There is an Arabic proverb to the effect that the measure of a guest's regard for his host is the amount of food which he eats. Coffee is essential to hospitality in Lebanon, as it is in all Middle Eastern countries. It is the traditional sign of welcome. The intricacies of the coffee ritual are explained later on in this book. Menus are carefully planned by Lebanese hostesses, tradition playing an important role in the selection of food for certain occasions.
Many foods have significance in the Arab cultural pattern.
These dishes are reserved for specific occasions. For instance, special sweets are prepared to celebrate the birth of a baby boy or to mark the cutting of a baby's first tooth. Special cakes called ma'moul are baked only at Easter or Christmas. The occasion also determines the amount of sugar added to Arabic coffee. Generally, the sweeter the coffee, the more joyous the occasion.