What are the most common foods in Afghanistan?
Known as the dastarkhan or sofrah, the table spread is an
important expression of culture in Afghanistan. Regardless of
economic status, creating an adequate destarkhan is important to
any family, especially when having guests. A large cloth will most
likely be spread over a traditional rug in the living area or on a
formal dining table. Most likely a young member of the family will
present a "aftabah WA lagan", a copper basin and elaborate pot
filled with water for the household to wash their hands in. He or
she will go around the destarkhan to each member, pour water over
the hands. Soap is provided, as is a drying cloth. The destarkhan
is then dutifully filled with breads, accompaniments, relishes,
appetizers, main courses, salads, rice, and fruits. Arrangement of
foods is important when having guests; they must have easy access
to the specialty foods. Young children are taught how to spread a
good destarkhan and will be busy helping their parents.
