Not using utensils isn't "savage" at all, partysugar. It's a traditional way of eating rice dishes in my country (the Philippines). People here use Western utensils most of the time, but they also don't hesitate to use their hands when the situation calls for it (for example, if it's a very informal get-together or simply when they feel like it).

I agree with sunnynight! I too am Filipino and if I want to eat with my hands on the table I do. It's our culture!

I too object to the use of the term "savage". That was one of the more complicated parts of growing up - we had a babysitter who was from the midwest, but we're a Chinese family. So a lot of Chinese customs (slurping noodles, lifting the ricebowl to your lips, etc.) were actually banned as "bad table manners", though in reality she thought we were less civilized. Do you bring your own silverware to Ethiopian restaurants?

Ick. I refuse to eat lamb.

I can't imagine eating with your hands as being savage. In fact, I think it's really offensive when people claim that eating with a knife and fork or spoon as being the only civilized way to eat. I once went to a sushi place near Columbia University where the people at the table next to me were cracking jokes about how Asians were smart enough to invent gunpowder, but they weren't smart enough to invent a fork to eat with ... But I guess some Americans find two sticks much more complicated than a piece of metal.

Plus ... I get a kick out of seeing the reaction my friends have to me slurping up daal [lentil soup] and rice with my hands.

I would totally do it! I think I'd be confused at first as to the "proper" way to eat but once I got the hang of it, I'd munch on.

Like bengalspice said, I think is offensive that people think eating with a knife and fork is the only civilized way to eat, too. I think eating with your hands is great. You get to experience the food in a completely different way bu being able to feel the texture of the food. Besides, who eats fried chicken or tacos with a knife and fork? =P

I have to agree...not a fan of the use of the word "savage." The way it is used is actually pretty offensive.

Otherwise the dish looks delicious!

I don't eat lamb but, when I go to my bestfriend's house for a traditionnal meal (she's marroco), i do eat without ustensiles!
That's the way to do in some place and for some meal!

Agree with the others. Using the word savage is offensive. It is a part of certain cultures.

As to the question, yes I would eat like that if the setting was appropriate.

Even though I eat with a fork and knife most of the time, I'm completely open to eating the food of different cultures in the way they eat it - whether that is with a pair of chopsticks or my hands! Besides, if you wash your hands first, there shouldn't be any "ick" factor!

Bring it on! Lamb + eating with my finger? Sounds like a good time to me

I'd try it. It looks too yummy not to try.

mmm, I love both lamb and couscous so much that I would definitely eat them with my hands. A lot of foods actually taste better that way!

Hey guys I didn't mean to offend anyone with the use of the word savage! I was just trying to make a point. I know that many cultures don't use utensils but I also know that many people prefer to use utensils. As mentioned above I greatly enjoyed the lamb and was merely hoping to stimulate conversation.

i was at a christmas party where they brought around platters of little lambchops just like that for appetizers. you ate it and had to find a place to dump the bone, hehe
delicious

My folk's favorite restaurant for birthday dinners & special occasions is El Mansour (on Clement in SF)- a great, traditional Morroccan restaurant. We have been going there as long as I can remember- the food is great, and so is the belly dancing! But they never used to give out utensils with the meal. The last time we were there, they did drop off a stack of forks, but that was the first time in 25 years- and none of us used them

I eat with my fingers all the time, but if my great grandmother were alive and saw me do it, she would snatch me bald.

That looks delicious. I would totally eat it like a cavewoman.

Now I'm craving lamb!

aside from the fact that i don't eat lamb, i don't thin kthat i would be able to eat it w/o utensils. my fiance might though...he's more of a pick up the piece of chicken with his fingers and dig in type.

food like that taste way better when you dont use utensil!!! Side note I think it is freak HILAROUS when people eat pupusas with a fork and knife and then look at me like I am crazy for digging in!!!

I've never had pupusas, but assuming it's the same idea as dal puris ... and I probably would crackup too if someone tried to eat one of those with a knife and fork.

ew I hate lamb

I've never had lamb or couscous so I'd have to try it first. I'm so uncultured. *blushes*.

I don't eat lamb, but would definitely eat with my hands. I often laugh at my "dainty" mother who eats pizza with a fork and knife. But hey it's her thing.

IN A HEART BEAT...