'At First, It Felt Awkward, Almost Rebellious': French Woman In India Shares Experience Of Eating With Hands

A French woman recently shared a unique culinary experience on X, going viral after describing her first meal eaten with her hands in a long time.Julia Chaigneau, who has been living in India for the past two years, reflected on how the simple act of eating without cutlery highlighted the power of our senses in shaping everyday moments.Often sharing insights from her life in India, Julia this time focused on the stark contrast between dining practices in France and India.“I grew up eating pizza and burgers with a knife and fork. Not by choice, by ‘punishment’,” she wrote, noting that eating with one’s hands is seen as ‘rude’ in France due to cultural norms.Her perspective changed when a friend encouraged her to try eating with her hands again

years later. “At first, it felt awkward, almost rebellious. Then something shifted. I could feel the heat before it burned my tongue. Sense textures. Mix flavours; no fork is ever allowed. I even wasted less,” she shared.

As a designer, Julia explained that the experience made her more aware of how people often overlook the importance of engaging all their senses. “I have tried to keep that in mind since then,” she added.Her post quickly attracted reactions online. One user commented, “A pizza with a fork? I could never. Glad you’re enjoying it now,” while another teased, “Honestly Show us how to eat pizza with a fork. For once only.”When asked if she would return to using cutlery if she went back to the West, Julia replied, “Who said I was going back, haha.''