Hourani MasterChefs: A celebration of culinary diversity and team spirit

At Hourani & Partners, we take pride in celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that define our team. This year, our employees came together for a one-of-a-kind event: Hourani MasterChefs, where colleagues swapped their professional roles for chef hats to present native dishes that reflect their heritage and culinary passions.

The event was a gastronomic journey around the world, with team members representing cuisines from Pakistan, Africa, Bangladesh, Palestine, Canada, Cyprus, Egypt, Philippines, Germany, India, Iran, Jordan, Yemen, Lebanon, Turkey, and the USA. Each dish was a reflection of history, tradition, and the chef’s personal story, making the event as heartfelt as it was delicious.

A feast for the senses

The office transformed into a lively marketplace, buzzing with the aroma of freshly cooked dishes and the sound of enthusiastic conversations. Tables were adorned with colorful spreads of:

• Pakistan’s spicy biryani and Africa’s rich stews
• Bangladesh’s aromatic curries and Palestine’s savory maqluba
• Canada’s sweet butter tarts and Cyprus’s delightful halloumi dishes
• Egypt’s famous pasta bashamel and Philippines’ crowd-favorite adobo and lechon
• Germany’s hearty schnitzels and India’s diverse range of curries and breads
• Iran’s saffron-infused kebabs and Jordan’s flavorful mansaf
• Yemen’s traditional mandi and Lebanon’s iconic tabbouleh and hummus
• Turkey’s irresistible baklava and USA’s classic apple pie and BBQ ribs

Each plate was more than just food; it was a story—a connection to home, a memory of family, and a celebration of identity.

More than just a culinary event

While the dishes were undoubtedly the stars of the show, the event went beyond food. It was a testament to the incredible teamwork, camaraderie, and mutual respect within Hourani & Partners. Employees shared cooking tips, swapped stories about their countries, and bonded over their shared love for food.

The energy and passion on display turned the event into a celebration of our firm’s core values—diversity, collaboration, and excellence. It was a perfect reminder of how our differences, when embraced, create a stronger and more vibrant community.

And the winner is… Team Philippines

While every team brought their A-game and made this event truly special, Team Philippines stood out with their incredible dishes and captivating presentation, earning them the ultimate title of Hourani MasterChefs 2024!

That said, the creativity, effort, and passion poured into each dish by every team made everyone a winner. The real reward was the joy of seeing colleagues’ taste, learn, and appreciate one another’s cultures, fostering deeper connections across our diverse team.

At Hourani & Partners, we believe success is not just about business; it’s about building meaningful relationships and creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued.

Here’s to more events that celebrate the richness of our global team!

#houranimasterchefs #culinarydiversity #teamculture #celebratingunity #houranipartners