27.8 C
Dubai
Friday, November 22, 2024
spot_img

“Preserving Palestinian Culinary Heritage: Dubai Resident Upholds Tradition Through Food”

When Haya Bishouty inaugurated her sufra, an intimate dinner series, the blend of pride and tension set the tone. Born out of a desire to uphold Palestinian culinary traditions, each dish became a bridge to a culture often overshadowed. In this exploration, Haya’s Kitchen, launched three years ago, serves as both homage and tribute to Palestinian heritage.

The Culinary Journey

Wearing her grandmother’s dotted thobe, Bishouty embarked on a journey to preserve fading traditions. The sufras, meaning dining table in Arabic, offered an intimate experience for around 10 people – family, friends, and acquaintances. Through curated meals, Bishouty, now 33, aimed to transport guests, if only for a few hours, to the land of her ancestors.

Beyond Flavors: Challenging Misconceptions

For Bishouty, the sufras transcend culinary events; they are sensory explorations challenging misconceptions about Palestinian food. With Haya’s Kitchen, she emphasizes the unique flavors native to Palestine and encourages diners to understand the stories behind each dish. Breaking down cultural barriers, Bishouty uses shared meals to connect people.

The Tactile Experience: Eating with Hands

Musakhan, Palestine’s “national dish,” is meant to be eaten with hands. Bishouty believes this connects diners to the essence of the food, transferring the cook’s soul (nafas) to the dish. It’s a tactile experience that goes beyond taste, reinforcing the cultural significance of each bite.

Seasonality and Tradition

Highlighting the importance of seasonality, Bishouty educates diners about preserving fruits during winter, a tradition in Palestinian cuisine. Through sufras, she aims to deepen people’s understanding of the history, culture, and traditions woven into each Palestinian dish.

Intimate Gatherings at The Flip Side

Her community dinners, hosted at The Flip Side in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, bring together a maximum of 14 guests. Complemented by workshops teaching Palestinian culinary skills, Bishouty creates an immersive experience that goes beyond the taste buds.

Supporting Palestinian Suppliers

Firm in her commitment to preserving Palestinian culture, Bishouty supports Palestinian suppliers. Her husband, Shadi Megallaa, owner of The Flip Side, has been a pillar of support, encouraging her on this meaningful journey.

Culinary Heritage Thriving

In a world where identities can be lost, Bishouty’s sufras become a poignant reminder that Palestinian food and culture are not fading away – they are thriving with every shared meal.

Also Read

Dubai Retirement Visa: Eligibility, Expenses, and Key Information

“UAE: Non-compliance with Unemployment Insurance Results in Dh400 Fine, Deducted from Salaries”

Related Articles

Dubai Celebrates Flag Day: A Tribute to Unity and National Pride

Dubai marked a proud and spirited celebration of Flag Day, a national event that has become an enduring symbol of unity, pride, and devotion...

Dubai Tourism Boom: Record Visitor Arrivals Drive Unprecedented Growth

Dubai tourism industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom, setting new records for visitor arrivals in 2024. The city, renowned for its luxurious offerings and vibrant...

Dubai Active Fitness Expo Ignites the City: Unleashing Energy and Kicking Off the Dubai Fitness Challenge

Dubai Active Fitness Expo kicks off today at Expo City Dubai, marking the beginning of the highly anticipated Dubai Fitness Challenge. The three-day event, which...

Dubai Gears Up for the Plus500 City Half Marathon: Empowering Runners to Conquer Iconic Routes

Dubai is preparing to host the highly anticipated Plus500 City Half Marathon, an event that promises to attract runners of all levels and offer...

Blockchain Life 2024 in Dubai: A Legendary Gathering of Market Insiders Ahead of the Bull Run

On October 22-23, the legendary Blockchain Life 2024 forum will take place in Dubai. Over 10,000 participants from 120 countries will come together for...

Latest Articles