Food Culture in the Middle East

• Shared meals are valued and it is important to gather for a meal, whether family, friends, coworkers, or other community members.
  • This can be seen during Ramadan, when Muslims throughout the region will invite their family, friends, and neighbors to join them in breaking their fast.
• Hospitality is an important part of Arab culture and therefore can be seen throughout the region.
• The traditional dining setting in the MENA region includes (This may differ across cultures):
  • (A sufra) Laid out newspapers, a cloth, or short table on which food is served so people can eat while seated on the floor.
  • Women and men dining separately, unless they are close family.
  • Little or no utensils as most will eat with the three fingers--index, middle and thumb--of their right hand.
• Types of food that are not consumed in the region:
  • Due to religious influences:
    • The majority of restaurants and grocery stores comply with halal guidelines
      • The sale and consumption of pig meat and alcohol is banned in parts of the MENA region.