Immigrants in Indiana - Afghanistan: Culture

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Food and Etiquette

• Afghans usually sit on cushions on the floor called tushak arranged around a mat called dastarkhan. It is important to sit in such a way that the soles of one's feet are not exposed or directed at people, as this is considered rude.
• Prior to the meal, a wash bin is provided for diners to wash their hands before helping themselves to the communal dishes.
• Food is served in communal dishes.  To eat, one uses the fingers of the right hand or use a piece of naan, a type of unleavened bread.  The left hand is never used, because it is reserved for personal hygiene.
• The cuisine is a blend of western Asian and Indian traditions that feature the country’s most important crops, including rice, corn, barley, and wheat. Middle East influence is evident by kebabs, and the liberal use of yogurt, mint, rose water, saffron, and sesame seeds. Common cooking methods are deep-frying, stir-frying, and stewing. 
• Tea is consumed throughout the day and at every meal, allowing family and friends to start up a conversation at the beginning of a visit, or linger over a meal. Tea is refilled automatically until someone places a hand over the glass and says he or she has had enough.
• In many areas belches are considered a sign of a satisfied dinner.
• A clear plate is a sign that the diner is still hungry, while leaving a few bites of food on the plate indicates that the diner has finished eating. 
• Families eat meals together, except when a male guest is present, then women eat separately.  Women do not dine out alone or with friends.
• The guest is seated at the head of the table and is treated to an abundant spread. Out of respect for the host’s generosity, the guest is expected to show appreciation by eating with gusto and accepting second or third helpings.
• Pashtun cuisine is popular for its use of dried fruits.  A popular dish is a spiced rice meal called Pulao.  They are forbidden from eating pork or indulging in alcoholic drinks.
• When visiting and served tea, it is polite for guests to have more than one cup.
• After the meal, a wash basin is passed around again for diners to clean their hands.

An example of a Tajik feast. Photo from wikipedia.org

• To beckon a person, one motions downward, with the palm of the hand facing down. 
• To request divine assistance at the beginning or end of an activity (trip, meal, project), one holds both hands in front of the chest, palms up as if holding a book. 
• Afghans typically sit with legs crossed but make sure not to point the soles of the feet toward someone else, as doing so is impolite.

• When shaking hands or eating food, it is generally considered impolite to use the left hand.

• When visiting or having visitors, some women use a purdah (curtain) that creates a physical boundary between men and women, so the women are not seen by the men. They are also used in schools. 

• Visitations are often segregated by gender.
• Women are accompanied by a male relative when visiting another household. 
• Married women visit their families twice a year for several weeks at a time.
• Homes have special rooms.  In Dari it is called mehman-khana, and in Pashto it is called kota, where male hosts receive male guests.
• Any business occurs after refreshments.
• Guests do not bring gifts.
• If invited to a private home, shoes must be removed before entering. Afghanistan is a hierarchical society, and it is important to greet people in order of their seniority, shaking the hand of the eldest male first.