Exploring Omani & Zanzibari Food With Chef & Cookbook Author Dina Macki

In this episode of Matbakh, we're joined by Dina Macki, author of cookbook "Bahari: Recipes From an Omani Kitchen and Beyond," who shares insights into the unique flavors and culinary traditions of Omani and Zanzibari cuisines. Dina discusses her cultural heritage and diverse upbringing, and the intricate blend of spices and ingredients that define the dishes of Oman and Zanzibar. She dives into the influence of various cultures – including Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Swahili, and Portuguese – on the region's food, and how it transcends national borders. She also talks about the challenges of preserving traditional recipes, and offers her recommendations for must-try dishes for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of this particular geography. 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Exploring Omani Cuisine02:57 Cultural Identity and Background04:43 Food Influences and Personal Journey07:50 Dina's Culinary Path12:06 Historical and Cultural Insights24:58 Reviving Swahili Influence25:20 Experiences in Zanzibar26:54 Classic Dishes from the Book29:29 Traditional Drinks and Variations30:01 Unique Eid Dishes32:30 Coconut in Omani Cuisine38:02 Running Farsha: A Culinary Venture in Muscat40:27 Omani Food Culture and Traditions42:09 Guilty Pleasures and Essential Ingredients47:49 Travel Recommendations for Oman Dina Macki is a British-Omani food writer, presenter, and recipe developer with a strong focus on her Omani and Zanzibari heritage, as well as influences from the wider Middle East, East Africa, and her upbringing in the UK. She is known for exploring the unique foodscape of Oman and sharing personal recipes and stories, often bringing a fresh perspective on how food connects us to our past and communities. Her debut cookbook, "Bahari: Recipes From an Omani Kitchen and Beyond," showcases the rich flavors and history of Omani cuisine, which is shaped by its coastlines and maritime history with origins and influences spanning Pakistan, Iran, India, the Swahili coast, and Portugal. Dina works with various brands for recipe development and presentations. She also works for The Anglo-Omani Society.Connect with Dina Macki 👉 https://instagram.com/dinewithdina Hosted by Mikey MuhannaConnect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns FOLLOW & RATE THE MATBAKH:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afikra-matbakh/id1646402301» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GuszMVmvx0XM2zYLmVQK2» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1035528225 THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl48-5Y0F7sx2xoexSoeBUWJ FOLLOW & RATE THE MATBAKH PODCAST:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matbakh/id1646402301» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GuszMVmvx0XM2zYLmVQK2» Anghami: https://www.anghami.com/podcast/1035528225THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORKExplore all episodes in this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl48-5Y0F7sx2xoexSoeBUWJ&feature=sharedABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.📍 Local events in 40+ locations worldwide http://afikra.com/chapters🎧 New podcasts + videos weekly http://afikra.com/podcasts⚡ Become a member: https://