The earliest memories I have of Eid are as a child in Paris surrounded by a large, loud, and loving Syrian family. We would all get together to celebrate whilst enjoying the most beautiful and sumptuous food. From succulent lamb stuffed with meat, rice, and nuts, to several sorts of Kibbehs—which Syrians are known for—like Kibbeh in yoghurt, in cherry sauce, or simply baked in a dish. At the end, there was always a selection of delectable sweets, from all types of baklava, to Katayef (Arabic pancakes) with Ishta (similar to a clotted cream perfumed with rose & orange water) covered in walnuts and many more.
One little thing I clearly remember was always receiving money as a gift from my grandparents, uncles, and aunts! It was a little strange if I think about it now, but that is the way it was. One other aspect I recall was feeling quite special celebrating Ramadan. I was in a German School in Paris, and was the only one amongst my friends to celebrate Eid. And, come to think of it, all other [Islamic] holidays, too. So as much as I was a little confused as to where I was from, it always felt good to know that I was celebrating all of it.
When I moved to New York to live on my own, I missed my family terribly during Eid. I would not even cook myself a dish that reminded me of Eid because as much as the food is a prominent part of the feast, family is the most important part to me.
Today, I live in Dubai with my husband, Phiras, our one-year-old son, Phares, and our two-month-old daughter, Joanna. They are still too young to realize what Eid is all about, but this year is special in a way. My fairly new little family will be spending Eid with the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins and I could not be happier. There will be scrumptious food, and there will be my loving family—and that is all I need to celebrate happily.
Cookbook author, Dalia Dogmoch Soubra’s first book, Food, Love, and Life from Dalia’s Kitchen is available in major bookstores in the UAE and Lebanon such as Kinokuniya (Book World), Virgin Stores, Bloomingdale’s Home, Tavola, and Kitsch Bakeries. It is also available online at www.amazon.com.
