Culture Break: Palestinian Cuisine
A rich history and identity
This article offers (or tries to offer) a break from politics and conflict to spotlight the richness of Palestinian culture, specifically its cuisine. Food is a powerful symbol of heritage, and Palestinian dishes showcase the deep history and identity of this vibrant region.
Three Iconic Palestinian Dishes
Musakhan
A symbol of hospitality, this dish features chicken roasted with onions, olive oil, and sumac, served on traditional taboon bread, often enjoyed during the olive harvest.
Maqluba
Translating to “upside-down,” Maqluba is a layered dish of rice, vegetables, and meat flipped onto a platter before serving, making it a beloved family gathering staple.
Knafeh Nabulsiyeh
Originating from Nablus, this dessert blends sweet cheese, semolina dough, and sugar syrup, known for its indulgent flavour and vibrant orange colour.
Cultural Appropriation in Food
While food can transcend boundaries and be enjoyed by all, misrepresenting Palestinian dishes as Israeli often serves a deeper purpose. It is a way to erase Palestinian heritage, dismissing their historical and cultural connection to the land.
By branding iconic foods like hummus, falafel, and shakshuka as Israeli, there is an intentional effort to appropriate cultural symbols and sever the link between Palestinians and their agricultural and culinary traditions. This act isn’t just about food—it’s a deliberate attempt at cultural erasure.
A Window into Palestinian Heritage
Celebrating Palestinian cuisine is a way to honour the enduring traditions of a resilient people. Through their dishes, we glimpse their history, community, and identity—offering a cultural perspective that complements discussions of their ongoing struggles.
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Bless you,Shaoib. You have brought a small breath of fresh air into this oppressive darkness that we are all immersed in. The concerted effort to erase and nullify Palestinian culture is in itself a crime. The devastation wrought on mosques,ancient buildings and sites plus the destruction of the olive trees and other agricultural land is horrifying to see. I wish you well my friend.
Dear Shoaib, please tell us more so that we can share and enjoy Palestinian culture and history. It's very important that we do. For the honour of Arab hospitality and generosity of spirit, of which I have been lucky to experience and appreciate.🙏 Bless you