Meet Dalia Arja, a Palestinian chef and baker dedicated to preserving her rich culinary heritage, focusing on the rustic art of fallahi baking and ancient recipes. Dalia’s creations are more than just food; they are stories encapsulating the taste and smell of her homeland. From the pungent olive oil to the earthy zaatar, every bite tells a story of connection and heritage.
She is the founder of the artisan bakery ‘Karmiyeh’, a tribute to traditional bakeries from the villages of Palestine. The concept centers around her signature product, the Palestinian Eid Bread (أقراص العيد), an olive oil-infused bread symbolizing the connection of ancient Palestinian farmers to their land. She’s also the host of the ‘Dinner in Palestine’ supperclub, where she serves elaborate dinners around a communal table, following a storytelling approach that highlights the history and traditions behind the dishes and how Palestinian food acts as an expression of identity and connection.
Dalia’s story is not only about her culinary creations, but also about her deep connection to her ancestors and heritage. Growing up, she watched her mother create culinary magic in the kitchen and heard endless stories from her father about traditions of preserving and honoring seasonal produce in Palestine. Through these moments, Dalia absorbed the essence of Palestinian cuisine, rooted in community and love for the land.
Her journey took a pivotal turn when she moved to Dubai, where she began recreating her mother’s recipes to reconnect with her roots. Although her journey didn’t start in the kitchen—after 10 years in the tech industry, she eventually worked on developing a supperclub online marketplace. A project that inspired her to pursue cooking full-time—this shift led her to dedicate herself to sharing the flavors of Palestinian cuisine with the world.
“Through my food, I’ll tell you a love story about a land and its people, one that transcends barriers and divides. It’s the story of Palestine, told one dish at a time.” - Dalia