Of course, it is needless to remind you of the richness and diversity of the Moroccan cuisine. Among the numerous delectable dishes, you might certainly have tasted or at least heard of the famous delicious "Lamb Tagine with prunes and almond" which is famous worldwide. Well, this one particularly is our main course in this "meal" paper.
The basic rules of eating habits in Morocco include lots of detailed particularities. Generally, the Moroccan table manners are a little severe and are meant to be respected by everyone. Like everywhere else, the eating habits in the Moroccan culture involve some "Dos" and "Don'ts" that you have to stick to and follow.
First, let's talk about the "Dos". Before eating you should wash your hands and dry them with a special towel to cleanse them because Moroccans eat with their bare hands. The food is usually served in one single dish put on a knee-high table mostly spherical- around which the whole members of the family gather. You should sit up straight on the floor and use your right hand for eating, use three fingers only, not all. More importantly, you should say, "Bismi-llah" (In the name of Allah) before you start, and eat from the spot in front of you in the communal dish. You also need to pick up the food with a piece of bread, but not the meat. Moroccans are used to keeping meat last because they want to make sure every body has an equal share of it. Finally when you finish the meal, pronounce, "Alhamdu Lillah" (Praise and thanks be to ALLAH)
Second the "Don'ts". These are the strictest and the most exigent. It is impolite to start eating before everybody is present and seated by the table. Besides, it is not tolerated to put your elbows on the table. Also, you shouldn't speak with your mouth full. Furthermore, you shouldn't touch any part of your body while eating, like scratching your head or -worse- your noise. More importantly, you shouldn't criticize the cooking if you don't like it. Finally, don't burp, belch or make noise with your chewing, it is disgusting.
There are other issues that one has to take into account in the Moroccan eating manners, but these are the most significant of all.
