The Story

Abu Julia, born Mohammad Sbaita in Gaza Palestine, discovered his passion for cooking at the tender age of thirteen when he began learning his family's cherished recipes to help during his mother's illness. Despite joining his father's blacksmith trade during the day, Abu Julia found solace and joy in the kitchen, experimenting with new dishes and adding his unique flair. After earning a degree in English literature, he moved to London, working as a translator for the National Health Service, where he contributed to making healthcare more accessible to political refugees.

 

His culinary journey took a pivotal turn when he auditioned at Jamie Oliver's renowned restaurant in Piccadilly, landing a position that showcased his exceptional cooking skills. However, fate intervened with the outbreak of Covid-19, forcing the closure of the bustling restaurant and leading Abu Julia to share his cooking expertise online. Posting his first cooking video in 2020, he aimed to brighten people's days with budget-friendly recipes, adopting the pseudonym "Abu Julia" as a tribute to his aspiration of having a daughter.

 

Abu Julia's down-to-earth approach and passion for sharing home-cooked meals resonated deeply with audiences across the Middle East and beyond, earning him the title of "the most famous Arab chef on Facebook" by Al Jazeera. Responding to his followers' desire to experience his dishes firsthand, he envisioned restaurants serving the latest dishes from his show. Additionally, launching a range of products and established a user-friendly website for viewers to access recipes, purchase cooking essentials, and locate his restaurants and home delivery services. Beyond his online presence, Abu Julia has become a prominent figure in Arabic media, advocating for humanitarian causes and raising awareness about living conditions in Gaza.