Culinary Connections: Five Podcasts Shedding Light on MENA Food Culture
egypt Food Culture MENA PodcastsMalak Gharib
Food is a cornerstone of culture in the MENA region, with culinary journeys showcasing a vibrant tapestry of flavours. From Shami and Egyptian cuisine to North African dishes, each area offers its unique spin on beloved recipes, uniting us through shared tastes. Here are five podcasts that explore everything food-related in the Middle East, from debunking harmful cultural norms to revealing kitchen secrets.
1- Nelly Wa Hekyat El Diet
Nelly Shams is a renowned nutritionist who reshapes narratives around diet and food culture in the MENA region. On her podcast, Nelly Wa Hekayat El Diet, she hosts people who have experienced problems because of body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and more.
2- Entaleqi with Hadeer Hameed
The renowned fashion influencer Hadeer Hameed has taken to YouTube, where she started speaking of her journey on food disorders from anorexia to bingeing to food culture in the Middle East and how it affects teenagers and children’s perception of food.
3- Matbakh
Matbakh is a podcast about the food of the Arab world. The podcast dives deep into food culture, recipes, and public figures related to the food industry in various countries around MENA. Perfect for food culture explorers and researchers, Matbakh covers everything in the Middle East with a sprinkle of storytelling and cosy vibes.
4- FoodCast
Hosting our favourite food figures, FoodCast discusses everything food with the masters of the culinary industry. Between renowned food bloggers such as Amr Hady and chefs such as Mohamed Salah taking us behind the scenes of their craft, FoodCast continues to unveil flavours and offer helpful tips.
5- Mahdoom
Dating back to 2021, Mahdoom is a captivating podcast on Sowt that dives into the rich history and culture behind beloved Arab dishes. Each episode takes listeners on a culinary journey, starting with Molokhia and its variations across the MENA region. From colourful rice dishes like kabsa to the intriguing use of offal, Mahdoom celebrates the diversity of Arab cuisine. Tune in to savour the stories behind your favourite dishes!