Kamal Mouzawak , an acclaimed Lebanese chef, social innovator, and culinary activist of the Arab World, will present his Open Kitchens and Open Picnic project as part of the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). The two projects draw from his experience in starting Tawlet (Table) in Beirut – a social enterprise project that connects cooks from disparate regions, communities, and backgrounds, affording them the opportunity to present their regional dishes. But without a doubt, the project’s most unique aspect is its focus on home cooks, as opposed to restaurant chefs. Isn’t this truly the most authentic way to experience a culture’s cuisine?
In Open Kitchens, guests will see a line-up of home cooks take on the role of storytellers as they share their relationship, and connection with food through a dish that each of them have a personal connection to. The sessions will take place in kitchens islandwide, and guests will be invited to cook alongside the line-up of home cooks.
Four other Lebanese chefs will also join Chef Mouzawak in Singapore for the first-ever Open Picnic – a free pop-up culinary and cultural showcase at the Malay Heritage Centre that will give Singaporeans the opportunity to try exquisite Lebanese cuisine. The chefs, from Tawlet in Beirut, will prepare a feast that guests can enjoy while picnicking on the grounds of the Malay Heritage Centre.
So if you’ve been in a culinary rut, this event will get you out and about, and you might event make a foodie buddy from all the way across the globe!
Open Kitchen, 8-30 July, Tue, Thu, Fri 6.30pm; Sat 10.30am and 6.30am; Sun 10.30am and 5.pm. Various locations.
Open Picnic, 9 July, 3.30pm. Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501.
Looking for Middle Eastern food in Singapore? Check out our Hot 50 Tables features on Artichoke by Bjorn Shen and The Ottoman Room.