Interviews with Americans Enraged at Zohran Mamdani Eating With His Hands

Our journalists visited the food carts, restaurants, bars, and country fairs of America this week, to interview ordinary folks about the controversy that has erupted across the nation - New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani eating biryani rice at a Bangladeshi restaurant in Astoria, Queens, with his hands.

Mamdani, known for his progressive policies and cultural pride, was seen deftly scooping rice and curry with his fingers in a manner consistent with South Asian dining traditions. The sight, captured in a grainy cellphone video, sparked outrage across the country.

“It's just uncivilized,” said Chad Thompson, 34, a construction worker in Ohio, as he licked ketchup off his fingers after demolishing a Texas-style burger at Ruby Tuesday's in Dayton. “This is America. We put our meals between slices of mass-produced white bread like normal people. What's next, eating soup with his hands?”

“I couldn't believe my eyes,” said Karen Miller, 42, a mother of three, as she gripped a half-eaten corndog at a county fair. “It's disrespectful to our values. I mean, who eats like that?” she added, wiping mustard from her chin with the back of her hand.

The backlash has taken social media by storm, with hashtags like #HandsOffOurFood and #ForksForFreedom trending on X. Posts from users decrying Mamdani's “barbaric” eating habits have garnered thousands of likes.

“I'm all for cultural diversity, but there's a line,” said Jake Park, 29, a software developer, as he crunched through a bag of Cheetos. “What if he's signing bills with curry-stained fingers?” 

Asked about the controversy, Mamdani remained unfazed. “Eating with your hands is a cherished tradition in many cultures, including mine,” he said in a statement. “It's a way to connect with food and heritage. I'm not sure why it's a problem, but I'd be happy to discuss it over some naan and dal - if you want to try to eat a naan with a fork, that's up to you.”

Meanwhile, culinary experts have pointed out the irony of the outrage. “Americans eat a ton of food with their hands,” said food historian Dr. Emily Nguyen. “From fried chicken to apple pie, hand-eating is as American as it gets. This backlash is less about hygiene and more about politics. Americans across the country are afraid that someone in New York might get a free bus ride.”

The controversy shows no signs of slowing down. On patrol in Atlanta, Georgia, Bob Clarkson, 47, voiced his disapproval. “It's about respect for our way of life. If he wants to eat like that, he should go back to wherever they do that kind of thing.”

As the nation approaches its July 4th national holiday, one thing is clear: the debate over hand-eating is stickier than a plate of ribs at a Memphis barbecue.

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Biryani is a fragrant, flavorful South Asian rice dish known for its complex blend of spices, layered preparation, and rich cultural history. It typically consists of long-grain basmati rice cooked with marinated meat (chicken, lamb, beef, fish, or shrimp), vegetables, or paneer, infused with aromatic spices like saffron, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and star anise. The dish is often layered, with partially cooked rice and meat or vegetables steamed together, allowing flavors to meld, a technique called dum cooking.

Key Characteristics:

• Texture: The rice is fluffy and distinct, not mushy, with tender meat or vegetables.
• Flavors: A balance of savory, spicy, and sometimes tangy notes, often garnished with fried onions, nuts (cashews, almonds), raisins, and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

Biryani has Mughal origins, evolving across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyond, with each region adding unique twists. It’s a celebratory dish for festivals, weddings, and gatherings, often eaten with hands in South Asian tradition, enhancing the sensory experience. Its preparation is an art, requiring skill to balance spices and achieve the perfect texture.