Eating etiquette

The majority of Nepali taboos are probably related to food. One underlying principle is that anything you touch with your lips becomes polluted (jutho) for everyone else. If you take a sip from someone else's water bottle, avoid letting it touch your lips (the same goes for your own). Don't eat off someone else's plate or offer anyone food you've sampled, and don't touch cooked food until you've purchased it. Always wash your hands and mouth before eating and again afterward.

When eating with your hands, only use the right one. The left hand is for washing after defecating; you can use it to hold a glass or utensil while eating, but don't use it to wipe your mouth or pass food. Giving and receiving everything with the right hand is considered polite. Offer money, food, or gifts with both hands, or with the right hand while the left touches the wrist, to show respect.

Try to eat less on your first serving so you can request a second. This is an excellent complement for the host. Hindus abstain from eating beef out of respect for the cow. Nepal as a whole has generally followed suit. While it is usually acceptable to eat it in front of a Nepali, do not offer them beef. Many Nepalis abstain from alcohol as well.