Flavours of Kurdistan by Lara Haris

Kurdish culture spans across the mountainous regions of Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq, but its distinctive culinary traditions remain a hidden gem in Toronto. On May 31, guest chef Lara Haris is bringing those authentic flavours to the Centre for Social Innovation on Spadina for a special family-style dinner that promises to be as educational as it is delicious.

A Taste of Slemani Lara Haris, a U of T student with a passion for sharing her heritage, is recreating the big, communal gatherings she grew up with in Slemani. In Kurdish culture, food is the primary love language, and this event is designed to replicate that warmth. Guests can expect a table filled with traditional dishes meant for sharing, including *Shfta* (aromatic ground beef kebabs seasoned with cumin and coriander), *Tapsi* (a comforting tray bake of eggplant, potatoes, and peppers), and *Yapraxy Galamew*—fragrant grape leaf dolma topped with fava beans.

What to Expect This is a communal, family-style experience. Dishes are served with soft pita for scooping and dipping, accompanied by fresh seasonal herbs and greens to provide contrast and brightness. To refresh the palate, guests will be served *Ayran*, a traditional chilled yogurt drink with mint. The meal concludes with *Turta*, a decadent layered dessert of biscuits, cocoa pudding, and coconut flakes.

Practical Info The dinner takes place at the Centre for Social Innovation (192 Spadina Ave) on May 31, starting at 6:30 PM. It’s a fantastic opportunity to step outside the usual downtown dining scene and experience a cuisine that is otherwise nearly impossible to find in the city. Whether you are a food enthusiast looking to expand your palate or simply want to support a local student sharing her culture, this is a must-attend event. Be sure to arrive ready to share and connect with fellow diners in the spirit of Kurdish hospitality.