# How to Track Calories in Arabic Food When the Database Has No Name

> Mansaf and shawarma are not a US chicken sandwich. Option 1 is Khatwa: photograph the tray, add tahini and oil, ask the coach what is left.

The problem is a western list that offers "chicken sandwich" for mansaf. You split kabsa into generic rice and lamb. Tahini vanishes. The deficit dies in one iftar. Option 1 is Khatwa. Photograph the tray. Correct oil and sauce. Save the family plate as a favorite. Arabic is native. Ask the coach what is left. Free on iOS and Android.

## What the photo still misses

Ghee, samen, nuts, and a second scoop at the stove. Add them. We do not claim the camera knows every grain. The log is the correction. Origin: [why we built Khatwa](https://www.khatwa.se/en/blog/why-we-built-khatwa-arabic-swedish-calorie-tracker.md). Ramadan window: [suhoor and iftar](https://www.khatwa.se/en/blog/ramadan-calorie-tracking-suhoor-iftar.md).

### Log the food you actually eat

Photograph mansaf. Add the tahini. Ask what is left.

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