In some cultures borrowed bowls should never be returned empty, but what you choose to give involves some careful consideration
The act of returning Tupperware is something Hazim learned by observing her mother, as well as others in her community. “This is very common, very Lebanese,” says Hazim. It’s also something Hazim practises with people outside the Lebanese community. “My neighbour is a 92-year-old Italian man. I would take him homemade Lebanese pastries and biscuits and he always returned the container with lemons, garden tomatoes or fresh garden herbs,” she says.
“This Tupperware remained at our workplace and we all took turns taking it home and returning it with food to share. The original owner of the Tupperware ended up leaving but her Tupperware stayed and so did our tradition for a few years.” For gifting food, Mitchell says she likes to give something from the heart or that she’s made. Vegetables or a bunch of basil out of her garden, even homemade biscuits or pickles. “It’s just lovely to give back to people that have given to you.”