Racha Syrian kitchen

My name is Racha, and I’m the heart behind Racha’s Syrian Kitchen—a space where I share the food, stories, and soul of my homeland, Syria. I started my journey in 2018, not just with a love of cooking, but with a deep longing for connection. After moving to Australia and raising my children here, I often found myself missing the large family gatherings, the unspoken values passed around the dinner table, and the collective joy of preparing meals together. Cooking became my way to reconnect with my roots, my community, and even my children. My love for food started early—my father is a chef, and I grew up by his side in the kitchen, learning the rhythms, techniques, and heart behind every dish. Over the years, my small kitchen has grown into a full expression of Syrian hospitality, offering catering, pop-up kitchens, and teaching experiences that bring people together. A pivotal moment for me was being invited to demonstrate how to make Maamoul for an SBS Food Eid celebration. Since then, I’ve had six recipes featured on SBS Food, appeared on The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, and shared my Syrian Eid memories with The Guardian. Teaching brings me so much joy because it allows me to pass on recipes, culture, kindness, and a sense of belonging. People are often surprised to learn how much history, meaning, and resilience are baked into our food—it’s more than cooking; it’s storytelling. I may not hold formal culinary degrees, but I bring a lifetime of experience, countless community events, and the deep knowledge passed down through generations of home cooks. Through every class, dish, and conversation, I hope to create a space where people feel welcomed, nourished, and a little more connected to the world.