Chef Diaa Alhanoun brings Syrian comfort food to SIBF 2025

November 14, 2025 / 5:12 PM

Sharjah 24: The Cookery Corner at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) filled with the aromas of Syrian cuisine as Chef Diaa Alhanoun guided audiences through the beloved comfort dish Kebab Hindi. He began by explaining the dish’s origins, noting that despite its name, it likely came to Syria generations ago through an Indian family before evolving into a Levantine favourite.

A taste of tradition: Crafting kebab hindi

As he sautéed onions, tomatoes, and green capsicum with spices, the air warmed with the fragrance of Damascus kitchens. Chef Alhanoun shaped seasoned beef into slim kebabs, simmered them in tangy tomato sauce, and finished the dish with toasted pine nuts. He demonstrated cooking techniques with ease, sharing tips like frying vermicelli in ghee before adding rice and using tomato paste to add a pleasant sourness.

A journey of perseverance and culinary identity

Chef Alhanoun also shared his personal story—growing up in Damascus, learning to cook at 15 in his uncle’s restaurant, and later rebuilding his life in the United States after leaving Syria. His story and recipes are featured in The Kitchen Without Borders, a cookbook highlighting immigrant and refugee chefs whose culinary traditions form the backbone of their resilience.

Cookery corner: A celebration of global flavours

This year’s Cookery Corner features 35 live cooking sessions led by 14 international chefs over 12 days, giving visitors a chance to experience global cultures through food. Held under the theme Between You and a Book, SIBF 2025 brings together 2,350 publishers and exhibitors, more than 1,200 cultural activities, and over 250 authors and creators from 66 countries.