Akram Abed and Idan Madev opened their soulful restaurant Arabeska on Lunz Street in Haifa’s Talpiot market. Here, Akram’s mother Amal shares her culinary expertise, preparing Lebanese delicacies inspired by her upbringing. In the 1980s, she was the first Arab woman with a stall in Talpiot Market, but she closed it down after the death of her son, Akram’s brother, in a car accident. Idan’s arrival in their lives prompted Amal’s return to the market.
As an openly gay couple of different religions and denominations, Akram and Idan have used Arabeska as a means for fostering community. They employ members of the LGBTQ individuals expelled from their homes, and are dedicated to building a community of businesses in the area.

Lebanese delicacies. Photo: Noam Preisman

Ravit Danino notes, “The warmth and love radiating from Akram, Idan, and Amal resonate in the flavors of their food: homey, traditional, and comforting. The restaurant’s joyful and laid-back atmosphere is precisely what was lacking in the market. Notable menu items include stuffed cabbage, ajinat el seth (pastries stuffed with chives and onions, or other seasonal vegetables), Akram’s hummus, and fatteh (hummus with fried pita, labneh, beef, or cauliflower).”

Have a note you want to share about the Mosaic? Email us at [email protected].