#INSPIREDBY FADI KATTAN

Fadi is a franco-palestinian chef and hotelier who has well and truly become the voice of modern Palestinian cuisine. He owns the beautiful Hosh al Syrian Guest House and Fawda restaurant in Bethlehem, and has more recently started an insightful podcast “Ramblings of a Chef” discussing Palestinian food with some great people including Sami Tamimi, Lisa Markwell and our very own Gemma Bell!

What was one of the very first dishes you remember eating?

A Palestinian mansaf at my grandparents’ home in Bethlehem.

Who is your food hero?

Definitely Massimo Bottura. He leads the way into the responsibility we have as Chefs towards all fellow humans in a manner that combines beauty, community and good food.

What is your guiltiest food pleasure?

Waking up in the middle of the night and tapping into the cheeses in the fridge. Having cold leftovers of Malfouf (Palestinian stuffed cabbage)

Which restaurant to you long to return to?

The Mascotte in Paris. An old establishment in the Abbesses quarter, very Parisian, with an old school team that serves in a classic manner fantastic seafood and French classics. I love the service and have to admit that I prefer a very Parisian waiter that is knowledgeable rather than an overtly friendly staff member that has no idea on what is on the menu.

What would be your last meal?

A meal that would last a whole day, an enlightened meal where each dish leads to hope.

What dish do you cook the most at home?

A yakhni, cooked vegetables in season with either a tomato sauce base or with a bit of broth accompanied with vermicelli rice. It ranges from bamia (okra) to eggplant, fasouliya (green beans) or a mix of vegetables. Most often cooked with lamb meat.

What restaurant T-shirt would you wear?

Afteem! The best Falafel in the world

Favourite vegetable?

Akub

Most-used condiment?

Sumac!

Most over-rated dish?

Quinoa.

Favourite restaurant anywhere in the world?

Fawda Restaurant in Bethlehem (my restaurant) as it is way beyond a restaurant for me.

Favourite fast food joint?

Knafeh Bakery

Quick Fire

Breakfast in bed or Hotel restaurant?

In bed

English Breakfast Tea or Long Black coffee?

A short espresso or an Arabic coffee

Martini - Gin or Vodka?

Gin, stirred

Ketchup or Mayo?

Definitely a mayonnaise

Stella or Boli?

Taybeh

London, New York ... or another city?!

Bombay

City break or hideaway?

Hideaway in Mauritius