Diet
Breakfast consists of bread, cheese and sometimes eggs. Root vegetables, grains and fruit, wine and meats are staples. Bean casserole (tavche-gravche), is a basic food. Pizza is very popular. There are no taboos in food other than the normal ones associated with religion, but folk beliefs about food are common. Among Christians, a bird is eaten at Christmas, and lamb for Easter. Among Muslims, a lamb is slaughtered for Kurban Bayram. Sweet desserts are associated with religious holidays, New Year's Day, births, weddings and funerals.
Mealtime
Breakfast is eaten about 9 AM by office workers, but earlier by factory laborers and rural residents. Dinner is the main meal, taken about 2 PM. Supper is usually eaten later after an afternoon siesta. Meals are always prepared just before consumption, although they may include leftovers. Hot food is often left to cool to room temperature. Other meals begin with appetizers (meze), served with fruit brandy (rakia).