fork and spoon

In the States, when we set the dinner table it usually consists of a plate, a spoon, a fork and a knife. The knife is used to cut things. The fork is the primary instrument for eating. The spoon is used for soupy things generally found in a bowl. Correct me if I'm wrong.

In Cambodia, a place setting usually consists of a plate, a soup spoon and a fork. Rice and a saucy meat is often served. Which might lead a foreigner to ask - where's the knife to cut? If that is what you want, you will be hard pressed to find one. The edge of the spoon is used to cut. If it is tough meat, then stab it with the fork and pull it apart with the spoon. The spoon is the primary instrument for eating - yes, even fried rice with no sauce.

It takes some getting used to, but I've found that I rather enjoy just having two eating utensils. No need to wonder if I am using the salad or desert fork for the main course - there is only one fork and it is mostly used to help pile things on the spoon in order to shovel them in to the mouth. Very efficient and practical. It works. The only exceptions I can think of are thick meat steaks or hamburgers - but Cambodian's don't seem to really prefer these foods anyway.

If you live outside of the Asia region. I recommend trying to eat with a spoon and fork only. You might like it. You can report back on the results of your experiment.