Syrian with Racha Alchamat Saturday 27 September

Saturday 27 September

Syria’s food is a celebration of history, culture, and warmth—where every dish tells a story of resilience, generosity, and deep connection to the land. 

From the bustling markets of Damascus to the quiet, sun-soaked villages, the flavours of Syria are infused with spices, herbs, and ingredients that have been cultivated and cherished for centuries. Rich pomegranates, earthy lentils, fragrant cumin, and fresh mint come together to create dishes that are vibrant, layered, and soulful. But Syrian cuisine is more than its ingredients—it’s an expression of hospitality and love. 

To be welcomed into a Syrian kitchen is to be embraced like family, where food is both a gift and a bridge between people.

Learning to cook Syrian food is about more than just mastering recipes—it’s about immersing yourself in a culture of generosity and gathering. It’s about the shared laughter and stories that fill the air as dishes simmer and bake. To cook Syrian food is to honour tradition and innovation, to nourish both body and soul. 

Welcome Drink
Begin the day with a refreshing tamarind juice, a traditional favourite in Syria, while sharing conversation about history, culture and food.

Baba Ghannouj
Learn to prepare Baba Ghannouj, a smoky eggplant dip with layers of flavour — nutty, tangy, and perfect for sharing.

Fattoush Salad
Discover the secrets of Fattoush, Syria’s most loved salad, made with crisp seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and crunchy toasted bread. You’ll also learn how to prepare its signature tangy dressing — a bold mix of lemon, vinegar, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, garlic, and sumac — and how to balance these flavours for the perfect bite.

Veal Basmashkat
The hero of the class — thin slices of veal filled with rice, mince, and spices, then carefully rolled and sewn into parcels before being simmered in a delicate sauce until tender. A festive dish traditionally served at weddings and celebrations.

Sweet Finish
End on a high note with a demo class for Halawet el Jeben — delicate cheese rolls filled with cream and drizzled with orange blossom syrup.

Shared Meal
After cooking together, we’ll sit down as a group to enjoy the full feast you’ve prepared — just as it would be served in a Syrian home.

Please note: The menu may vary slightly depending on the season and the availability of fresh vegetables in the market.

This class is more than cooking — it’s about connection, culture, and experiencing the joy of Syrian hospitality.

About Racha Alchamat

Racha was born in Damascus, the Syrian capital, Racha emigrated to Australia 11 years ago. Her father ran his own restaurant in Damascus. During the hours he was home he was often in the kitchen, cooking and talking about food.

Racha migrated to Australia with her husband and two kids seeking a new life and new opportunities, without having to hide her Syrian heritage. Racha's Syrian Kitchen was born after the success of her first stall at the Moon Festival, held annually by her children's school. It was the first time in 20 years that Middle Eastern dishes, including Syrian dishes, were part of the festival offerings. At that point, Racha’s homemade Syrian dishes transformed into a business opportunity that would combine her Syrian traditions with her new Australian identity.

This beautiful experience begins at 10am with an intimate conversation with Racha, cooking around the bench and a beautiful long lunch. 

Racha and the team at Moonacres look forward to seeing you soon.