27/10/2026
Sometimes, we need to look back at our journey to remember how far we’ve come and how many wonderful people have been part of our story.
When I first arrived in Wales, I never imagined just how much this place and its people would come to mean to me ❤️
Through the "Syrian Dinner" project, I’ve had the chance to share a piece of my Syrian heritage, my culture, and my heart - all through food. What began as a simple love for cooking has grown into something much greater: deep connections, a sense of belonging, and a community that welcomed me with kindness and open hearts.
Without the kindness of this community and the people who believed in me, my journey would not be what it is today. You have helped me feel that I truly belong here and that means more to me than words can express 🥰
Over the years, we’ve shared so many special moments from markets and events to celebrations and awards including the chance to talk about Syrian cuisine on BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Kitchen Cabinet’ with host Jay Rayner. It was also a great pleasure to meet chefs Tim Anderson, Melissa Thompson, Angela Gray, and Zoe Laughlin, and to share some of the Syrian dishes I had prepared. Their feedback and our conversations were such a unique experience - a memory I will always hold dear ❤️
Among the milestones I cherish most are the awards we received: the "Nation of Sanctuary Entrepreneur Award" in 2019, the "Aber First Awards" in 2022, and the "Food & Drink Awards" in 2022. These were more than just certificates or honors; they were proof that the work we do and the love we pour into every dish has truly reached people’s hearts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I prepared and provided 150 free meals for the doctors and staff of the NHS at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth. It was my humble way of saying: "Thank you for your courage, your hard work, and for standing by everyone during such a difficult time." It was a great honor to contribute through food and to express my gratitude by cooking 🌈
Today, I want to share something personal: I truly miss the work cooking, meeting people, sharing our food, and being a part of this wonderful community ❤️
Food has always been my way of bringing people together. Through it, I share my culture, express my affection, and say "thank you" to this place that has given me so much. Every dish I serve carries memories from Syria, the warmth of family, and a spirit of hospitality and love.
I hope to continue being a part of this community’s life by bringing the flavors of Syria to your tables. To everyone who has supported me and The Syrian Dinner Project throughout this journey; whether by purchasing our food, attending our events, offering kind words of encouragement, or simply believing in what we do - thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are all part of my story, and you will always hold a special place in my heart 🌸
Wales is more than just a place I live, it is a community I am truly grateful to be a part of. I hope to continue sharing my food, my culture, and my heart with you for many years to come.
If you remember The Syrian Dinner Project, have tasted our food before, or are curious to discover the flavors of Syrian cuisine, I would love to hear from you. If you are planning a party, a special occasion, or an event or if you would like to see us at a local market, please reach out. It would be my pleasure to bring a taste of Syria to your table ❤️
I would also love for you to share your experiences and memories with us. If you have ever enjoyed our food, attended one of our events, or crossed paths with us at a market or gathering, Sometimes, we need to look back at our journey to remember how far we’ve come and how many wonderful people have been part of our story.
When I first arrived in Wales, I never imagined just how much this place—and its people—would come to mean to me. ❤️
Through the "Syrian Dinner" project, I’ve had the chance to share a piece of my Syrian heritage, my culture, and my heart—all through food. What began as a simple love for cooking has grown into something much greater: deep connections with others, a true sense of belonging, and a community that welcomed me with kindness, warmth, and open hearts.
I will always be grateful for the support, encouragement, and opportunities I’ve found here. Honestly, without the kindness of this community and the people who believed in me, my journey would not be what it is today. You have helped me feel that I truly belong here—and that means more to me than words can express. 🥰
Over the years, we’ve shared so many special moments—from markets and events to celebrations and awards—including the chance to talk about Syrian cuisine on BBC Radio 4’s *The Kitchen Cabinet* with host Jay Rayner. It was also a great pleasure to meet chefs Tim Anderson, Melissa Thompson, Angela Gray, and Zoe Laughlin, and to share some of the Syrian dishes I had prepared; I was so happy that they enjoyed the food! Their feedback and our conversations were such a unique experience and a memory I will always hold dear. ❤️
Among the milestones I cherish most are the awards we received: the "Nation of Sanctuary Entrepreneur Award" in 2019, the "Aber First Awards" in 2022, and the "Food & Drink Awards" in 2022. These were more than just certificates or honors; they were proof that the work we do—and the love we pour into every dish—has truly reached people’s hearts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt a duty to contribute, in some small way, to supporting those who were looking after us and keeping our community safe. I prepared and provided 150 free meals for the doctors and staff of the NHS at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth. It was my humble way of saying: "Thank you for your courage, your hard work, and for standing by everyone during such a difficult time." It was a great honor to contribute through food and to express my gratitude by cooking. ❤️
Today, I want to share something personal: I truly miss the work—cooking, meeting people, sharing our food, and being a part of this wonderful community. ❤️
Food has always been my way of bringing people together. Through it, I share my culture, express my affection, and say "thank you" to this place that has given me so much. Every dish I serve carries memories from Syria, the warmth of family, and a spirit of hospitality and love.
I hope to continue being a part of this community’s life—through markets, parties, events, and catering services—bringing the flavors of Syria to your tables, and creating many more beautiful memories together. To everyone who has supported me and The Syrian Dinner Project throughout this journey—whether by purchasing our food, attending our events, offering kind words of encouragement, or simply believing in what we do—thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are all part of my story, and you will always hold a special place in my heart. ❤️🌸
Wales is more than just a place I live; it is a community I am truly grateful to be a part of. I hope to continue sharing my food, my culture, and my heart with you for many years to come.
If you remember The Syrian Dinner Project, have tasted our food before, or are curious to discover the flavors of Syrian cuisine, I would love to hear from you. If you are planning a a special occasion, event or would like to see us at a local market - please reach out. It would be my pleasure to bring a taste of Syria to your table ❤️
I would also love for you to share your experiences and memories with us. If you have ever enjoyed our food, attended one of our events, or crossed paths with us at a market or gathering, please share your experience in the comments—tell us what has stayed with you! Your words and memories mean so much to us; they help keep the story of The Syrian Dinner Project alive in people’s hearts ❤️
With love and gratitude,
Latifa ❤️
