How a Syrian Director opened a Restaurant in Antwerp
By Dorien Dierckx Posted on 27 June 2017
Translated by Veerle Masscheleyn
One rarely meets people who can incite others with their strength and zeal for life. Sally Ghannoum is such a person. One year and a half after her arrival in Belgium, she managed to establish a Syrian restaurant with the help of dozens of new friends.
We met at Dilbi Falafel in Antwerp while savouring the tasty cuisine. It soon became clear that Sally had more to offer than just oriental dishes. One could refer to her as the embodiment of successful integration.
In the heart of the Arabic neighbourhood
Dilbi Falafel is not exactly a business you’ll stumble upon, but there has been a steady growth of customers through word of mouth. It’s located at Diepstraat 60, about a ten minute walk from the train station of Antwerp. Suppressing my first impulse of entering the shopping street (known as ‘De Meir’), I made my way towards the Arabic neighbourhood. Sally dreams about a big restaurant at ‘de Groenplaats’, but for the moment she settles for her cosy restaurant. And she’s right. The location might even add to its charm.
All Belgian schools have a week’s holiday at the same time (8th- 12th February) and some of the English speaking schools (for example Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AAntwerp International School) are also off that week.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0ADuring holiday times there are a number of kids’ activities available. These range from one-day activities or workshops to camps which are on daily for the entire week.
This is not an exhaustive list (and feel free to send additional links; I’ll edit to add them) but will provide some suggestions for keeping children occupied, happy and social during their time off. Please note: these activities tend to be popular, and you should enrol your child(ren) as soon as possible to be sure of a place/places. Some are more expensive than others. If your child is not a Dutch speaker, be sure to check that the activity is suitable. Also be aware that some places provide a lunch, and for other activities you need to make sure your child has lunch with them.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AHere is a list of Sport Camps and activites in an around Antwerp. The price given is for the full week. For more information (and even details of the Easter holiday agenda) there are contact details on this page.
[caption id="attachment_1471" align="alignnone" width="865"]
Publicity image from JEFF Facebook page[/caption]
The Youth Film festival (JEFF) is running workshops and film showings at two locations: the Zuiderpershuis and the Ecohuis). Each activity consists of the screening of a children’s film (Dutch) and a creative activity. Here is the schedule for Antwerp order tickets and enrol here to receive your ticket as a .pdf via email.
Also, ISF Active English run activity weeks in English, every holiday, except for Christmas. The February courses are filling up fast. Contact them via Facebook for more information.
Idee Kids is running a workshop for kids (7+) who like to cook at the Koninklijk Lyceum daily from 9am -4pm.
This one (same times, same location) is for younger kids (5+) and has a viking adventure theme.
This one completes the offering at KLA for the youngest group (3+).
[caption id="attachment_1435" align="alignright" width="203"]
Museum Mayer van den Bergh[/caption]
Museums in and around Antwerp also offer art-based and creative activities at this time. These tend to be one-day workshops, or interactive guided tours, rather than a course for the whole week. You can search by location and age-group here.
For musical kids who play an instrument the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp is offering two days of workshops on the 9th and 10th February. Details here. Register here.
Finally, don’t forget this post which has general information about places to go in Antwerp with your small people.
" data-medium-file="" data-large-file="" class=" wp-image-1486 alignleft" src="https://i2.wp.com/refutales.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/http-www.lifeofpix.com-wp-content-uploads-2015-08-Life-of-Pix-free-stock-photos-making-dough-hands-Dreamy.jpg?resize=221%2C146" alt="" width="221" height="146" />We stopped en route to buy Aleppo soap, one of the most famous body care products, and then marvelled at the shop window of Iraqi bakeries. Who would have thought that all this could be found at a stone’s throw from Antwerp Central Station?[caption id=" data-orig-size="" attachment_122="attachment_122" />
Central Station, taken from in the zoo.[/caption]
Thank you for visiting this blog. Its main purpose is to provide up-to-date information about what is going on in Antwerp City. I aim to post on Thursday or Friday with information and links about what’s on for the coming weekend, in or around the centre of Antwerp.
I’ll also be including some general ‘feature’ posts which I hope will be of ongoing use.
If you are new to Antwerp, have recently arrived here, or are looking for information in English, then this is the blog for you. Please sign up for notifications about posts, and keep in touch about events you know about yourself, so that I can include them.
The pictures in this blog are my own, unless otherwise stated.
