Snacks, Spreads and Sauces

The Palestinian table is only really happy when it’s covered with food. Once the empty breakfast dishes get cleared away, the table is ready and waiting for the next array of snacks, spreads and sauces. These are themselves just a prelude to the main meal later on. It’s not, however, all about the food. A table constantly covered with all these dishes says a number of things.

The first thing it says is ‘Welcome!’ Welcome to the table, everyone’s invited and please tuck in! Please be hungry and try all sorts of things. It’s a way to convey bounty, hospitality and generosity. There will always be more than enough food on the table. If someone turns up unannounced, it’s simply a case of pulling up an extra chair or making room on one of the great big sofas.