A Life of Cooking and Resilience

Manal Al Alem is a name synonymous with Arab cuisine, and her remarkable journey is a testament to the power of cooking as a means of survival, connection, and self-expression. With a decade-long cooking show on Abu Dhabi TV and two published books, Manal has become a household name in the Arab world, sharing her passion for cooking with millions of viewers.

A Refugee’s Story

Manal’s culinary journey began in the refugee camps of Syria, where she grew up during the civil war. Her experiences in these camps had a profound impact on her life and cooking style. She recalls the scarcity of ingredients and the need to be creative with what was available. This resourcefulness would become a hallmark of her cooking, as she learned to make delicious meals with minimal ingredients. The camps were a challenging environment, but Manal found solace in cooking. She would often help her mother prepare meals for the family, using whatever ingredients they had available. Manal’s mother was a skilled cook, and she taught Manal the traditional recipes of their family and region. As Manal grew older, she began to experiment with new ingredients and recipes, incorporating her own creativity into her cooking.

Cooking in Conflict

Manal’s experiences in the refugee camps taught her the importance of cooking in times of conflict. She learned to make meals that were not only delicious but also nourishing and comforting. Her cooking became a source of comfort and solace for her and her family, and she continued to cook even in the most challenging of circumstances.

She has a passion for baking and has been experimenting with different recipes and ingredients for years. She has also been experimenting with making her own flour from scratch, which has been a game-changer for her baking.

The Early Years of Al Alem’s Culinary Journey

Al Alem’s love for cooking began at a young age, but it wasn’t until she got married and moved to Kuwait that her culinary journey truly began. At 23, she found herself in a new and unfamiliar environment, surrounded by new people, food, and cultures. This experience sparked a sense of curiosity and adventure in her, which she channeled into her cooking. She was particularly drawn to the traditional Kuwaiti cuisine, which she found fascinating and delicious. She spent hours watching cooking shows and trying out new recipes. She also began to experiment with different ingredients and flavors, combining traditional Kuwaiti dishes with international influences.

The Rise of Baking

As Al Alem’s culinary journey progressed, she discovered a new passion for baking. She found that baking allowed her to express her creativity and experiment with new flavors and ingredients. She began to make cakes, pastries, and other sweet treats, and soon became known among her friends and family for her delicious baked goods.

She had learned to cook from her mother, but she had never cooked for herself. She had never cooked for anyone but her mother.

Al Alem decided to widen the circle of ‘happy cooking’ and involve more women in her cooking meetups. Kicking off Sufra Da’ima (Always a Fest) on Abu Dhabi TV in the year 2000.

The Birth of Sufra Da’ima

In 2000, Al Alem launched Sufra Da’ima, a cooking show that aimed to bring women together through the joy of cooking. The show was broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV and quickly gained popularity, thanks to its unique blend of traditional Emirati cuisine and modern twists. The show’s success can be attributed to Al Alem’s infectious enthusiasm and her ability to make complex recipes accessible to a wide range of audiences. Key features of Sufra Da’ima: + Traditional Emirati cuisine with modern twists + Emphasis on community and social bonding + Al Alem’s infectious enthusiasm and expertise

Expanding the Circle of Happy Cooking

As Sufra Da’ima gained popularity, Al Alem decided to widen the circle of happy cooking by involving more women in her cooking meetups. She organized cooking classes, workshops, and events that brought women together to share recipes, cooking techniques, and stories.

She has also worked in restaurants in the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

A Taste of Home: Al Alem’s Journey Through Cuisine

Al Alem’s culinary journey began in the unlikeliest of places – refugee camps in Jordan. It was there that she discovered the true meaning of cooking and the impact it can have on people’s lives. Her experiences in these camps not only shaped her passion for cooking but also instilled in her a deep appreciation for the diversity of global cuisine.

The Refugee Camps: A Culinary Melting Pot

In the refugee camps, Al Alem witnessed firsthand the resilience and resourcefulness of people from different cultures and backgrounds. She saw how food brought people together, transcending borders and languages. The camps were a culinary melting pot, where traditional dishes from various countries were adapted and combined to create something new and unique. The aroma of spices and herbs wafted through the air, filling the senses and tantalizing the taste buds. The sound of sizzling meat and simmering sauces created a symphony of flavors that was both familiar and exotic. The sight of people from different cultures coming together to share a meal was a testament to the power of food to bring people together.

Cooking in the United States and the United Arab Emirates

After her experiences in the refugee camps, Al Alem moved to the United States and the United Arab Emirates, where she worked in restaurants and honed her culinary skills. She was exposed to a wide range of cuisines, from traditional American comfort food to modern Middle Eastern dishes. In the United States, Al Alem worked in a restaurant that served a fusion of American and international cuisine.