By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
For those who personally celebrate - and others who have been invited to the heaving table - the feasts of Ramadan are truly special gatherings of food, family and faith.
Whether in the bustling souks of Cairo, where street vendors hand out free dates and water, or in Dubai, where vast tents host lavish buffets, the essence remains the same - breaking bread together in gratitude, reflection and community, as the sun dips below the horizon.
Closer to home, this year Sydney gourmands will have the incredible opportunity to experience these sacred moments of Iftar - the post-fast feasts during Ramadan - thanks to a collaboration between food storyteller Maeve O’Meara and Cafe Levant.
For one night only, Gourmet Safaris - Maeve’s award-winning food tour company - will partner with Cafe Levant to host an intimate and immersive Iftar Feast. Guests will be welcomed into the heart of Lebanese hospitality, where the Afiouny family will share generations-old traditions, home-cooked dishes, and the deep cultural significance of Ramadan.
A passionate explorer of global cuisines, Maeve has long been enchanted by the generosity and warmth of Middle Eastern food traditions. Her connection with the Afiouny family goes back years, to an invitation to dinner that left an indelible mark.
That night, she tasted the essence of true Lebanese cooking, prepared by matriarch Hala, with recipes passed down through generations. Now, through this special Iftar event, she invites guests to experience the same magic.
Hosted by Jinan Afiouny and her family at Cafe Levant, the evening will begin with the customary breaking of the fast - dates, laban (a cooling yoghurt drink) and soup to gently reawaken the senses.
Then, a feast unfolds: slow-cooked lamb, aromatic rice adorned with nuts and pomegranate, smoky baba ghanoush, silky hummus and an array of Middle Eastern sweets drenched in honey and orange blossom.
As the night winds down, with the scent of cardamom and rose lingering in the air, guests will leave not just full, but enriched by the experience of true hospitality.
Beyond the food, this event offers something deeper - an invitation to connect, to learn and to appreciate the profound cultural significance of Ramadan. Through shared plates and heartfelt conversations, guests will gain authentic insight into the rituals and meaning behind this sacred month, experiencing a side of Middle Eastern cuisine that goes far beyond the usual restaurant fare.
WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 7 pm sharp (seated by sunset at 7.13 pm).
WHERE: Cafe Levant, 331 Waterloo Road, Greenacre, NSW 2190.
COST: $120 per person
