Poep Mu - A Traditional Thai Way Of Eating

A traditional Thai way of eating is to use one's fingers as an eating utensil. In an authentic Thai household occupied by the elder generation, this method of eating is usually practiced. This method is also known as "Peep Mu".

Before starting to eat, one should wash his/her hands thoroughly. Then a piece of clean cloth will be laid on the floor. Food will be placed in the middle of the cloth, where all members of the household will gather around. Each one gets a bowl of rice.

Common spoons will be used when topping rice with curry or other dishes. One then uses the gingers of the right hand to grasp food in a small portion suitable for one's mouth and slowly push it with a thumb into the mouth.

One has to be careful not to let any pieces of rice or food fall from the mouth, otherwise that person will be considered as lacking appropriate etiquette. One also has to be careful not to leave rice stuck to either the moth or the hand. A thumb should be used to wipe it off. Do not use a finger to flick it onto the plate. When finished eating, clean the hands properly.