Sini (Turkish dining) facts for kids
The Sini (pronounced see-nee) is a special large, round tray, usually made of shiny brass or copper. In Turkish culture, people traditionally use these trays to serve meals to several people at once. The word "Sini" comes from the Persian word for a large tray.
What is a Sini?
A Sini is more than just a tray; it's a way of sharing a meal. These trays are often quite large, big enough for a whole family or group of friends to eat from together. They are usually round and made from metals like brass or copper, which can be polished to a beautiful shine.
How People Eat with a Sini
When it's time to eat, the Sini tray is usually placed on a special low stand. This stand might be called a sofra or a kasnak. A sofra is like a small, low table, while a kasnak looks like a drum without its top or bottom. These stands lift the tray a few inches off the floor.
Around the Sini, people sit or kneel on cushions or the floor. Small dishes filled with different foods are arranged on the tray. Each person has their own drinking glass, a napkin, and eating tools like forks or spoons. Everyone helps themselves to the delicious food from the shared dishes on the Sini. Often, a large cloth is placed under the tray. Diners can pull the edges of this cloth onto their laps, using it like a big napkin.
Sini in Turkish Culture
The Sini is a symbol of traditional Turkish dining. It represents sharing, family, and community meals. Eating around a Sini is a cozy and social experience. It brings people closer together as they enjoy food and conversation.
You might even see the word "Sini" in the names of Turkish restaurants. Both in Turkey and other countries, restaurants use this name to show they offer a taste of traditional Turkish food and hospitality. It helps them connect with the happy feeling of sharing a meal on these special trays.
