The Art of Diplomacy Through Saudi Cuisine
Saudi chef Eman Gazzaz uses food to form cultural bridges and share the stories behind traditional dishes.
Riyadh: The art of diplomacy can take many forms, but for one Saudi chef, it is found in the rich flavors and aromas of her homeland's cuisine.
Eman Gazzaz has turned her kitchen into an embassy of sorts, using food to tell soulful stories and bridge cultural divides.
Gazzaz, a self-taught cook and mother of three, grew up as the daughter of a diplomat in a family that valued creativity and cultural exchange.
Her father, a gardener and collector of rare items, instilled in her a love for traditional Saudi dishes, such as saleeg, a comforting white rice dish cooked with broth and milk.
After spending her childhood in various countries, Gazzaz now shares the joy of Saudi cooking with the world through her YouTube channel.
She credits her husband's supportive attitude and the influence of her friend Alia, who first introduced her to the idea of sharing recipes online.
In a video interview, Gazzaz recalled her time living abroad, particularly in Pakistan during her father's diplomatic posting in the late 1980s.
Those experiences helped shape her into the person she is today and instilled in her a deep appreciation for the stability and security found in Saudi Arabia.
She also fondly remembers making food with her parents and the sense of connection that came from sharing meals.
Gazzaz's culinary endeavors extend beyond YouTube; she has written a book titled 'A Saudi Mandela,' which is a meditation and coloring book for adults.
Through these projects, Gazzaz aims to share the stories behind traditional Saudi dishes and showcase the country's rich cultural heritage with the world.
Eman Gazzaz has turned her kitchen into an embassy of sorts, using food to tell soulful stories and bridge cultural divides.
Gazzaz, a self-taught cook and mother of three, grew up as the daughter of a diplomat in a family that valued creativity and cultural exchange.
Her father, a gardener and collector of rare items, instilled in her a love for traditional Saudi dishes, such as saleeg, a comforting white rice dish cooked with broth and milk.
After spending her childhood in various countries, Gazzaz now shares the joy of Saudi cooking with the world through her YouTube channel.
She credits her husband's supportive attitude and the influence of her friend Alia, who first introduced her to the idea of sharing recipes online.
In a video interview, Gazzaz recalled her time living abroad, particularly in Pakistan during her father's diplomatic posting in the late 1980s.
Those experiences helped shape her into the person she is today and instilled in her a deep appreciation for the stability and security found in Saudi Arabia.
She also fondly remembers making food with her parents and the sense of connection that came from sharing meals.
Gazzaz's culinary endeavors extend beyond YouTube; she has written a book titled 'A Saudi Mandela,' which is a meditation and coloring book for adults.
Through these projects, Gazzaz aims to share the stories behind traditional Saudi dishes and showcase the country's rich cultural heritage with the world.
