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Interestingly, during the Ottoman Empire, this dish was typically served as the last course of a meal, much like a modern dessert, highlighting how cultural perceptions of food can evolve over time. A 19th-century traveler noted the thrill of knowing that pilaf was always the concluding dish, following a lavish feast.
The Role of Coffee
Upon arriving at a guest’s home, it was customary to be welcomed with coffee, often thick Turkish coffee, served alongside various sweets. The importance of coffee in Ottoman customs is underscored by the fact that Turkish coffee was enjoyed with sophisticated preferences in bean selection, a nod to modern coffee subscription services like Trade that allow consumers to tailor their coffee experience.