Tahini as "red tahina" is served in addition to ordinary tahina. It is achieved by a different and lengthier process of roasting the sesame seeds, and has a more intense taste. Red tahina is used in sumagiyya (lamb with chard and sumac) and salads native to the falaheen from the surrounding villages, as well as southern Gaza. In the Levant, tahini (Levantine Arabic: "t'hine") is a staple foodstuff prepared with salt, lemon juice, and optionally mashed garlic. It is served as a dip with pita, a topping for falafel and shwarma, and as an ingredient in various spreads. It is also
Tahini syrup, date syrup, honey, jams, etc. Ardeh and halvardeh are among the souvenirs of the Iranian cities of Yazd and Ardakan. In Cyprus, tahini, locally known as "tashi", is used as a dip for bread and in "pitta souvlaki" rather than "tzatziki", which is customary in Greece. In Greece, tahini () is used as a spread on bread either alone or topped with honey or jam. Jars of tahini ready-mixed with honey or cocoa are available in the breakfast food aisles of Greek supermarkets. In Israel, tahini ( "t'hina") is a staple foodstuff that was introduced by Arab Jews .