Matbakh | Food of the Arab World

Chef Mohammad Orfali grew up in Aleppo and now runs Orfali Bros in Dubai, one of the region's most talked-about restaurants. He talks about the street food he grew up on, why he built a Michelin-starred kitchen that plays hip-hop, and how he cooks without alcohol while still making food that feels rich and complete. He also explains why home cooking matters to him, and why he refuses to cook the same tired dishes that sell well but say nothing.

00:00 A Shared Culinary Inheritance
01:05 Setting the Scene at the Test Kitchen
04:05 Unpacking the Identity of Aleppan Cooking
06:51 Historical Crossroads and Flavor Migrations
10:59 Craftsmanship, Preservation, and Tradition
19:46 Rethinking Traditional Culinary Education
26:59 Breaking Conventions in Modern Dining
31:18 Blending Music, Culture, and Ambiance
41:40 Evolving the Menu for a New Era
51:07 The Unseen Realities of Restaurant Management

Mohammad Orfali is a Syrian chef and co-owner of Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai. He is specialized in Aleppian cuisine and contemporary Arabic cuisine and is the leading Arab proponent of modern cooking. He grew up in Aleppo, where he studied at the Institut Hôtelier of Aleppo in 1997. He pursued further studies at Le Nôtre Culinary School in Paris in 2009. He is also credited with hosting the Middle East's first Arabic gastronomy cooking shows. Orfali Bros Bistro, which he runs with his brothers Wassim (pastry) and Omar (pastry), has been named the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025) by The World's 50 Best Restaurants, and ranked #37 in the world in 2025. He coined the term 'Orfari cuisine' to describe food that defies geographic labels, is not fusion, and tells stories through ingredients where every bite holds emotional and historical resonance.
Connect with Mohammad Orfali 👉 https://www.instagram.com/m.orfali/?hl=en

Hosted by Mikey Muhanna

Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

FOLLOW & RATE THE MATBAKH PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matbakh/id1646402301
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GuszMVmvx0XM2zYLmVQK2
» Anghami: https://www.anghami.com/podcast/1035528225

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl48-5Y0F7sx2xoexSoeBUWJ&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

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Discover an extensive amount of Sudanese dishes and ingredients (that you probably have never heard) shared by the author of The Sudanese Kitchen cookbook, who delves into them in nuanced detail. Sudan's culinary practices and history are extremely rich and diverse, changing from region to region in the country. This episode explores Sudanese food as a unique fusion cuisine, shaped by diverse cultural influences from the Levant, the Mediterranean, and East and West Africa. Al Tijani discusses his journey to document these recipes, highlighting the activism inherent in preserving Sudan's culinary heritage amidst political turmoil and aiming to place Sudanese food in public consciousness beyond just Sudan. He also shares insights into regional variations, the historical timeline of ingredients and influences, and the challenges and triumphs of archiving Sudan's vibrant food culture. The book is available to ship internationally and the website sudanese.kitchen is a massive resource to use freely with a recipe archive and important information that's accessible to all.
 
0:00 Documenting Sudanese Food and Its Regional Distinctions
1:07 The Genesis of "The Sudanese Kitchen" Project
2:11 Travel in Difficult Times and Changing Perspectives
2:46 The Challenges of Archiving
3:37 Five Iconic Sudanese Dishes
3:54 Why Sudanese Restaurants Are Not as Common as Ethiopian
4:28 Culinary Identity: Unity vs Fragmentation 
4:56 Sudan's Agricultural Potential
5:10 A Historical Culinary Timeline
5:31 Hopes for Sudan's Future
7:04 Similarities with Levantine Food: Ta’mia and Fuul
9:44 Sudanese Cheese: Influences from Syria and Greece
10:36 West African and Indigenous Sudanese Influences
12:32 Navigating Regional Terminology in Sudanese Cuisine
14:19 Identifying Sudanese Spices and Preparation
15:47 The Importance of Peanuts in Sudanese Food
18:34 Discovering Regional Dishes Beyond Khartoum
19:48 Geographic Influences on Sudanese Cuisine
22:04 The Journey of a Food Archivist: Travel and Oral Histories
24:43 The Start of the Project and Revolutionary Challenges
28:18 Public Reception to Documenting Sudanese Food
29:47 Mom's Feedback and Recipe Selection
31:06 The Five Strongest Dishes from Sudanese Cuisine
31:41 Dish 1: Mullah Na'emia
32:59 Dish 2: Salatat Aswad (Salatat Banzenjan)
34:02 Dish 3: Agashe (Spicy Peanut Meat Dish)
35:00 Dish 4: Hilu-Mur (Fermented Sorghum Drink)
36:14 Dish 5: Kunafa Malfouf (Rolled Kunafa with Peanuts and Dates)
37:43 Why Sudanese Restaurants Are Less Prevalent Globally
40:53 Food as a Form of Activism and Resistance
43:00 Shedding Light on the Famine in Sudan
44:48 Sudan's Potential as Africa's Breadbasket
45:47 Exploring Sudan's Culinary and Historical Timeline
50:47 Pre-Columbian Sudanese Cuisine
51:50 Nomadic Lifestyles and Portable Foods
52:38 Hopes for the Book: Highlighting Sudan's Richness and Diversity
53:30 Awareness of Sudan in the Arab World
54:47 The Importance of Self-Criticism and Addressing Blind Spots
56:19 The Sudanese Kitchen Website: A Comprehensive Resource
 
