Chef and Children's Book Author, Wafa Shami, educates and inspires by highlighting Palestinian culture
Wafa Shami is a Palestinian Author and Food Blogger that everyone should keep on their radar.
Shami uses these universal mediums to highlight the richness of Palestinian culture and traditions, both to inspire second-generation Palestinian-Americans to hold on to their roots, as well as to educate a Western audience and build bridges of understanding. Her work leaves a lasting impact on the reader’s mind by directing them away from the standard political narrative used to demonize Palestinians and, instead, focusing on the common humanity we all share.
Her blog, Palestine in a Dish, was inspired by the passion and excitement she has for the dishes she prepares. She meticulously describes every aspect of the 8-hour process it takes to get a meal blog worthy – from discussing the importance of each ingredient, to styling the final dish and photographing it – all on her iPhone. She won’t post a meal if it does not look good, which rings true to a Arabic proverb, “It is the eye that eats.”
“I started my food blog as a way to document my mother’s recipes and make them available and accessible to second generation Palestinian-Americans,” she told Palestine in America.
In creating her blog, she actually discovered her passion for food styling and food photography.
“Now I am constantly researching, exploring and learning new techniques for food styling and photography,” Shami said. When I do a recipe. I have to visualize, think, and research what the picture is going to look like.”
Her favorite dishes to style, so far, have been Kousa Mahshi (Stuffed Zucchini) and Mujaddara (Lentils and rice with crispy onions); while the most challenging dishes have been Molokhiya (Jute Mallow), Fasouliya (Green Bean Stew), and Bazella (Pea and Carrot Stew).
Although most of the recipes were passed down from her mother, there is one crowd favorite on the blog that was inspired by her sister: Fattet Bitinjan (Eggplant Fateh). It is unique from other recipes out there because it includes an extra key ingredient, tomato sauce. Wafa adds her own special twist by grilling the eggplant and using pita chips from Trader Joes.
Shami’s blog also stands out because sheprovides vegan options to traditional Palestinian meals. Vegan Sfeeha (Open-faced meat pie) . Vegan Spaghetti. Even vegan Musakhan rolls (Chicken, onions, and sumac).
While Shami grew up in Ramallah, her parents are 1948 refugees from the Sahel area of al-Lydd, Yafa, and al-Ramla, which heavily influenced their cooking. One of the native dishes from that area that she has up on the blog is “Rishtayet al-adas,” made with red lentils. As for Ramallah, some of her favorite places to eat include Rukab’s ice cream, Abu Iskandar shawarma on Main Street, and a new kunafa spot called Iker, which got Wafa’s special seal of approval:
“Oh my God, nothing else satisfies me,” she proclaimed.
If given the opportunity to host a dinner party for three people of her choice, Shami would invite President Jimmy Carter, Pope Francis, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. The menu would, of course, include a lineup of traditional Palestinian recipes.
“The main dish would be Musakhan. Side items would include Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, Mutabbal. I love these salads so much, have to have them every day. Dessert would be Hareeseh.”
When you visit Shami’s blog, you can also find various products from a company called “Handmade Palestine,” which showcases the work of local Palestinian artisans, cooperatives, and designers. Her site sells various cooking utensils and cute tote bags with Arabic designs and messages, which she offers at a special price.
In addition to sharing her family recipes on her blog, Shami graciously shares her childhood experiences growing up in Palestine through her publication of two must-have children’s books, with promises of many more in the works. Through her stories, she allows the reader to vicariously experience everyday life in Palestine, through a light-hearted and cheerful look at various holidays and seasonal traditions.
Her first book, “Easter in Ramallah,” was inspired by her most exciting memories of celebrating Easter in Palestine: coloring the eggs and later smashing them outside with her friends.
“I feel lucky that I grew up in such a warm, loving neighborhood,” she told Palestine in America. “Our neighborhood was very distinct because the kids were all similar ages and we are still close friends. It was such an exciting time, we would go outside and share our eggs and show off our new clothes.”
When Shami moved to the United States, she found that most people had no idea that there were Palestinian Christians, and even more so, that Muslims and Christians in Palestine lived harmoniously and even shared in each other’s traditions. It was this need to spread knowledge about Palestinian culture, and the desire to have her son and other children exposed to Palestinian culture, that inspired her to write.
Her latest story, “Olive Harvest in Palestine,” was also inspired by her memories as a young girl, when she used to go to her neighbor’s olive press during harvest season and watch as olives were made into the renowned Palestinian olive oil we have today. She hopes that by sharing her fondest childhood experiences, she can give other children the same excitement and elation she experienced as a child. Her books not only spread knowledge of Palestinian culture, but more importantly, spread messages of unity, community, humanity, and the innocence of childhood and the joy in discovering something new.
You can follow Shami on Instagram or Facebook at “Palestine In A Dish,” and stay on the lookout for the new projects she is currently working on.
