Re: The best material for plates (tableware) is:

[blue_cowdawg]

I have fond memories from one of my visits to Singapore eating "Indian Food" off of a banana leaf using Nan bread as our "utensils." I quoted "Indian" as a generic term in this case as I'm not totally sure what culinary tradition the food was (some sort of spiced lamb, lentils, rice, raisins, pistachio nuts and other ingredients along with some spicy as all get out condiments) but it was damn good. My server did not speak much in the way of English and I certainly have no knowledge of their first language. Lots of pointing, gesturing and smiles all around.