Some friendships start with a handshake. Others? With a shared meal, a clink of glasses, or a bite of something delicious. Food has a magical way of bringing people together, turning strangers into friends and friends into family. Across the world, certain dishes and drinks aren’t just about filling stomachs—they’re about building bonds, creating traditions, and showing appreciation in the most delicious way possible.
Ever wondered what friendship tastes like? Let’s dig in and find out!
1. Argentina & Uruguay: Sharing Mate – A Bonding Ritual
In Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, drinking mate (MAH-teh) isn’t just about enjoying a herbal drink—it’s an act of trust and inclusion. If someone shares their mate with you, it means you’re truly part of their circle.
Why Mate Represents Friendship:
- It’s communal—one gourd and one metal straw (bombilla) are passed around, making the drink a symbol of unity.
- The person serving (cebador) prepares it carefully and refills it after each sip, ensuring everyone is included.
- It’s a sign of trust—sharing the same straw is a way of saying, "We are close enough to share everything, even a drink."
If you’re ever invited to drink mate in Argentina or Uruguay, accepting it means embracing friendship. And if you refuse? You might unintentionally offend your host!
2. Turkey: Lokum (Turkish Delight) – A Sweet Symbol of Affection
For centuries, Lokum (Turkish Delight) has been more than just a delicious treat—it’s a symbol of friendship, hospitality, and goodwill.
Why Lokum Is a Friendship Gift:
- During the Ottoman Empire, Lokum was gifted to close friends and esteemed guests as a sign of respect and appreciation.
- It’s traditionally offered with coffee or tea, making it part of social bonding rituals.
- Even today, a beautifully wrapped box of Lokum is a popular friendship gift, especially during visits or celebrations.
So if a Turkish friend gives you Lokum, it’s not just candy—it’s a heartfelt gesture of connection.
3. Japan: Onigiri – A Homemade Gesture of Care
In Japan, Onigiri (rice balls) are more than just a snack—they are often homemade and given to friends or loved ones as a gesture of care and appreciation.
Why Onigiri Represents Friendship:
- In traditional Japanese culture, people make Onigiri for their close friends, family, or colleagues as a sign of support.
- It’s commonly prepared for long journeys, exams, or difficult times, showing that someone is thinking about you.
- Parents and friends often shape Onigiri into hearts, stars, or even cute characters—turning it into a personalized token of affection.
If a Japanese friend ever makes you Onigiri, they’re saying: "I care about you, and I want you to be well."
4. India: Mithai – Sweetening Friendship Bonds
In India, Mithai (traditional sweets) play a huge role in friendships and relationships. Giving and receiving Mithai is an ancient tradition deeply embedded in social life.
Why Mithai Is a Symbol of Friendship:
- During festivals like Diwali and Raksha Bandhan, exchanging Mithai strengthens social bonds.
- In many Indian communities, when visiting a friend’s home, it’s customary to bring a box of Mithai as a sign of goodwill.
- Mithai is also shared during celebrations, weddings, and happy occasions—because joy is sweeter when shared!
Next time an Indian friend gives you Mithai, know that it’s more than just dessert—it’s a symbol of their happiness and appreciation for your friendship.
5. Ethiopia & Eritrea: Sharing Injera – A Communal Meal of Trust
In Ethiopia and Eritrea, Injera (a spongy flatbread) isn’t just food—it’s a deeply communal experience that reinforces friendship and trust.
Why Injera Represents Connection:
- Meals are traditionally served on a large, shared Injera platter, and everyone eats together from the same plate.
- In Gursha, a cultural practice, friends and family feed each other by hand, symbolizing closeness and generosity.
- Eating from the same Injera plate creates a bond of trust—there are no individual portions, only shared food and shared friendship.
If someone offers you a bite of Injera by hand, they’re saying: "I trust you completely."
6. South Korea: Bingsu – A Dessert Made for Sharing
In South Korea, Bingsu (shaved ice dessert) is all about friendship and togetherness.
Why Bingsu Is a Social Dessert:
- Traditionally, one bowl is ordered for the whole group, and everyone digs in together.
- It’s a popular treat for friends to share after school or work, turning dessert into a social event.
- Many Koreans believe that eating Bingsu together strengthens friendships—especially if you can agree on toppings!
If your Korean friends suggest sharing a Bingsu, take it as a sign that they enjoy your company and want to bond over a sweet treat.
7. China: The Meaning Behind Tea Ceremonies
In China, tea is more than a drink—it’s an expression of friendship, respect, and harmony.
Why Tea Symbolizes Friendship:
- Tea houses have been historical gathering places for friends to connect and converse.
- Offering someone tea—especially during special tea ceremonies—is a way of saying, "I value you."
- In many Chinese communities, serving tea to a friend or elder is an act of honor and gratitude.
So if a Chinese friend offers you a carefully brewed cup of tea, it’s a small but meaningful gesture of trust and companionship.
Friendship on a Plate: A Tradition That Never Fades
Across cultures, friendship is celebrated through shared meals, meaningful gifts, and ritualistic food traditions. Whether it’s passing around a cup of mate in Argentina, gifting Lokum in Turkey, or feeding a friend Injera in Ethiopia, food is a universal language of love and connection.
So the next time you sit down for a meal with a friend, remember: you’re partaking in a global tradition that’s been uniting people for centuries.
Not something you can snack on, but definitely a treat for the heart—My Friends and I is the ultimate friendship book for kids ages 5-12! This fun, interactive book gets passed around, letting friends, family, teachers, coaches, or anyone special answer fun prompts like “What’s your favorite food?” and “What do you want to be when you grow up?” There's even space for a photo or a doodle—because what’s a friendship without a little creativity?
It’s more than just a book—it’s a memory maker, a friendship booster, and a keepsake that kids will treasure forever. Who’s ready to fill it with fun?
Photo by Yan Krukau