Wildly popular Syrian Food Market returns to Saint John

Succulently seasoned tabbouleh and rice. Spicy, football-shaped kibbeh. Tender stuffed grape leaves.

Theseand more Syrian dishes will be on offer at the fourth Syrian Food Market on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre in Saint John.

Organizer Reham Abazid and seven other women have been cooking for three days to prepare for the event, which has proven wildly popular in the community.

Abazid, speaking at times through a translator, said the group was stunned at the turnout for the second Syrian Food Market.

"The first one was normal, but then the second one there was more than 1,000people!" She said. "I didn't know this many people were coming."

"Many Canadians are buying it," she said. "This surprised me. Every sale, there are so many new people always. That's good."

Spicy, tasty goodies

She hopes people who aren't familiar with Syrian cuisine will keep an open mind.

"Syrian food is known for how we season our food with tonsof salt and spices," she said, "and I didn't find that here when I tried Canadian food. Syrian food is known across the Middle East, so I thought maybe Canadians would like it too."

Foodies interested in an authentic culinary experience won't be disappointed, said Abazid.

"I make it exactly as I would for my own family," she said.

Visitors tothe Syrian Food Market will be supporting a good cause, as well as enjoying a delicious lunch.

Proceeds from the first market, Abazid said, were donated to Islamic Relief to assist Syrian refugees in Jordan. The proceeds from the second and third sales were donated to women in Jordan whose husbands were killed or missing.

Helping the poor for Ramadan

The proceeds from this Saturday's event will be used to purchase Ramadan food hampers for refugees living in Jordan.

"We will send the money to families who are in Jordan who cannot afford much," Abazid said, "because Muslims have our holy month coming up soon. The purpose of that month is for people to give money to the poor. We want to give it out in packages with food and clothing that they need."

Abazid, who arrived in Saint John in January 2016, said the fundraising effort is a cause close to her heart.

"I went through it in Jordan when I was living there I needed someone to knock on my door and give me the money, and I want people who are in that position to get that money," she said.

"I am so much happy here. I love Saint John. I just hope we have enough food."