Sacred Cuisine: A Journey of Palestinian Heritage and Culinary Identity with Izzeldin Bukhari

In this episode of In My Kitchen with Paula, I sit down with Palestinian chef, storyteller, and founder of Sacred Cuisine, Izzeldin Abdul Aziz Bukhari.

Speaking from the Old City of Jerusalem, Izzeldin shares the story of his family’s migration from Bukhara, Uzbekistan to Jerusalem in 1616, his Sufi roots, and how food became both a form of meditation and a powerful vehicle for preserving Palestinian culture and identity.

You’ll Hear About

• How food carries history, grief, connection, and hope across generations

• Memories of grandmother’s kitchens in Gaza and the role food plays in family connection

• The history and symbolism behind the Palestinian dish Rummaniyeh

• What it means to build and operate a culinary business as a Palestinian living under occupation

• Food as an act of cultural preservation and resistance

This is an unforgettable conversation about heritage, hospitality, identity, and the sacred role food plays in bringing people together.

FEATURED RECIPE: Rummaniyeh
Click here for Izzeldin’s recipe!

HELPFUL LINKS

Sacred Cuisine:   www.sacred-cuisine.com
Izzeldin’s email:  [email protected]
Sacred Cuisine on Instagram: instagram.com/SacredCuisine

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In My Kitchen creates connections one dish at a time, by exploring culture through food. I do this through unique culinary workshops, speaking engagements, and of course, this podcast.

I'd love to hear from you! Send me an email me at [email protected]