About Us

Hi, I’m Ayah—welcome to The Bitter Olive food blog, where we share the recipes, memories, and flavors that have shaped our family table.

Food has always been at the center of my life. I’m the daughter of an exceptional cook, who is herself the daughter of an exceptional cook. Some of my earliest and most vivid memories are from summers in Damascus, where the scent of my grandmother’s cooking would fill the house. She cooked with love, and the table was never without something warm, generous, and made with care.

She cooked for nearly 20 of us every day—children, grandchildren, cousins. Even though it was a lot, she never ran out of energy or ideas. There was always something ready when we arrived: grape leaves (yalanji) in the fridge, fresh fruit, handmade cheese, and bread still warm from the oven. Her kibbeh? Unmatched.

My mother inherited that same spirit. She’s the kind of person who wakes up at 5 a.m. to bake fresh cheese pastries or mana’eesh before school. She’ll even bake a cake just because someone mentioned it the night before. Her food isn’t just the best I’ve ever tasted—it’s the kind of food people remember long after the meal is over.

Because of them, my passion for food came naturally. And that’s why I created this space.

The Bitter Olive food blog is where I share the recipes that carry meaning—traditional dishes passed down through generations, modern takes, and personal creations that reflect who I am. Some are Syrian, some Palestinian, some Jordanian, and others are simply favorites I’ve picked up from kitchens around the world. But every recipe here is tested with care and shared with love.

If you’re new here, start with The Perfect Cheese Sambousek, one of our most beloved recipes. It’s made by my mom and passed down through our family.

Whether you’re here for something nostalgic or new, we’re so glad you’ve found your way to our kitchen. The Bitter Olive food blog is a space I hope you return to again and again—just like we return to these recipes.

Welcome to our table!