Interview with Farah Raslan
Interview with
Farah Raslan
Israel Master Chef participant and Owner of Knafe Kaak
“The Galilee is big in every sense of the word, and that is how I dream of seeing it in the future..”
Farah Raslan, a participant of Israel’s Master Chef TV show and founder of “Knafe Kaak” at the Agamon Hahula Market, is looking forward to bringing her culture and food, to the next generation of culinary leaders.
What influenced you the most throughout your culinary career?
It was an area that influenced me the most, the geographic area I was born in, Southern Lebanon near the North of Israel.
The Southern Lebanon kitchen and my mother’s kitchen are a big inspiration for me, rich with techniques and produce from the Galilee. Growing up in a place where the residents and grandparents focused on food preparation from fresh produce that they planted themselves gave me a strong base. This contributed a lot to my understanding and connection to the land. In Israel, I really appreciate the work of Chef Erez Komorovsky and Israeli-British Chef Yotam Ottolenghi.
Where and when did you have a life-changing culinary experience?
After joining the Master Chef show season 8 in 2018, I opened up to other worlds of cuisine and other kitchens. I understood how much the Israeli society is rich and diverse in the culinary scene, giving Israeli food its own identity. Today I am open to new and different worlds of food, and I like to create a fusion of kitchens, especially taking the flavors from my roots and combining them with world-class techniques and Galilean identity.
When you hear the words: Israel, Galilee, Food, Culture, Innovation, what is the first thing that comes into your mind?
The geographic area of the Galilee is rich with unused resources. It has great potential and inspiration. This area needs to be led, taken, and promoted, especially from a culinary aspect and it’s no surprise that this area of the Galilee was chosen to lead Israel in the FoodTech field. The Galilee is big in every sense of the word, and that is how I dream of seeing it in the future.
What are your thoughts on an international culinary institute in the North of Israel? How do you relate to what you have heard about GCI's vision?
I think it will push forward the Galilee, strengthen the Galilee identity, and contribute tremendously to the area and residence regarding work opportunities, tourism, and culture.
What's a fun culinary fact about you?
I refuse to cook for myself, if there is no one to share the food with. It is not exactly a “fun” fact, but food is power, and I dream that I can use food to help me be an ambassador of peace with the neighbors and hope that there will be no boundaries.