Mouhyedin
“Once the conflict began, we weren’t allowed to go out, so we’d sit in front of our houses, discussing the news, and sipping tea. We even learned to analyse the sound of shells over cups of tea.”
Photo: © Mouhyedin
Mouhyedin
“Once the conflict began, we weren’t allowed to go out, so we’d sit in front of our houses, discussing the news, and sipping tea. We even learned to analyse the sound of shells over cups of tea.”
Photo: © Mouhyedin
Mouhyedin, a Syrian chef and founder of Falafel Fella, reflects on his journey from Homs, his displacement in Lebanon and his new life in the UK. He also shares his cherished tea rituals for Cuppa Hope.
My journey began in 2012 when my family and I were forced to flee our hometown, Homs, in Syria.I would have been forced to join the military if I hadn’t left. I was 18 years old at the time, I could have been forcibly enlisted at any time.
Before the crisis started in my country, I was pursuing my baccalaureate. My family owned a business and we lived comfortably. I had a promising future ahead of me. However, everything changed overnight.
When conflict reached our town, we were forced to flee, with only the clothes on our backs.
Bombs rained down on my hometown. At any moment, a bomb could drop on the house we’re standing in, potentially collapsing it on our heads.
“The house, which had been in our family for more than 100 years, with multiple generations calling it home, was reduced to rubble.”
My parents insisted that I flee to Lebanon, so I wouldn’t have to serve in the army.
Life as a refugee there was tough – being stopped randomly just because I was a refugee. Everything was really expensive, and I had to work multiple jobs to survive. Sometimes, I wouldn’t even get paid, and there was nothing I could do about it.
In 2016, I came to the UK through UNHCR’s resettlement scheme for vulnerable people, where I finally found safety.
Everything was tough at first; I didn’t speak English or know anything about the lifestyle, people or the culture. But I was determined to overcome these challenges because I had no other choice.
I finally made it here and now I have something to look forward to.
“I feel like someone who matters. I have the freedom that I didn’t have before, and I feel safe.”
Reflecting on it now, those challenges transformed my journey into something truly remarkable. I knew I needed to learn English, and that’s exactly what I did. My friends Fran and Martin helped me achieve this goal. I also used a translation app wherever I went, so I could practice my English with others and chat to them.
In 2018, I started my own restaurant called Fafafel Fella, where I serve dishes inspired by the flavours of my home country. My mum and sister played a big part in helping me perfect the recipes, even though we were miles apart, communicating via Skype.
The restaurant not only keeps my Syrian identity alive, but it also helps me share my culture with customers who may have never met anyone from Syria before.
“My restaurant is more than just a business – it’s a place where we share cultures.”
When customers visit, I always offer them free tea, specifically cardamom tea.
Tea holds a special place in the daily lives of every Syrian. Whether we’re happy or sad, tea is there. It’s served at weddings, funerals, breakfast, after lunch and in the evenings.
In Syria, we enjoy various types of tea: black tea with cinnamon sticks, cardamom tea, or chamomile tea. Each cup brings back memories of gatherings back home.
Before the conflict, we often gathered in the evenings, especially during summer, chatting at the front door of our houses. During Ramadan, we’d join our neighbours and relatives for tea after evening prayers.
Once the conflict began, we weren’t allowed to go out, so we’d sit in front of our houses, discussing the news, and sipping tea. We even learned to analyse the sound of shells over cups of tea.
When I was younger, I didn’t enjoy black tea much, so I’d always add milk to it. Moving to the UK and discovering that’s how British people enjoy their tea made me really happy.
Living here in the UK has made me feel like an ambassador for my country and the best way to do so is through my actions towards others. I believe in helping people, engaging in meaningful conversations and offering assistance without expecting anything in return. This is how I, as a Syrian, strive to represent myself and my country to others, especially to those who may be unfamiliar with it.
To learn more about our Cuppa Hope Tea & Talks and to hear Mouhyedin’s story in-person, please visit Cuppa Hope website
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