Welcome to Khadija’s Secret, a lovingly curated collection of traditional recipes passed down through generations — straight from my grandmother Khadija’s kitchen in Makkah.
My grandmother, Khadija, was the heart of our family — a woman of quiet strength, boundless generosity, and incredible talent in the kitchen. Her food was more than just nourishment; it was her way of expressing love, care, and a deep connection to her culture. Whether she was preparing a fragrant lamb stew, slow-cooked with spices only she had mastered, or wrapping delicate sambusas by hand, every dish she made carried the flavors of Makkah’s rich culinary heritage — and the soul of a home filled with warmth and tradition.
After she passed, I thought her recipes had gone with her. But during a visit to my aunt Bouthaina’s home, tucked between old photographs and prayer books, I discovered a small, timeworn notebook. Inside were handwritten recipes in her familiar script — dishes I remembered from childhood, each note and measurement a quiet whisper of her voice. That moment moved me deeply. I knew I had to preserve and share this treasure — not just for our family, but for anyone who cherishes heritage, flavor, and the stories that food can tell.
Khadija’s Secret is more than a recipe blog. It’s a tribute to the love and legacy of the woman who shaped my understanding of food, culture, and home. It’s a celebration of Hijazi flavors, traditional Makkah dishes, and the cooking methods passed from mother to daughter, generation to generation. Here, you’ll find the same meals that once brought our family together — from simple everyday comfort foods to dishes prepared for Eid and special gatherings.
I invite you to explore these pages not just as a reader, but as a guest at our family table. Try the recipes. Adapt them in your own way. Share them with those you love. And maybe, just maybe, create new memories of your own.
With love and gratitude,
Yasser