In the latest episode of Cooking Unscripted, Lebanese culinary storyteller Anthony Rahayel is back at the counter alongside co-host and culinary consultant Chef Jean Barbour to welcome a guest who lives and breathes Middle Eastern flavor: Chef Rabeh Amer. Known for his Syrian culinary roots, international cooking competitions, and ability to bridge authenticity with innovation, Rabeh steps into the kitchen to completely reimagine Shish Barak—a beloved Levantine dumpling dish traditionally served in warm yogurt sauce.
This isn’t your grandmother’s Shish Barak. It’s a cultural tribute reinterpreted with modern creativity, technical mastery, and personal memory. In a studio set within Falcon Professional Kitchen, the trio explores the boundaries between tradition and experimentation—shaping dough, sizzling onions, and stirring up stories that go far beyond the plate.
What’s Inside This Episode?
Tradition Meets Transformation: A Shish Barak Like You’ve Never Seen It
Chef Rabeh begins with the heart of the dish—handmade dough, yogurt infused with turmeric, and a perfectly seasoned meat and onion filling. But then he flips the script. From plating to texture, his version of Shish Barak becomes an elegant reinterpretation, maintaining the dish’s cultural soul while transforming its shape, look, and structure. Even the addition of nuts and spaghetti-style twists reflect his inventive spirit.
The Chef Behind the Dish: Rabeh’s Culinary Crossroads
We hear firsthand how Rabeh’s upbringing in Shahba, Syria, and his experiences in Lebanon and the UAE shaped his food philosophy. From Mansaf memories to modern plating challenges, he opens up about the tension between honoring tradition and standing out in international kitchens. This is a raw, real conversation about the joys and pressures of being a chef in a globalized world.
Beyond the Plate: Kitchen Pressure, Cultural Pride, and Personal Purpose
Chef Jean and Anthony create space for Rabeh to express the emotional complexity of life in the kitchen—passion, exhaustion, and the constant drive for excellence. They explore what it means to “respect the identity of a dish,” the importance of professional tools in Middle Eastern kitchens, and how chefs carry the stories of their countries with every spoonful they serve.
Why You Should Watch This Episode:
This isn’t just a recipe demo—it’s a powerful culinary exchange between tradition and reinvention. Chef Rabeh Amer brings years of professional experience, cultural depth, and global perspective into one deeply rooted dish, offering a rare look at how identity, innovation, and emotion collide in the kitchen. With Anthony’s storytelling flair and Chef Jean’s sharp observations, this episode becomes a blueprint for anyone who wants to cook with both memory and mastery.
- See how a classic Levantine dish like Shish Barak can be deconstructed, modernized, and still remain true to its roots.
- Hear raw, honest reflections from a chef who’s competed on international stages but stays grounded in his heritage.
- Learn practical techniques for dough, yogurt sauces, and plating that elevate Middle Eastern cuisine into modern fine dining.
This episode speaks to food lovers, restaurant owners, culinary students, and cultural preservationists alike—anyone curious about how dishes evolve while holding onto their soul.
About Cooking Unscripted
Cooking Unscripted is a food podcast where passion meets creativity in the kitchen. Hosted by Anthony Rahayel and Chef Jean Barbour, each episode invites unique guests—chefs, home cooks, food show creators, producers, or simply food lovers—to join them in the kitchen. Together, they dive into flavorful conversations about culinary stories, inspirations, and the art of food, all while creating delicious dishes live during the show. Cooking Unscripted isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement!
Watch now: Cooking Unscripted: Season 2, Ep 3 – Reinventing Shish Barak with Chef Rabeh Amer
Filmed inside the industry-leading Falcon Professional Kitchen and supported by regional culinary innovators like @chefrabehamer and @chefjeanbarbour, the show is where food becomes memory, meaning, and movement. Follow @nogarlicnoonions, all featured guests, and our partners to stay connected to every bite of the journey.
