Eat These Foods With Your Hands, Even at Nice Restaurants
While etiquette often dictates the use of utensils, some foods are best enjoyed with your hands — and that's not just true for casual meals. Whether you're at a summer barbecue or a high-end restaurant, here are 10 finger-friendly foods you can dig into without hesitation.
1. Nachos
Nachos are a classic snack often served at bars, restaurants, and food trucks. While it's perfectly acceptable to eat them with your hands, you might want to use a fork for those heavily loaded with toppings. Just remember, sharing etiquette still applies — avoid scooping all the toppings with one chip.
2. Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are the ultimate messy finger food. Though larger pieces of chicken should be eaten with utensils, wings are meant to be picked up. This allows you to easily enjoy the meat without missing a bite. Just make sure to wash your hands before and after, especially in social settings.
3. Sushi
While sushi may seem delicate, most types, including nigiri and maki rolls, are actually designed to be eaten with your hands. This helps keep the rice intact, as chopsticks can cause the roll to fall apart. However, sashimi — slices of fish without rice — should be eaten with chopsticks for a cleaner experience.
4. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a summer staple and one of the most satisfying foods to eat with your hands. The trick is to take small bites and wipe your face frequently to manage any butter or stray kernels. Enjoying corn this way adds to the fun of barbecue meals.
5. Tacos
Tacos are another messy but delightful handheld food. Whether it's a street taco or a gourmet creation, using your hands allows you to fully enjoy the textures and flavors. If the taco falls apart, you can switch to a fork for the remaining ingredients.
6. Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is one of the few items at formal events that can be eaten with your hands. The tail serves as a natural handle for dipping into cocktail sauce. Once you've finished, discard the tail neatly onto your plate.
7. Oysters
Oysters are meant to be eaten straight from the shell. While a small fork is usually provided to loosen the meat, it's perfectly acceptable to use your hands to bring the shell to your mouth. This tactile approach heightens the experience of enjoying fresh seafood.
8. Artichokes
When eating whole, steamed artichokes, it's customary to pull off each leaf and dip it into sauce with your fingers. The edible part of the leaf is enjoyed by pulling it through your teeth. Only after the leaves are gone should you use a fork to eat the artichoke heart.
9. Ethiopian Food
Ethiopian cuisine is traditionally eaten with your hands, using a flatbread called injera to scoop up meats and vegetables. This method of eating, known as "kamayan" in some cultures, invites diners to engage more intimately with their food. At restaurants specializing in Ethiopian cuisine, it's not just permissible — it's encouraged.
10. Asparagus
If served without heavy sauces, asparagus spears are perfectly fine to eat with your hands. Historically, this vegetable has been enjoyed in formal meals as a finger food. However, when it's covered in butter or sauce, it's best to switch to a fork and knife.
Whether you're indulging in sushi at a high-end restaurant or digging into nachos at a casual food truck, these foods remind us that eating with our hands can be both fun and appropriate. Just remember — clean hands are a must!
References: 12 Things It's OK to Eat with Your Hands | What Do We Gain by Eating With Our Hands?
