip it into soup or sauce, often with a quick twist of the wrist and a gentle scoop using the middle and index fingers.
Conclusion? Use Your Hands!
Eating with your hands is more than just an overall dining experience. It is a cultural experience, a sensory tradition, and a statement of identity. It bridges the past with the present, encourages mindfulness and gratitude, and strengthens social bonds. In a world where convenience often overshadows ritual, this practice remains a meaningful expression of Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage.
Whether you are a foreign visitor or a local resident, trying this tradition at least once may offer a new appreciation for the art of eating. It is not just about taste, it is about connection, culture, and a more intimate relationship with many cuisines in the world.
