Hi, I'm Dyala. Welcome to my world through my kitchen.

Where’s your non-committal accent from?

I’m British born and raised, with Lebanese parents who were born in Nigeria. I met my Iranian husband when I lived in Dubai for a few years. We have settled in Washington DC, where we’re raising our American boys and Havanese dogs.

What is Umami anyway?

In my mind the perfect meal is meaty, savory and satisfying. These are the words used to describe Umami, which has come to be known as the fifth element of taste. Think Parmesan, braised Beef, Chicken Soup and Shiitake Mushrooms. The deliciousness that is Umami is the flavor that we strive for when we cook and when we eat.

What drives you to write this blog?

My passion for good food and good health; and for sharing what comes naturally to me with others. Nutrition is the driving force behind what I feed my family and with children, as with grown ups, we have to strike a delicate balance to keep things fun and interesting. I turn to traditional recipes and principals to navigate me through our relationship with food, from the way that we grow and prepare it, to the way that we cook and serve it.

What’s one key take away?

Always start with the best ingredients, those produced organically, locally, ethically and sustainably. Then we can start making food prepared with love for generations to come.