Families in
Tunisia
eat sitting around a mida , which is a round , low table , and food is served in a big dish . Men and women sit eating together , unlike in some Arabic countries . In some traditional families , women leave the table at the end of the meal while men stay . In religious families start their meals by saying bis millah and ending it with ilhamdulillah , ((mentioning God's name in both cases) . It is expected that you are dressed well when invited in the home of a Tunisian . You may not begin eating before the father of the family . When eating , avoid passing things or eating with you left hand as it is reserved for the less salubrious tasks . You should not refuse if someone offers you something . If you are invited to a Tunisian home , it is better to bring a gift from your own country , however sweets from an upmarket , Tunisian patisserie , fruit , nuts or flowers will also do .
