FILM FOOD IRL - FROM ARAB FOOD BLOGGERS

Food bloggers are the heart and soul of not just the online Arab stratosphere but also in film and television! So often do we recall tantalizing treats and mouthwatering creations from our favorite films and television shows that seemed so out of reach through our screens… But that doesn’t mean we can’t try to find the closest real-world equivalents! We asked some of your favorite Arab/Arab-based food bloggers which fictional dish they would consider their most iconic and the closest real-world equivalent they’ve come across on their journeys. We asked them the following:

Q: “What is your favorite dish or food item from a film or television series? Either one you consider to be the most iconic or the fictional dish you want to try the most. And have you come across or created an equivalent in real life?”

Curiously Hungry / Hessa Al Khalifa

“Well the first thing that came to my mind was the Courtesan au Chocolat from Mendl’s from The Grand Budapest Hotel. I’m such a Wes Anderson fan, and that scene with all the pastel colors and fancifulness of it really stayed with me! I’ve yet to recreate it in real life because I’m not much of a pastry chef, but I do plan on making it as a challenge! However, another dish that I have attempted is The Krabby Patty from SpongeBob SquarePants! And that is a special you can find at the Curious Diner (if you ask nicely hehehe).”

Curiously Hungry is an avid food & travel blogger turned brand and diner! On her Instagram and website, you’ll find her recipes, restaurant reviews, and ramblings! You can find Hessa on Instagram (@curiouslyhungry), on her site, or at The Curious Diner at Al Liwan in Bahrain!

“*I’m such a Wes Anderson fan and that scene with all the pastel colors and fancifulness of it really stayed with me!"*

*- Hessa Al Khalifa of Curiously Hungry*

Every Little Crumb (Farah Abu Maizar)

“I would say (the most iconic dish from pop culture is) Bruce’s chocolate cake from Matilda. The description of it is mouth-watering! And I’ve always been a sweet tooth. There’s a place in Saudi called Parker’s. They do a really good job at this decadent chocolate cake. It’s so over the top - if you want, I can send you a picture! And I myself am always hunting on how to make a great moist chocolate cake myself.”

Farah Abu Maizar is a Bahrain-based Palestinian-American dietitian, food blogger, and recipe developer! Farah’s blog (linked here) is where you can find all of her recipes and recommendations, and you can find (here) on Instagram @everylittlecrumb!

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MunchiesLog (@munchieslog)

“I would have to say the most memorable food items for me were the ones shown in Ghibli movies, especially from Ponyo (Ramen) and Howl’s Moving Castle (Breakfast Platter). They were such humble and simple dishes, yet it left you craving and wishing you had a bowl/plate of it. The fictional dish I would love to try… hands down: Monica’s Moistmaker Sandwich she made for Ross in FRIENDS. Sounds bomb!!”

On a real-life equivalent: “For me, Katana Torii makes great bowls of delicious ramen. They have a wide variety of ramen dishes to choose from and can even be shared with someone. I’d consider the Breakfast platters from Roast and Fuddruckers both scrumptious and filling that will keep you full for the day.”

Munchieslog is a food blogger and TikToker in Bahrain, who says, “Discovering great food places means we will never go hungry again! Follow me on a food adventure as I explore awesome food places on the small island of Bahrain... and soon, the world!”. You can find her on Instagram , TikTok, , Facebook, & Snapchat!

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Noor Al Bastaki (noorb_eats)

Most Iconic Dish: “The Spaghetti & Meatballs from Lady and the Tramp!”
Real life equivalent: “I had a similar dish from Cico’s (in Bahrain).”
“My favorite (fictional) food item… Naco from Kim Possible (I’m a huge fan of Mexican food), and Shaggy sandwich from Scooby-Doo.”

Noor Al Bastaki is a Bahraini food blogger on Instagram. You can find a link to her page here for her food reviews across Bahrain, each with her signature penguin rating!

Eating With Kay / Dana Kay

“So the first dish that came to my mind is the RAMDON (Jjapaguri) from the movie Parasite! And I did create it based on the steps provided in the movie, and it came out delicious. And actually, Street Al Makan in The Avenues (Kuwait) does serve it on their menu.”

Dana Kay / Eating With Kay is a food & lifestyle blogger as well as a recipe developer between Kuwait and Dubai. You can find her Instagram here, full of her tempting recipes and reviews from across the Arab world.

***FUN FACT FROM TEAM SAYNARIO:*** ‘ Jjapaguri’ is a new dish in modern Korean cuisine, popularized by a celebrity in a variety show who made the dish for his kids, which essentially is the combination of two types of instant noodles (Chapagetti and Neoguri). By adding steak (actually, the very high-quality Hanwoo Korean beef), Mrs. Park is seemingly ‘classing up’ an everyday dish, adding another layer to the film’s commentary on social classes.

The Food Menu (thefoodmenu.bh / Zainab Akbar)

Most iconic dishes: Pizza from Friends and Spaghetti from Eat Pray Love
Zainab recommends a number of restaurants for real-life equivalents and excellent pizza and pasta in Bahrain: Fatto (top choice for spaghetti), Otto (top choice for pizza), and Sancarlo (for both!).
“Serena Bahrain used to be my favorite for both pizza and spaghetti, but they closed down. I (also) make pizza and spaghetti at home and I have french fries almost every day! It’s my go-to food when I feel down.”

Zainab Akbar has been a food blogger and influencer in Bahrain who has been sharing reviews, posts, recipes and articles in both English and Arabic for over six years with features in both Akhbar Al Khaleej (جريدة أخبار الخليج البحرينية) and on Bahrain TV. Her Instagram is linked here and her website is linked here.