and west of Afghanistan. Common summer beverages include shlombeh, also known in Persian as doogh, a drink consisting of liquid yogurt, mint, and bedreng (Afghan cucumber). Sherbet is an ice-sugared cold drink. Sheer yakh is a sweet ice-like product, literally translating to "cold milk". Hazara cuisine The Hazara people in central Afghanistan (in the region of Hazarajat) and western Pakistan (Balochistan province) have their own fare. The Hazaragi cuisine shares some similarities with neighboring regional cuisines, so it is mainly influenced by Central Asian, Persian, and South Asian cooking. However, cooking methods vary in some of the dishes of these neighboring cuisines. Dining etiquette Traditionally, dinners are held on a tablecloth on the floor, which is called the dastarkhan. Meals are normally eaten with the right hand. After a meal, tea with dessert is served. Special occasions Serving tea and white sugared almonds (called nuql) is customary during Afghan festivals. See also Culture of Afghanistan Economy of Afghanistan References Further reading South Asian cuisine Pashtun cuisine Uzbekistani cuisine Tajik cuisine