During my travels through Thailand and Malaysia, I have eaten at numerous inexpensive Indian Restaurants – primarily in Bangkok, Cameron Highlands, Melaka and Langkawi Island. I am referring to those casual cafeteria type or budget affairs which cater to a mix of locals and frugally minded tourists. At most of these restaurants/cafés, when the waiter serves your meal he usually does not provide you with any napkins. With Indian food in particular, when picking up my curries, vegetables and rice with the Naan bread, I find my hands getting very dirty.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous rhetorical question, Why does the chicken cross the road? Like the reason for why the chicken crosses the road, have you ever wondered why inexpensive Indian restaurants typically don’t provide napkins to their customers?

Well, on my last night in Tanah Ratah (Cameron Highlands) while eating at The Kumar Indian Restaurant located two doors down from STARBUCKS, I decided to ask the manager what is the rationale behind this practice. I knew what the answer was going to be, but I just wanted to hear it from the source. Without mincing any words, the affable manager told me it is really all about improving the bottom line (money) – as the meals are so cheap, the restaurant can cut down on their expenses by not providing napkins to their customers; after all napkins cost money! Upon hearing this, it confirmed what I already knew. But taking the stance as the devil’s advocate, I told him that while his local customers from the surrounding area may not squawk at this practice, many westerners will perceive this no napkin policy as poor service and may become irritated having to ask for napkins all the time. While this practice may reduce the bottom line, it will most likely have an adverse affect on the waiter’s tips as well.

Before finishing our conversation, I was tempted to ask him, “Can I wipe my dirty hands on your shirt”. Of course, common sense got the better of me as I timidly asked him, “Can you bring me some more napkins?”

Still wondering what is the correct answer to “Why does the chicken cross the road?” The answer is - To get to the other side.