What should I do if they roll their eyes at our traditional dishes? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child dismisses a traditional dish with an eye-roll, it is essential to respond with calm authority, focusing on the attitude rather than the appetite. The goal is not to force them to like a particular flavour, but to cultivate an environment of respect for family heritage, the food itself, and the person who prepared it. By separating the behaviour from the preference, you can uphold family values while still honouring your child’s developing tastes. 

Address the Behaviour, Not the Preference 

The first step is to distinguish between dislike and disrespect. A child is entitled to their culinary preferences, but not to express them in a dismissive or hurtful manner. Calmly and clearly address the behaviour and reinforce the family value you wish to uphold. 

You might say, ‘You are welcome to tell me that you do not enjoy this taste, but in our family, we communicate with respect’. This statement validates their feeling while setting a clear boundary. Afterwards, offer two dignified choices that keep tradition in focus without forcing a confrontation. Propose a small ‘courtesy bite’ to honour the meal and stay connected to the family’s food, or allow them to have a simple side dish from the same table, such as rice or bread. This approach protects the honour of the recipe without turning the meal into a battleground. 

Model Respectful Communication 

If the eye-rolling persists, it is a cue to model the exact language you want them to use. Maintain a steady and gentle tone and say, ‘That gesture felt dismissive. Please try again using respectful words’. Then, provide them with a script they can learn from, such as, ‘I am not used to this spice yet. May I please have some more yoghurt with it?’ 

Finally, conclude the meal with an act of generosity. Involve your child in packing a portion of the meal for a neighbour, an elderly relative, or a friend. When children see that traditional food is a vehicle for giving and community care, they begin to understand that its value extends far beyond taste. It becomes a form of family service. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that our approach to food is a reflection of our gratitude to the Creator. Mealtimes are not merely for physical sustenance; they are opportunities to practice core virtues such as shukr (gratitude), adab (good manners), and ihsan (excellence). Guiding a child to speak about and treat food with respect is an essential part of their spiritual upbringing, transforming the dining table into a place of worship. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahl (16), Verse 114: 

‘So eat of what Allah has provided for you, lawful and good, and be grateful for the favour of Allah…’ 

This verse reminds us that all provision is a blessing from Allah Almighty, and expressing gratitude is a fundamental duty. Teach your child that shukr is shown not only with the tongue by saying ‘Alhamdulillah’, but also through our actions and expressions. Speaking well of food, even if it is not to one’s personal taste, is a beautiful form of gratitude. It honours the blessing itself, the effort of the person who cooked, and the divine source of all nourishment. By framing mealtime manners within the concept of worship, you teach your child that choosing gentle words over an eye-roll is an act of faith. 

It is recorded in  Sahih Muslim,Hadith 2064, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:  

‘…never found fault with food. If he liked it, he ate it, and if he disliked it, he left it.’ 

This profound hadith provides a perfect model for behaviour at the dinner table. The Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was to protect the feelings of others and maintain an atmosphere of peace and mercy. Implement this teaching as a simple house rule: ‘In our home, we do not mock or criticise food’. If a family member does not like a dish, they may quietly leave it or take a small taste, then choose another available option without negative commentary. Remind your child that following this Sunnah is about more than just food; it is about preserving love and respect within the family. It ensures the table remains a place of blessing, not a stage for mockery.