Faraya, Lebanon – Monday 3rd of November
The NoGarlicNoOnions team headed to the picturesque town of Faraya to film an intimate and heartfelt episode with the legendary Em Bachir, the woman behind Lebanon’s most beloved saj.The mission was heartfelt — to personally invite her to join NGNO once again for Season 2 at Zaroob, bringing her unmatched warmth and authentic flavors back to Dubai.
Our four-member team — Kareem, Joanne, Shady, and Nour — spent the day capturing every flavor, smile, and story. Leading the shoot was Kareem, whose creative vision and direction brought every moment to life. Behind the camera, he guided the flow of the day, capturing emotions, details, and the soul of the story. Joanne contributed brilliant ideas for cinematic shots, Elie ensured every angle was perfectly framed, Shady handled the setup and equipment with precision, and Nour documented the process while engaging Em Bachir in warm, thoughtful conversations about her craft and her journey.
The atmosphere was full of laughter and energy as the team filmed Em Bachir in her element — preparing saj with love and welcoming visitors with her signature warmth. Locals stopped by, smiling and sharing how they couldn’t go a day without her Zaatar saj. The day ended with everyone — Em Bachir, her son Bachir, and the NGNO crew — gathered around one table, sharing food, stories, and the joy that defines Lebanese hospitality.
As NGNO continues to document authentic culinary experiences, this day in Faraya stands out as a reminder of what we stand for: preserving Lebanon’s soul through its people, food, and stories, ensuring the best heroes of Lebanon are seen and carefully acknowledged.
