Strict rules on the bank of the Ganges

Indian cuisine has had a major effect on Western gastronomy in recent years. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of Indians are not vegetarians, but religion does play a significant role in cuisine even among people who consume meat. Muslims are not allowed to eat pork, while Sikhs can eat anything apart from beef. However, poverty keeps many people from eating any kind of meat. There are also major differences between regions, not only as a result of religious beliefs, but also tradition and the proximity of the sea. Indian food is usually spicy. Housewives prepare meals three times a day. Cooks never taste the food which is being cooked for fear of infections. Spoons and forks are not used in many places, with the right hand being used for eating instead. People living in villages never go to restaurants. The very simple restaurants seen in villages are visited by travellers only. However, the inhabitants of cities visit restaurants increasingly frequently, with middle class people going to restaurants with their families at least once a week. Foreign restaurants are popular. In ordinary restaurants, lunch or dinner for two costs only EUR 12. Tea houses are far more popular, with tea being consumed at least four times a day, but sometimes as often as 15 times.