Earlier this year, Zoran Mamdani, a candidate for mayor in New York, became a topic of conversation when a video showed him eating rice with his hands. Some viewers found his method of eating unconventional.
This brief clip ignited discussions online about various topics including culture, social class, and what defines proper dining etiquette.
Critics point out inconsistencies in eating norms. One argument raised was, “If eating rice with your hands is considered odd, then why is it acceptable to eat pizza or burgers in the same way?”
Mamdani himself, who was born in Uganda, explained, “I have to eat with my hands.” He mentioned in an interview with a food magazine that, in Uganda, consuming salads with your hands is common practice.
After the video circulated, Texas Representative Brandon Gill took to social media to critique Mamdani, stating, “Civilized Americans don’t eat like this. If you refuse to adapt to Western customs, go back to the third world.”
Becky Geisel, an executive chef at a New Jersey kitchen, noted that the method of eating holds significance in many cultures. “When you eat with your hands, it relates to texture, sensation, temperature, and quality,” she remarked, pointing out that hand-eating is not uncommon in some African cultures, which have specific etiquette rules for such practices.
In contrast, Asian cuisines, like those from Japan and China, typically involve using chopsticks to enjoy rice, which can help to slow down the eating process, benefiting digestion.
A recent video shared by a social media account showed Mamdani addressing the criticism directly, suggesting the core dispute revolves around whether biryani should also be eaten with hands.
He referenced the widespread habit of eating with hands, citing examples including chicken wings and burgers, indicating that it’s a more common practice than some might think.
Fox News Digital reached out for commentary from Mamdani’s campaign.
Michael Puma, who runs a burger club in New York City, expressed that there are certainly appropriate contexts for different eating styles. Eating with hands can sometimes be discomforting, especially in public spaces where hygiene might be an issue.
Similarly, author Steve Santagati, who has traveled extensively, suggested that the issue may be more political than cultural, relating to public perceptions rather than dining traditions per se.
Puma emphasized that different cultures have varying norms about eating utensils. He shared that when he’s abroad and people eat with their hands, hosts often adjust by providing utensils once they notice he’s American.
This conversation isn’t entirely new. Former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio faced backlash in 2014 for using a fork to eat pizza, which many considered against unspoken local customs.
Puma explained that in Italy, using utensils for dishes like Neapolitan pizza is quite natural, particularly when it’s quite thin and messy. However, New York-style pizza allows for a more straightforward approach—pick it up and eat.
At Puma’s establishments, he noted that the vast majority of diners choose not to use utensils, showcasing the diversity in personal eating preferences.
