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Diners were expected to eat with their fingers, primarily utilizing their right hand, as the act of bringing a knife to the table was deemed deeply inappropriate. This tradition highlighted the need for cooks to prepare food that could be easily eaten without utensils, fostering a tactile connection to the food.
The Dining Experience
When it came time to eat, guests would sit on low cushions around a low table, waiting for their host to begin. The ambiance was often serene, with minimal conversation as guests focused on the meal. Grace was said aloud in Arabic to thank and honor the meal before commencing to eat, emphasizing the value placed on the dining experience.