Ahmad’s parents were refugees from Palestine that settled in Lebanon where he and his three younger sisters were born. His mother always cooked for the family so it was quite a change when Ahmad came to London two years ago and had to start cooking for himself. A bigger change still was the fact he was now living away from his family, friends, culture, and normal routine.
Ahmad worked as an ICU nurse for three years in Lebanon before coming to London. But the situation in Lebanon was difficult. Being able to come to the UK meant that there were more opportunities for him and that he would not be discriminated against based on his nationality. He is able to develop in his career by taking courses and hopes to do a master’s program to further his learning.
Moving to London was quite a transition but he found it very beneficial that he was able to experience it with a group of people that shared his culture and background. He came to the UK in 2021 as part of a cohort of nurses who were hired by a private healthcare company. Now he likes living in London; especially discovering new places with friends.
When Ahmad is missing home, food takes him back. Ahmad chose to make Shish-Barak, which is essentially meat filled dumplings cooked in a garlic yoghurt sauce. This recipe is a favourite of his because the first time he ate it he loved it and felt a connection to it. Now every time he makes and eats it, all the memories of home and family come flooding back. It reminds him of the times family and friends would come over for dinner. Everyone would be involved with making it. Chatter and laughter would drift through the house mingled with the delicious smells coming from the kitchen.
“it is a multi-cultural dish; people claim it to be either a Lebanese, Palestinian, or Syrian dish. They are all, but each culture presents it differently. This recipe is “Ahmad-style.”
His friends agree that they have never had a better version than the one he makes.
As well as nursing, Ahmad worked for seven years as a chef in a popular restaurant in Lebanon. He loves to cook, sometimes for himself, but mostly for others. His family began to recognise his skills and would regularly ask him to cook for them, his cooking was second only to his mother’s.
Like many others, when cooking there are no measuring cups, scales or recipes to be seen, instead they are guided by a passion for the food that represents them and their culture, may it be national or family.
“Cooking is passion. Cook with your soul.”