Who we are
More than Yemeni dish is dedicated to bringing the authentic flavours of Yemeni cuisine to events across the Netherlands. Our mission goes beyond just satisfying taste buds; we aim to share a piece of our rich culture and history through our food.
Three years ago, I set out to start a business importing Yemeni products for the Yemeni community in the Netherlands. During my research, I stumbled upon a golden opportunity: a product that was missing, essential, and needed by everyone in the Netherlands. However, due to regulatory challenges between Yemen and the Netherlands, I was unable to proceed. When I tell people I’m from Yemen, I often receive one of two responses: either they mention the war or they have no idea where Yemen is. I want to change this conversation—to shift the focus to our food and culture. That’s when the idea came to me: to introduce our cuisine as a way to connect with others.
When I tell people I’m from Yemen, I encounter two common reactions. Some have no knowledge of the country, while others are aware of the conflict but know little beyond that. To challenge these simplistic and often negative perceptions of my homeland, it’s time to change the narrative and highlight the wonders of Yemeni cuisine.
We’re developing a menu with a variety of dishes so companies can choose what suits their events best. My mission is to bring the authentic tastes of Yemeni cuisine to the Netherlands through a catering company and a cookbook. By offering both traditional dishes and innovative recipes, I hope to appeal to a broad audience and share Yemen’s rich culinary heritage with the world.
In the bustling streets of Amsterdam, far from my homeland, I cook in a small, cosy kitchen. The aroma of cardamom and cumin fills the air as I prepare the ingredients for a new dish. My dream is simple yet ambitious: to introduce the Netherlands to the flavors and fragrances of Yemen, the land of my ancestors.
My culinary journey began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the secrets of traditional Yemeni dishes. This knowledge and passion have traveled with me to the Netherlands, where I plan to establish a catering company specializing in authentic Yemeni cuisine. From the spicy Lahoh pancakes to the fragrant Mandi rice, each dish tells a story of a rich culture and history.
But I want to do more than just serve food. I want to share the stories behind these dishes—the traditions and techniques that have been passed down through generations. That’s why I’m also working on a cookbook, filled with both traditional recipes and modern interpretations. It will not only detail the ingredients and preparation methods but also celebrate the people and culture that shaped these dishes.
Through my catering company and cookbook, I aspire to build a bridge between Yemen and the Netherlands, and ultimately, the rest of the world. I hope that everyone who tastes my dishes will experience a piece of Yemen, no matter where they are. My mission is not just to cook but to serve as a culinary ambassador, sharing the rich flavours of Yemen and leaving a lasting impression in the hearts and minds of my customers.