Nowadays, most Malay homes have normal dining table and chairs but still, the basic etiquette is still followed, especially regarding the respect of food.
You will be served with a pair of fork and spoon but not dining knives.
However, some Malay families adopt elaborate western ways of dining, you would be wondering if you have entered an English home by mistake!
Now, let us cover finger food, snack and rules during teatime.
For finger food, ketor or a bowl of water for cleaning your fingers usually are provided.
If a sauce is offered, dip once in the communal sauce dish and eat right away. Do not dip the piece that you have tasted back for more sauce! This is okay of course if each diner is given an individual sauce dish.
Tissue paper or serviette usually are prepared for you to wipe your mouth and fingers.
If you must use a toothpick, use it while covering your mouth with both hands.
If there are several pieces in the plate left, do not take the last piece left. What you can do, place the second last piece back into the plate and both remaining pieces are taken simultaneously by you and the person before you.
There is a story behind this. It was said that the young lady who took the last piece of food on the plate would never get her match in marriage. Hence, the invention of this rule. However, the real reason is, the young lady should think of others before taking that last piece of food for herself.