Omar Al Tijani is a food archivist from Sudan, based in London. He's the author of an unique book and website project called The Sudanese Kitchen which he's travelled across Sudan to document, mainly through oral histories. 
Connect with Omer Al Tijani 👉 https://instagram.com/sudanesekitchen
 
Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu
 
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
 
FOLLOW & RATE THE MATBAKH:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-matbakh/id1646402301
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GuszMVmvx0XM2zYLmVQK2
» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1035528225
 
THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl48-5Y0F7sx2xoexSoeBUWJ

FOLLOW & RATE THE MATBAKH PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matbakh/id1646402301
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GuszMVmvx0XM2zYLmVQK2
» Anghami: https://www.anghami.com/podcast/1035528225

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl48-5Y0F7sx2xoexSoeBUWJ&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Matbakh, we're joined by Dina Macki, author of cookbook "Bahari: Recipes From an Omani Kitchen and Beyond," who shares insights into the unique flavors and culinary traditions of Omani and Zanzibari cuisines. Dina discusses her cultural heritage and diverse upbringing, and the intricate blend of spices and ingredients that define the dishes of Oman and Zanzibar. She dives into the influence of various cultures – including Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Swahili, and Portuguese – on the region's food, and how it transcends national borders. She also talks about the challenges of preserving traditional recipes, and offers her recommendations for must-try dishes for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of this particular geography.
 
00:00 Introduction 
00:19 Exploring Omani Cuisine
02:57 Cultural Identity and Background
04:43 Food Influences and Personal Journey
07:50 Dina's Culinary Path
12:06 Historical and Cultural Insights
24:58 Reviving Swahili Influence
25:20 Experiences in Zanzibar
26:54 Classic Dishes from the Book
29:29 Traditional Drinks and Variations
30:01 Unique Eid Dishes
32:30 Coconut in Omani Cuisine
38:02 Running Farsha: A Culinary Venture in Muscat
40:27 Omani Food Culture and Traditions
42:09 Guilty Pleasures and Essential Ingredients
47:49 Travel Recommendations for Oman
 
Dina Macki is a British-Omani food writer, presenter, and recipe developer with a strong focus on her Omani and Zanzibari heritage, as well as influences from the wider Middle East, East Africa, and her upbringing in the UK. She is known for exploring the unique foodscape of Oman and sharing personal recipes and stories, often bringing a fresh perspective on how food connects us to our past and communities. Her debut cookbook, "Bahari: Recipes From an Omani Kitchen and Beyond," showcases the rich flavors and history of Omani cuisine, which is shaped by its coastlines and maritime history with origins and influences spanning Pakistan, Iran, India, the Swahili coast, and Portugal. Dina works with various brands for recipe development and presentations. She also works for The Anglo-Omani Society.
Connect with Dina Macki 👉 https://instagram.com/dinewithdina
 
Hosted by Mikey Muhanna
Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu
 
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
 
FOLLOW & RATE THE MATBAKH:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-matbakh/id1646402301
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GuszMVmvx0XM2zYLmVQK2
» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1035528225
 
THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl48-5Y0F7sx2xoexSoeBUWJ

FOLLOW & RATE THE MATBAKH PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matbakh/id1646402301
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GuszMVmvx0XM2zYLmVQK2
» Anghami: https://www.anghami.com/podcast/1035528225

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl48-5Y0F7sx2xoexSoeBUWJ&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This special episode of Matbakh is the first in a series of talks and special menu events called "dawaween al diwan" at restaurant, louf, in Toronto. Franco-Palestinian chef, Fadi Kattan, and Salma Serry, a doctoral researcher specializing in food history in West Asia and Egypt, dive into the heritage of Palestinian ingredients, histories behind key products, how they can be sourced and used locally in modern settings outside of Palestine. They discuss how these traditions intersect with issues of occupation and colonialism, and the dynamic role of food as both sustenance and cultural heritage. The conversation touches on challenges in the Israeli-occupied territories, the significance of local ingredients, and how Palestinian cuisine adapts through time. They also explore initiatives like the foundation of new restaurants in diaspora communities and efforts to maintain authentic culinary practices.

