Most Nepalis eat with the right hand, though urban diners have adopted silverware. Food may be served in a thaali, a metal plate divided into separate compartments. The method is to attack the mountain of daal bhaat quickly, while it's still hot. If the daal came in a separate bowl, pour it over the rice, breaking up chunks with your fingers as you do. The hand remains in constant motion until the food vanishes.
Servers make the rounds with bowls of daal and vegetables.
A one-plate daal bhaat is rarely enough for a Nepali. On the trail, porters fill up on three plates before heading up a hill.