The Lord Buddha gave this reflection about finding and eating food:

Properly considering alms food, I use it: not playfully, nor for intoxication, nor for putting on weight, nor for beautification; but simply for the survival and continuance of this body, for ending its afflictions, for the support of the chaste life, (thinking) I will destroy old feelings (of hunger) and not create new feelings (from overeating). Thus I will maintain myself, be blameless, and live in comfort.

The alms bowl is another practical symbol of Buddhism, and, like the robes, another requisite of the monks.

Although every bhikkhu is given an alms bowl (and a set of robes) when he becomes a monk, not all of them will actually go on an alms round and only a minority — usually they are the forest meditation bhikkhus — will eat from their bowl sitting on the floor.

Therefore many monks will eat using plates and dishes, while some will eat sitting on the floor at a small table and others at a normal western-style table.

One should not feel shy about asking a monk as to his normal way of eating and then fit in with that.

Those forest bhikkhus who keep the austere practices (dhutanga or tudong) will be stricter about only using one eating vessel.

This can simplify life and remind the bhikkhu that although food is necessary for bodily health he does not have to indulge in an obsession with taste. (It also saves washing-up time.)

Learn more about the Theravadin Buddhist Monk’s Rules here:

The Bhikkhus’ Rules – Guide for Laypeople