When i first came to New York, one of my professors who is Dominican – and now became one of my closest friends– told me that in the Dominican Republic, kibbe and tabboule, both traditional Lebanese foods, are essential elements of the Dominican cuisine. I wondered how this happened. How did kibbe become so popular from Lebanon all the way to Santo Domingo? From there, I got the idea to write the article that just got published in Now Lebanon.
Dominican Quipe in Washington Heights (Carla Haibi)
Reporting and writing this story was really fun and interesting. With the help of some Dominican friends, i got recommendations of one of the most popular Dominican restaurants in New York and I got in touch with the president of an important cultural club, the Syrian-Lebanese-Palestinian club in Santo Domingo to understand how this fact came to be. I also interviewed the president of the Lebanese industrialists Associations and a researcher from the University of Austin -Texas among few others who did not make it to the finished piece.
I am going to Santo Domingo in less than a month, and I will do some live reporting from there.
Lebanese kibbe in Brooklyn (Photo by Carla Haibi)
It’s not like I’m jealous or anything that you’ll go to Santo Domingo and will be eat and report and have fun and…and…from there
i will think of you every bite of the way
Sorry about the “be”…was not meant to be in the last sentence
I want kibbe!!!!!! Very interesting post Carla
. It’s good to know Kibbe is part of others culture… Everytime I read your blog I get hungry!
Well done again Carloushka … Your writing is mouthwatering and the way to a man heart is through his stomach so .. If Im reading you correctly over the last two or so weeks …. You are on the right track … Big hug & miss you lots X Hooba qatar
Toto …thank you for your support.. Until the next mouthwatering article
big hugs!!
I can’t wait to read the live reporting from Santo Domingo!
And to taste some kibbe. I’m hungry now, and I bet that would hit the spot.
The diasporas from the Ottoman Empire made its way to the Caribbean and their delicious foods became our staple. Most of the groups and their heirs represented are often referred as “turcos,” most likely since the parents bore passports from the empire.
I remember fondly when my grandmother would prepare us kibbeh nayyeh. And she was very Dominican.
There is a first rate deli serving kibbeh, aux delices du moyen orient, in Santo Domingo.
Joe, Dominicans indeed called me Turca in the DR, it was pretty funny…I have tried the kibbe there, they were very good as well, with a slightly different flavor profile. Some add raisins. It is a definitely a staple there, and a true delicacy.
Hi Carla,
Nice article on kibbie. It is wonderful to find that this dish is loved the world over.
Being Lebanese myself I am very interested in the food and culture. I live in Austin and would be interested to speak with the person you interviewed (president) of the Lebanese Industrialists Associations if you would not mind providing me their name.
I look forward to your response…..keep up the great reports.
Fredrick
Hi Frederick am sorry for such a late reply, but better late than never. I have been moving alot lately and i finally have some time to catch on some unanswered comments and emails.
here’s the email of the president of the Lebanese Industrialists Association
fady.gpi@talk21.com
His name is Fadi Abboud.
Good luck
My dear,
Could you please tell me what is the adress for Lebaness resturant in Santo Domingo.
regards Appreciate your reply uregently
Hi Maysaa Sorry it took me a while to reply. The restaurant I am referring to is in New York City and not in Santo Domingo.