The short answer
Many Nepalis eat dal, bhat and tarkari by hand, using the right hand. Food that has touched your plate or lips is considered jutho, or impure, so do not offer food from your plate and do not share a drinking vessel with your lips. Hosts will often serve you first and keep serving, so say when you have had enough.
Avoid eating from a common pot and avoid touching shared cups with your mouth. Use the right hand to pass or receive food, money and gifts. These small habits are noticed and appreciated, especially in village homes and at festival meals.
Key facts
- Use
- Right hand
- Jutho
- Food touched by plate or lips
- Share
- Do not share your plate
- Say when
- Politely refuse extra
How it works
- Wash handsBefore eating.
- Eat with right handOr use cutlery.
- Keep food separateDo not share from your plate.
- Say when fullPolitely.
Understanding jutho
Jutho refers to food or objects that have touched someone's mouth or used plate. In many homes, it is polite not to share food from your plate, drink from a shared cup with your lips or offer a bite you have tasted.
It is a courtesy, not a test. Hosts will usually forgive mistakes made by visitors, but small habits show respect.
At the table
Wash your hands before and after eating. Use your right hand when eating by hand, and avoid touching shared serving spoons with a used hand. Accept food graciously and say when you are full.
If you are unsure, watch your host and copy them. Ask your guide for tips, who can explain the custom and help you feel comfortable.
Insider tip
Wash your hands before and after the meal.
Avoid this
Do not offer a bite from your own plate or taste from a shared cup.
Related questions
Is cutlery fine?
Yes; hosts expect visitors to use it.
Can I touch the serving spoon?
Use it only for serving, not eating.
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