Rog’s World Flavours: Palestinian Maqluba in the Heart of Ljubljana

Rog’s World Flavours is a series of culinary workshops dedicated to exploring the cuisines of different countries around the world. Each workshop presents one country through its culinary traditions, characteristic ingredients, recipes and the stories of the people who keep these traditions alive.

Join us for a culinary workshop dedicated to maqluba, one of Palestine’s most iconic dishes. Its name means “upside down”, referring to the most anticipated moment of its preparation: when the pot is flipped after cooking and the layers of fragrant rice, seasonal vegetables, chickpeas and aromatic spices are revealed on the plate.

Guided by Palestinian cooks coming directly from Palestine as part of the Palestinian Cultural Caravan in Slovenia, we will learn how this beloved dish is prepared, discover its place in Palestinian home cooking and explore the importance of sharing a meal in Palestinian culture.

Alongside the main dish, we will also prepare fresh fattoush salad, bake traditional basbousa and enjoy a refreshing glass of cold hibiscus tea, known as karkadeh.

More than a cooking class, this workshop is an invitation to experience Palestinian hospitality, culture and storytelling through food. As we cook together, we will discover the stories behind the recipes, explore the significance of food in Palestinian family life and learn how meals have long helped preserve memory, identity and community.

Whether you are an experienced home cook or simply curious to discover new flavours, join us to cook, learn and share a meal around one table — because every maqluba begins with many hands and ends with one unforgettable flip.

Menu:

• Main course: vegetable maqluba, representing the heart of Palestinian home cooking and celebratory meals;
• Salad: fattoush, highlighting the freshness of seasonal vegetables and herbs;
• Dessert: basbousa, introducing participants to one of the region’s most beloved traditional desserts;
• Drink: cold hibiscus tea – karkadeh, a refreshing finish and a staple of Levantine hospitality.

Together, these dishes create a complete Palestinian dining experience while introducing participants to a range of ingredients, cooking techniques and culinary traditions.

About the mentors
The workshop will be led by Palestinian cooks participating in the Palestinian Cultural Caravan in Slovenia, with the support of mentors from the Cooking Lab.

Palestinian Caravan is an independent, community-based cultural initiative that invites visitors to discover Palestine beyond the headlines. It brings together artists, storytellers, musicians, cooks, craftspeople and community leaders from Palestine and the Palestinian diaspora, who present the living culture of their homeland through genuine human encounters. Each event is an opportunity to celebrate creativity, preserve cultural heritage and build meaningful connections between communities through art, cuisine, music and dialogue.

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Participants should gather 15 minutes before the start of the programme in the entrance lobby of Center Rog. Please store personal belongings in the lockers that will be shown to you by the mentor. Please arrive on time, as late entry into the lab cannot be guaranteed due to disruption of the working process.

The programme is intended for participants aged 14 and above unless otherwise stated.

In case of cancellation, you will be notified two days before the scheduled start.

If you are unable to attend, fees are non-refundable and the date cannot be changed. Participation may be transferred to another person, provided you inform us at least 24 hours before the start at kuhanje@center-rog.si.

We look forward to your company and to creating together!