Tap anything on the table. Every piece tells you what it is and when it’s yours.
Plates
Bowls and cups
Cutlery
Glasses
Also on the table
Customs
No, then yes
Hosts offer more, and then offer again. Declining once or twice is modest; if they keep insisting, accepting a little is the gracious move. Source
Right hand
Eat, pass dishes and take cups with your right hand, or with both hands together. The left hand is traditionally kept away from food. Source
Shoes and the floor
Take your shoes off if your host does. Some homes serve dinner on a cloth on the floor: sit cross-legged or on one knee, and keep your feet away from the food. Source
Thank the cook
Praise the food warmly. You'll hear “Sahtein” (roughly, good health) as the meal begins, and “Daymeh” (may your table always be full) is a gracious thank-you when you finish. Source
Many countries
This table blends Levantine and Gulf customs. Food, formality, whether men and women eat together, and alcohol all vary by country, faith and family. Source
Plate · In front of you
Your plate
Yours alone. Expect the host to keep filling it.
- When
- All meal.
- How
- Start with small portions so you have room to accept more when it is offered.
- Why
- Going back for more shows you are enjoying the meal, which pleases the host.
Source: Cultural Atlas, Lebanese Culture: Etiquette
Other · Top left
Flatbread
Khubz, a round pita-style bread. It is as much a tool as a food.
- When
- On the table all meal.
- How
- Tear off a piece (both hands are fine for tearing), fold it, and use it to scoop dips or wrap meat and salad. Eat with your right hand.
- Why
- Bread does the work a fork would do, which is why it is at almost every meal.
Source: Maroush, Lebanese Bread: Khobez and Flatbreads
Cutlery · Left of your plate
Fork
Many homes set forks, especially at a table. Others eat by hand. Both are fine.
- When
- For salads and anything bread can't pick up.
- How
- If a fork is set, use it as you would at home. If the family eats by hand, eat with your right hand like them.
- Why
- Cutlery or hands both work; keeping food in your right hand is what counts.
Source: Cultural Atlas, Saudi Arabian Culture: Etiquette
Cutlery · Right of your plate
Spoon
For the rice. In many homes rice dishes are eaten with a spoon.
- When
- The main dish.
- How
- Hold it in your right hand, even if you're left-handed. If the family eats rice by hand, follow them with your right hand.
- Why
- The left hand is traditionally kept away from food.
Source: Arab America, Dinner Etiquette and the Arab Culture
Glass · Right, above the spoon
Water glass
Water, juice or soft drinks. Whether there's alcohol depends on the family.
- When
- All meal.
- How
- Don't bring alcohol as a gift unless you know the family drinks.
- Why
- Many Muslim families don't drink, while in Lebanon some families do. When unsure, bring sweets.
Source: Cultural Atlas, Lebanese Culture: Etiquette
Plate · Middle of the table
Shared platter
The main dish, for everyone: rice and meat, like kabsa or maqluba.
- When
- The heart of the meal, once everyone is seated.
- How
- Take from the part nearest you, or let the host serve you. They often move the best pieces your way.
- Why
- One big dish shared by all is hospitality you can see: there is always more.
Source: Saudipedia (Saudi Ministry of Media), Saudi Kabsa
Bowl · Top left, beside the platter
Hummus
A shared dip. Scoop it with bread rather than a spoon.
- When
- From the start, alongside everything else.
- How
- Tear off some flatbread, fold it into a scoop, and dip.
- Why
- Across the Levant, bread is the everyday tool for dips.
Source: Maroush, Lebanese Bread: Khobez and Flatbreads
Bowl · Top right, beside the platter
Salad
A shared salad, like fattoush or tabbouleh. Help yourself.
- When
- Alongside the main dish.
- How
- Use the serving spoon to put some on your own plate. Pass dishes with your right hand, or both hands.
- Why
- Tasting every dish is a way of showing respect and thanks to the cook.
Source: Cultural Atlas, Lebanese Culture: Etiquette
Other · Right, near the dates (drawn as a small cup; a real finjan has no handle)
Arabic coffee cup
Arabic coffee (qahwa) in a finjan: a small cup with no handle, filled only partway.
- When
- In the Gulf, usually on arrival with dates. Coffee styles and timing vary across the Levant.
- How
- Take it and hand it back with your right hand. When you've had enough, gently shake the cup side to side as you return it.
- Why
- The host keeps refilling until you signal. The shake is the polite way to say no more.
Source: UNESCO, Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity
Other · Bottom right, with the coffee
Dates
Dates, served with Arabic coffee. Their sweetness offsets its bitterness.
- When
- With the coffee, often on arrival.
- How
- Take one or two with your right hand. Put the pit on a napkin or the edge of the dish.
- Why
- Coffee and dates together are a classic welcome, especially in the Gulf.
Source: Cultural Atlas, Saudi Arabian Culture: Etiquette
Glass · Top right
Tea glass
A small glass of hot tea, often sweet, sometimes with mint.
- When
- Often after coffee on arrival, and again after the meal.
- How
- Accept it and sip slowly.
- Why
- Accepting a drink is a mark of friendship. Turning it down can feel like turning the host down.
Source: Cultural Atlas, Saudi Arabian Culture: Etiquette