Chef Ali will teach delicious, authentic Kurdish dishes followed by a sit-down meal.

ABOUT THE CUISINE

Kurdish cuisine originates from Kurdistan, a mountainous region that spans across Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria, and reflects the land’s rich diversity and deep-rooted traditions. It is known for its use of fresh herbs, vegetables, and warm, aromatic spices that bring depth and comfort to every meal.

In chef Ali’s class, you will learn to make traditional dishes such as Bamya (okra stew) and Kibbeh (stuffed rice with lamb). These recipes are often shared at family gatherings and celebrations, showcasing the community spirit and hospitality at the heart of Kurdish life."

ABOUT THE CHEF

A message from chef Ali:

“Hi, my name is Ali and I come from Kurdistan, Iraq. I grew up in a beautiful city called Sulaymaniyah. I was studying Geography at university, but in 2017 I needed to leave because it was dangerous for me to stay. When I came to Bristol in 2020 I felt relief because the people were so friendly and supportive.

I learnt to cook from my grandmother and stepmother when I was 15. They said you must look after yourself when you are at University. I discovered I loved cooking. The first things I cooked were rice and aubergine stew to go with lamb.

When I lived in Manchester with 4 friends, I did all the cooking. In Bristol I worked in a Kurdish restaurant in Old Market.

I love sharing my recipes from my country with people from different countries. Kurdish cuisine uses a lot of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices. It is very tasty but not too spicy. So I am excited to have joined Migrateful and can’t wait to share my story and culture.”

ON THE MENU (subject to change)

Bamya (Okra Soup) | Vegan; Mustard

Kibbeh (Rice Stuffed with Lamb) | Meat (Lamb); Mustard

Lahana Maza (Couscous Salad) | Vegan; Gluten (Wheat)

Jajik (Yoghurt Sauce) | Vegetarian; Milk

Brinj (Spiced Rice) | Vegan; Tree Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds), Gluten (Wheat)

Patatay Swrawkraw (Fried Mashed Potato) | Vegan; Mustard

This menu contains meat (lamb) but is vegetarian-friendly (five out of six dishes are meat-free). Allergens include: mustard, gluten, milk, tree nuts.

Please note that we cannot substitute ingredients to accommodate dietary needs. Only book into classes that suit your requirements. Allergen information for this class will be updated closer to the date.

Join Ali’s cookery class in Bristol to learn to make authentic Kurdish Iraqi dishes and celebrate the flavours and stories brought to the UK through food.

THE CLASS FORMAT

Our cookery classes are family-style – everyone works together to prepare the dishes as a team.

While you’ll choose one dish to focus on, you’ll also have the opportunity to move around the kitchen, help with other dishes, and learn from each recipe. It’s a fun, social, and collaborative cookery class where you’ll gain hands-on experience, new skills, and an authentic taste of Kurdish culture.

At the end of the class, you’ll sit down with chef Ali, your classmates, and our team to enjoy the meal you’ve created together.

REMINDERS

We’re excited to have you join us for this Bristol cookery class. Please take note of a few final reminders:

Please see our refund and cancellation policy: Migrateful Ticket Refund Policy | Migrateful (https://www.migrateful.org/terms-and-conditions/migrateful-ticket-refund-policy/)

Please see our allergens policy here: Food & Allergens Policy | Migrateful (https://www.migrateful.org/terms-and-conditions/food-allergens-policy/)

We recommend using a debit or credit card to pay (PayPal payments can take up to 48 hours to confirm).

Spaces are limited – book now to secure your spot and experience the true taste of Kurdistan, Iraq, right here in Bristol.

WHY JOIN A MIGRATEFUL CLASS?

By joining a Migrateful cookery class in Bristol, you’re not just learning delicious new recipes — you’re supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in the UK through cooking, connection, and cultural exchange. Join us to meet chefs from around the world, including from Turkey, Trinidad & Tobago, Sri Lanka, and many more.

Thank you for celebrating the unifying power of food to connect us all. We can’t wait to cook with you soon!

Description supplied by the event organiser.