Around the world, Muslims have been observing Ramadan for most of the month of April. From morning prayers before dawn to sundown, they abstain from both food and drink, including water. But today, Syrian-American Omayah Atassi (who now lives in Dubai) is here to teach us about not only the fasting but also the feasting associated with Ramadan.

I’m a close follower of Omayah’s work through Instagram, her blog, and her newsletter, where she sends weekly meal plans. As Omayah says, Syrian cooking is more than a recipe, it’s an approach, maybe even a lifestyle.

This approach is on full display during Ramadan, when women plan ahead and batch-cook huge feasts for their communities to enjoy together. Recently, Omayah needed this approach as she prepared and executed an elaborate Iftar menu for a restaurant there in Dubai!

Cooking was always an important way for Omayah to embrace her Syrian heritage, but now, it means more than ever. Before the war in Syria, Omayah spent summers there with her parent’s families.

Now, it’s through cooking that Omayah can pass her Syrian heritage on to her beautiful daughter. I feel privileged and grateful that she’s here to share some of that with us today!

Highlights

Why does Omayah look forward to Ramadan when you can’t eat or drink?

Ramadan and community

The very different experience of Ramadan in the US vs. Dubai

Breakfast on a fasting day

Iftar – breaking fast – traditional foods

Omayah’s experience creating & serving an Iftar menu at a local restaurant

Eid: traditions & feasts

A primer on the war in Syria

Learning to cook the Syrian way: more than recipes

How cooking bonded Omayah to her mother

Fattet Hummus

The Aleppo Pepper (The Turkish Pepper)

Listen to Omayah Now

Omayah's Storied Recipe: Fattet Hummus

https://thestoriedrecipe.com/hummus-casserole/

How to Find Omayah Atassi

Website: www.omayahcooks.com

Her Photography Website: www.omayahatassi.com

Instagram: @omayah.atassi

Twitter: @omayahatassi

Facebook: @omayahatassiphoto

LinkedIn: Omayah Atassi

More links referenced in my conversation with Omayah:

Soaps made and sold by Syrian refugees

Omayah and her mother making ma’amoul together

Omayah’s ma’amoul recipe

More Episodes with Guests from Middle Eastern Heritage

More Middle Eastern Recipes