In Syria, food is a way of life. It is a cuisine that is enriched by thousands of years of history and is a reflection of the many trade routes that passed through it, of conquests and the rise and fall of empires, and of migration and multiculturalism. Food is a representation of traditional values and the importance of community, generosity, kindness and hospitality whether in its preparation or in its consumption. 

 

In a community where every event in life is a reason to come together - from births, to a first tooth, to achievements in all their forms, to religious holidays, to marriage and funerals, people share the experience, the joy, the pride and the grief. And food is always a central part of these gatherings.

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Our menu is highly dependent on fresh seasonal produce including a wide variety of vegetables, salad ingredients and herbs.

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We also, where possible, try to limit waste by reusing everything we can. Our cauliflower leaves go into our delicious cauliflower soup, herb stalk go into our sauces and stocks. Anything we can’t use we make sure is recycled appropriately.

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All our packaging is reusable or recyclable. We are conscious of our energy use and have put in place systems of operation that allow us to use as little energy as possible.

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Our team and staff welfare is a key part of our business. We pay London Living Wage, and have ensured we have in place non-discrimination and anti-harassment and bullying policies.

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A key objective of Mouna's Kitchen is to build community solidarity and counter negative views of refugees, immigrants and of Syria. We directly help refugees through employment, mentorship, raising funds and raising awareness. We also support people with other barriers to entry to work (homelessness, previous convictions, youth unemployment) by providing work opportunities, practical experience and training.

 

We coordinate with Kerb+, TERN (The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network) and the King's Trust to do so.