How Damascenes Talk About Food: Deliciously Funny Expressions

You know how people say they love food? Well… in Damascus, we live it. We’ve got a word for every bite, every sip, every moment you even think about food. It’s more than just eating; it’s how, when, and what you eat that matters. Let’s explore some of the funniest and most relatable expressions in the Damascene food dictionary. You might even catch yourself using one or two after this

Based on timing

Snacking after the meal?
“Na’rish na’rasheh” — not hungry, just feel like crunchin’.

Full but still eating?
“Na’ne’ na’na’ah” — couldn’t resist, okay?!

Each drink has its own vibe

Soup = shaff (sip it!)

Tea = shafaT (a good slurp)

Water = kara’ (gulp it down)

Licorice = ghabb (big gulp)

Coffee = mazmaza (slow and classy)

And the food? You bet it’s got verbs too

Eating a sheep’s head?
“Fassast el ras” — picked it clean!

Bones?
“Mallasto”.

Foul (fava beans)?
“Ghammaset” — dunked that bread like a pro.

Rice pudding?
“Lahatto” — straight-up spooned it all.

Cucumber?
“QaraTto” — bite, crunch, done.

Soup?
“Shar’et” — sipped with love.

Pickles?
“Arashet” — just a nibble (or five).

Lettuce?
“Harashet” — leaf by leaf.

Gum?
“Jala’”

And when it is kibbeh time?

You come up with the most beautiful description:

That golden crunch?
“Ishtaghal el safe’ wel tare’” — the crisp just kicked in!

Our dialect is rich, delightful, and makes you experience the details of the food as if it were a story!

Do you know more funny or unique Damascene food expressions? Share them with us!

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