00:00 Land Acknowledgement and Event Introduction
02:18 Fadi Kattan's Culinary Journey
04:15 Salma Serry's Background and Research
05:39 Discussion on Palestinian Food and Culture
08:19 Challenges and Celebrations in Palestinian Cuisine
18:06 Exploring Historical and Modern Palestinian Recipes
28:10 Colonial Impact on Palestinian Wheat and Bread
28:59 Cultural Significance of Traditional Dishes
29:40 Forced Displacement and Its Effects
35:46 Foraging and Its Economic Importance
39:45 Historical and Modern Restaurant Culture
47:34 Challenges of Running a Business Under Occupation
53:00 Concluding Thoughts on Food and Resistance

Fadi Kattan is a Franco-Palestinian chef and hotelier who has become ones of the voices of modern Palestinian cuisine. When Kattan started his restaurant Fawda in Bethlehem in 2016, he created a cuisine honoring Palestine’s best produce with a modern twist, rising to the challenge of rendering this traditional kitchen into a gourmet dining experience. Today he co-owns restaurants Akkub in London and louf in Toronto, and Kassa boutique hotel in Bethlehem.

Connect with Fadi Kattan 👉 https://www.instagram.com/fadi.f.kattan/

Explore louf 👉 https://www.instagram.com/louf.toronto/

Moderated by: Salma Serry 👉 https://www.instagram.com/salmaserry/

Salma Serry is a doctoral researcher and cultural worker focused on the history of food in West Asia and Egypt. She curates @Sufra_archive, a digital platform exploring West Asian and North African food culture. Currently pursuing a PhD in History at the University of Toronto, her research traces food, technology, and labor networks in the Arab Gulf. Salma’s work has been recognized by SSHRC, AFAC, and ACSS, and exhibited at venues including Cannes, Oxford Food Symposium, Art Jameel, and the Islamic Biennial. She is also a member of Super Melon, a collective exploring food and politics in occupied Palestine.

Introduction by Khaled Malas 👉 https://www.instagram.com/5wml9/

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

FOLLOW & RATE THE MATBAKH PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matbakh/id1646402301
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GuszMVmvx0XM2zYLmVQK2
» Anghami: https://www.anghami.com/podcast/1035528225

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl48-5Y0F7sx2xoexSoeBUWJ&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us for the second live episode of Matbakh in collaboration with What The Food, featuring Ziyad Ayass, the founder and managing partner of Wonder Restaurants, with Dubai F&B outlets like Ka'ak Al Manara – a Lebanese bakery specialising in kaak), and an upscale dining experience in the works which will be called Manaret Beirut. Guided by guest host Vanessa Zabi who is an entrepreneur in the food and health space, this conversation explores Ziyad’s journey from financial consulting to food entrepreneurship. He tells us how he transformed a midnight craving into a thriving business, balancing tradition and innovation, creating emotional connections, and delivering nostalgic wonder. Discover how thoughtfulness and community fueled his brand’s growth, why every detail matters in crafting immersive spaces, and how a clear mission can guide success in even the most saturated markets.

00:44 Introduction
02:38 From the Corporate World to F&B 
07:13 Insights Into Becoming a Food Entrepreneur
10:26 The Unique Experience of Launching a Pop-up
14:57 From Pop-up Events to Retail
21:30 Fostering a Strong Community
25:17 Future Plans
28:14 Expanding as a Lebanese Brand
31:38 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs
37:00 Tackling Challenges in a Saturated Market 
42:02 Community During Crises and Giving Back
44:13 The Importance of Seeking Professional Help in Areas Outside Your Expertise

Ziyad Ayass is the founder and managing partner of Wonder Restaurants, which owns and operates Ka’ak Al Manara and Manaret Beirut in Dubai. He began his career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers Dubai, spending eight years consulting on major real estate and hospitality transactions in the Middle East. After earning his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certificate, he left the corporate world behind with a mission to deliver the nostalgic wonder of Beirut through the development of F&B concepts. Since bursting onto the scene as a pop-up concept, Ka’ak Al Manara has come a long way. By the end of 2024, the group will operate three outlets and employ over 220 employees.

Connect with Ziyad 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ziyadayass/

Follow Ka'ak El Manara 👉 https://www.instagram.com/kaakalmanara/

What The Food by alserkal is a two-day celebration of food, sparking critical conversations around some of the most pressing questions about food through talks, exhibitions, screenings, and immersive installations. Now in its third edition, the festival brings together a curated lineup of homegrown chefs, artisanal producers, entrepreneurs, and artists, showcasing cutting-edge culinary concepts and emerging food trends. Building on Dubai’s reputation as a trailblazer in the food scene, What The Food pushes the city’s culinary landscape forward, adding an artistic, community-driven spirit that makes you rethink what food can be.

Explore What The Food 👉 https://alserkal.online/programme/what-the-food

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

Hosted by: 
Vanessa Zuabi 👉 https://www.instagram.com/vzuabi/

Vanessa Zuabi is a former founder and entrepreneur in the food and health space, and now works in the crypto industry. She has been a long-time friend and supporter of afikra since 2015.

FOLLOW & RATE THE MATBAKH PODCAST:
» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matbakh/id1646402301
» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GuszMVmvx0XM2zYLmVQK2
» Anghami: https://www.anghami.com/podcast/1035528225

THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK
Explore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl48-5Y0F7sx2xoexSoeBUWJ&feature=shared

ABOUT AFIKRA
afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.
📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters
🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts
⚡ Become a member: https://www.afikra.com/membership
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afikra_
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afikra.official
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/afikra

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.