Eating Etiquette
In Somalia, lunch is typically the largest meal of the day and is typically consumed with family.
Women are traditionally expected to prepare and cook food. Typically, the males will socialize elsewhere while the ladies cook the food in the kitchen. It might not be suitable for a man to demonstrate his expertise in the kitchen or cooking to his male peers (although Somalis living overseas tend to be more relaxed about this).
When dining at home, men and women typically dine in different rooms. This might also happen when going to a restaurant to eat. Before a meal is served, washing your hands is essential. Occasionally, hosts will bring visitors a basin or jug of water, so they can wash their hands at the table before and after a meal. Everyone congregates around a huge communal dish, which might be set down on a table or the floor.
Utensils are typically not needed to eat Somali food. Everybody often serves themselves from a plate using their right hand, scooping the food with their fingers. Food shouldn't be directly touched with the left hand. Injera is frequently used as a scoop. This type of pancake, which resembles a sponge, is frequently used to absorb food scraps. It is consumed with nearly every food. From the portion of the platter that is in front of you, help yourself. From the portion of the platter that is in front of you, help yourself. Reaching over to consume food that is facing other people or on the other side of the dish is rude.
Never return food that you have taken in with your hands to the dish. It's considered impolite to overeat. Only request additional dishes at special occasions. At the conclusion of the meal, it's polite to leave some food on your plate to let the host know they've served plenty. After eating, it's rude to lick your fingers. Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol and pork, which are also uncommon in Somalia. If you know your Somali counterpart is Muslim, don't offer them alcohol or pork byproducts (such gelatine). Halal criteria should be followed when preparing meat. Throughout Ramadan, avoid eating in public.
