In Conversation with Chef Fadi Kattan: Palestinian cuisine’s ties to identity and resilience
Palestinian cuisine is an act of resistance. Closely tied to Palestinian identity, traditional dishes feature prominently in Palestinian culture, arts and politics. In the face of cultural appropriation that erases Palestinians from their land, a growing number of influential Palestinian chefs are putting Palestinian dishes on international culinary maps. TPFF is thrilled to be hosting one such culinary luminary – Chef Fadi Kattan. From food tours to acclaimed restaurants, Chef Fadi has made it his lifework to bring Palestinian cuisine to the forefront of local food scenes, spotlighting its significance to Palestinians.
The conversation will be moderated by Monika Wahba (Maha’s Restaurant). Chef Fadi’s will discuss how culinary traditions passed through the generations shape Palestinian identity and feeds Palestinian resilience.
The event is in person. For those outside the city, we will offer online access if possible. The event is free but registration in advance is required.
Chef Fadi Kattan
Fadi Kattan grew up in Bethlehem where he inherited his love of food from his maternal grandmother. In 2015 Fadi opened, Fawda, his restaurant in Bethlehem. Alongside his restaurant, he pioneered the region’s first food tours, where visitors could explore the markets of Bethlehem, meet farmers and artisans, and taste foraged herbs, raw cheeses and fresh taboun bread. Fadi’s cuisine and savoir faire combine worldly influences, a desire for perfection and a passion for sharing the stories of the local foragers, gardeners, farmers and cooks that have shaped the culinary heritage of Palestine. Fadi speaks and writes on various platforms of Palestine’s rich culinary heritage, the importance of terroir, the role of cuisine as a diffusor of culture.
During the pandemic, Fadi launched his podcast Sabah el Yasmine – Ramblings of a Chef and hosted a Youtube series on Palestinian cuisine, Teta’s Kitchen. Fadi opened Akub, bringing his take on Modern Palestinian Cuisine to London, the first Palestinian Modern cuisine Restaurant, in Notting Hill early 2023. Recently, he co-founded Kassa, Bethlehem’s first heritage luxury boutique hotel with Chilean-Palestinian entrepreneur, Elizabeth Kassis.
CHEF Monika Wahba
Originally from Egypt, Monika Wahba immigrated to Canada in 2000 and is currently the chef and owner of Maha’s Restaurant. While she has no formal culinary training, Monika learned how to cook in her family’s kitchen. She creates full bodied Egyptian dishes, drawing inspiration from her cultural roots and upbringing. She was the first Egyptian chef to compete in Top Chef Canada.
