Be on time for dinner in a Malay home. The dinner is usually served immediately with no drinks or appetizers beforehand.
Indians always wash their hands before and after a meal. In a Malay home, you will be given a small bowl of water and a towel. Use the water to wash your hands.
Malays and Indians use a spoon along with their hands to eat, but never use your left hand to eat (unclean). If given a spoon and fork, hold the spoon in your right hand and use your fork (left hand) to push food onto the spoon.
Never let the serving spoon touch your plate and never share your leftovers. Indians believe that anything that touches someone's plate is tainted.
It is impolite to refuse initial offers of food or drink. To refuse seconds, place your hand above your plate and say, "No, thank you." When finished, place your spoon and fork together on your plate. If they are not placed together, you will be offered more food.
After a meal with Indians, expect to stay for approximately one hour of conversation.
Dress