Taste of Shami: Food, Culture & Storytelling

Syrian cuisine, especially Shami (Damascene) food, is more than a meal. It is history, memory, and connection gathered around one table.

From Fattet Makdoos and Yalanji (stuffed grape leaves) to hummus, fattoush, tabbouleh, and fragrant rice with toasted almonds... Shami cuisine is rich in vegetables, herbs, olive oil, grains, and spices. The cuisine naturally offers abundant vegan and vegetarian options alongside flavorful chicken and meat dishes, vibrant dips, and mezze appetizers. The diversity of ingredients reflects the diversity of Sham itself, the name given to this land before colonial borders divided it into Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. Layered, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition.

In Syrian culture, food is never meant to be eaten alone. Meals are moments of gathering,  family, friends, neighbours, sharing stories, laughter, and warmth. Generosity lives at the table.

Many traditional Shami dishes follow Mediterranean principles: fresh vegetables, legumes, olive oil, balanced spices, and slow cooking methods that preserve both flavour and nourishment. It is food that comforts the body and connects the soul.

Experience Shami Food & Storytelling with Masa Kateb

We are proud to highlight Masa Kateb, a Syrian peace activist, cultural keeper, passionate home cook, and Syrian culinary artist who brings authentic Shami food experiences into your home and community.

Masa offers private cooking experiences and team gatherings where she prepares traditional dishes, teaches you the recipes, and shares the stories behind every meal, connecting food to history, geography, spirituality, and the living heritage of Damascus, the oldest continuously inhabited capital city in the world.

Private Home Experiences

Gather your family, friends, or loved ones for an intimate half-day journey into Shami culture. Masa comes to your home to guide you through preparing a traditional feast together—cooking, storytelling, and eating in the timeless Shami tradition of communal gathering. You'll learn dishes like Fattet Makdoos (layered eggplant, spiced meat or vegetarian option, creamy yogurt, pomegranate) and fresh Tabbouleh, all made with organic, halal ingredients.

Team & Organizational Experiences

Bring your team together for a meaningful experience that nourishes both body and community. Masa facilitates half-day cultural immersions for organizations, corporations, community groups, and faith communities, either in your space or at a venue of your choosing. Through cooking, movement, reflection, and shared meals, your team will connect in ways that feel authentic, not forced.

Optional add-on for team experiences: Enhance your gathering with a traditional Shami-Turkish coffee station by Soumak Boutique, where participants can learn to brew coffee on hot sand and discover the ritual of Shami coffee culture.

What Makes This Special

• More than cooking: This is cultural preservation, storytelling, and peace-building through food
• Fully customizable: Dietary accommodations available (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal)
• Participatory and flexible: Cook alongside Masa, or observe and engage at your own pace
• Learn Arabic words woven into stories, connecting ancient languages and traditions
• Refugee-led cultural work: Supporting sustainable livelihoods through heritage preservation

Special Ramadan Offering

During the sacred month of Ramadan, Masa offers a special Iftar experience, preparing the sunset meal together and breaking the fast as a community. Open to all faiths and backgrounds, this is an invitation to learn about Islamic practice through food, stories, and shared ritual.

If you are craving real Shami meals or want to host a meaningful gathering, whether intimate and personal or for your team, you can reach out to Masa directly at masakateb@gmail.com or contact us at Hello@soumakboutique.com and we will connect you.