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western India is heavily influenced with Aryan ideas. Laal Maas is one of the famous Western India's famous dishes. West India is also renowned for their sweet tasting dishes and the sweets they eat with their meal is called Farsan. Usually, such a meal is eaten arab style, on a large platter or plate called Thaali.

In Eastern India, Oriental people are more common. India is a host to exiles from Tibet, Nepalese refugees, Bhutanese immigrants, Burma's dissidents and the rebellious province of Assam. Thus all of these influences and from the ancient ties to China heavily influences the dietary customs in Eastern India. You will find a unique blend of vegetarian food with the Chinese food cooking style. Some of the best foods in India can be found in this area. Along with Rice, Fish also has a large impact on east Indian cuisine as most of these towns are fishing villages or large ports. There are also huge influences from Buddhism along with Hinduism. There are also alot of seeds used in the cooking, such seeds as aniseed, mustard, fenugreek seed, cumin seed and black cumin seed.

The development of the dietary customs are as old as history itself and as varied as the people of India. In the small villages of India, especially in Central and Southern India, it is customary to be invited to eat together with the village head or family members. When invited, you are expected to wash your hands and eat what is offered. If you reject the offered food, it is seen as almost like a insult.

In Italy, if you hold your fingers together and wag your hand in a up and down manner, it is a insult or a curse. In India, it actually means "What to eat?" in a friendly manner. Also be aware that, especially in India, when you are invited into a house or invited to eat together, please take off your shoes or sandals. This is a common courtesy that is done by all, and do it even if the host says its okay. If you are not sure, then take a quick glance at the other members of the household or the other guests. Once you are ready to sit down, please wait till the host directs you to sit. It is customary for the host or the head of the household to urge you to sit in a particular seat and it would be rude to sit first.

Unlike the west, Indians always have and will continue to eat with their fingers. It gets a little while to get used to, but it is something you must keep an eye out for especially when eating from a large central plate (some restaurants have a giant platter of food and

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