Itadakimasu — a word before eating

Before the first bite, Japanese people put their hands together and say itadakimasu — literally "I humbly receive." It thanks everyone and everything behind the meal: the farmer, the cook, and the plants and animals themselves. It works a lot like saying bismillah before eating in Tunisia — a small pause that turns a meal into a moment of gratitude. When the meal ends, there's a closing phrase too: gochisōsama deshita, "thank you for the feast." Try it with your next couscous. Hands together, a small nod: itadakimasu!