Follow by email, or on Twitter @nessascityblog
" data-medium-file="" data-large-file="" class=" wp-image-1482 alignright" src="https://i2.wp.com/refutales.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/19512333_10207201743641162_232325359_n.jpg?resize=153%2C231" alt="" width="153" height="231" />We merrily continued our walk to Dilbi Falafel. The ‘open’ sign invited us to swing open the non-transparent door. We were pleasantly surprised, for the modest exterior conceals a very neat space. It is so unlike the typical falafel fast food restaurants. The carefully selected interior, the wallpaper that resembles a brick wall, the Arabic lighting, the varied salad bar … everything contributes to the oriental atmosphere.Carefully selected menu
Sally greeted us with a firm handshake. “Welcome. Have you tasted Syrian cuisine before?” Upon expressing our adoration, she began to discuss the variety of dishes that are served. “The menu is rather limited and we prefer to keep it that way”, she explained. “We only add a dish after it’s been tried and tested thoroughly. My husband, Issam Youssef, is the chef and takes pride in his work. It took us 4 months to perfect the falafel recipe. We aim at perfection in taste as well as appearance.”
Issam is a trained engineer and a reputed poet. “He composes his dishes like poems”, she smiled, “so that both can nourish the soul.”
“[My husband] composes his dishes like poems, so that both can nourish the soul.”
Some customers entered. Sally jumped to her feet and greeted them. She went over the menu while explaining everything extensively. After they had made their choices, she joined us at the table. “Sorry about that”, she apologised, “but I always like to welcome new customers myself. Every dish has its specific background. In order to savour it fully, one needs to eat it our way.”
Her eyes started sparkling. “I may exaggerate at times. It happens that customers have a particular sandwich in mind. ‘Add this or leave that out’. Belgians do have a tendency to try out something new, but Syrians … they are quite traditional when it comes to how to eat their falafel (depending their city of origin).” Whenever she starts talking about Syrian habits, it’s impossible not to hang on her every word.
“I invariably answer that they should try out our sandwich first. We left nothing to chance when we were composing it. Our falafel recipe is a blend of various regions. Every ingredient is essential. Whenever a customer does prefer another sandwich, we simple add ours free of charge. The customer is always king, but even a king should sometimes dare to take the plunge.” It was clear: they serve an experience on top of a meal.
“The customer is always king, but even a king should sometimes dare to take the plunge.”
All Belgian schools have a week’s holiday at the same time (8th- 12th February) and some of the English speaking schools (for example Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AAntwerp International School) are also off that week.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0ADuring holiday times there are a number of kids’ activities available. These range from one-day activities or workshops to camps which are on daily for the entire week.
This is not an exhaustive list (and feel free to send additional links; I’ll edit to add them) but will provide some suggestions for keeping children occupied, happy and social during their time off. Please note: these activities tend to be popular, and you should enrol your child(ren) as soon as possible to be sure of a place/places. Some are more expensive than others. If your child is not a Dutch speaker, be sure to check that the activity is suitable. Also be aware that some places provide a lunch, and for other activities you need to make sure your child has lunch with them.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AHere is a list of Sport Camps and activites in an around Antwerp. The price given is for the full week. For more information (and even details of the Easter holiday agenda) there are contact details on this page.
[caption id="attachment_1471" align="alignnone" width="865"]
Publicity image from JEFF Facebook page[/caption]
The Youth Film festival (JEFF) is running workshops and film showings at two locations: the Zuiderpershuis and the Ecohuis). Each activity consists of the screening of a children’s film (Dutch) and a creative activity. Here is the schedule for Antwerp order tickets and enrol here to receive your ticket as a .pdf via email.
Also, ISF Active English run activity weeks in English, every holiday, except for Christmas. The February courses are filling up fast. Contact them via Facebook for more information.
Idee Kids is running a workshop for kids (7+) who like to cook at the Koninklijk Lyceum daily from 9am -4pm.
This one (same times, same location) is for younger kids (5+) and has a viking adventure theme.
This one completes the offering at KLA for the youngest group (3+).
[caption id="attachment_1435" align="alignright" width="203"]
Museum Mayer van den Bergh[/caption]
Museums in and around Antwerp also offer art-based and creative activities at this time. These tend to be one-day workshops, or interactive guided tours, rather than a course for the whole week. You can search by location and age-group here.
For musical kids who play an instrument the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp is offering two days of workshops on the 9th and 10th February. Details here. Register here.
Finally, don’t forget this post which has general information about places to go in Antwerp with your small people.
" data-medium-file="" data-large-file="" class="size-medium wp-image-1483 alignright" src="https://i1.wp.com/refutales.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/19553358_10207201743561160_1720847954_n.jpg?resize=223%2C300" alt="" width="223" height="300" />Time to try it out ourselves! Issam conjured up all his dishes on the table which we shared among each other. I highly recommend this formula! The portions are rather big and they can easily be combined. I personally adored the Sujukh sandwich, a bun filled with spicy minced meat. It was a true taste explosion. It would probably be impossible for me to devour a full portion, but its taste was perfectly complemented by Msabaha, a type of chickpea soup.All Belgian schools have a week’s holiday at the same time (8th- 12th February) and some of the English speaking schools (for example Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AAntwerp International School) are also off that week.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0ADuring holiday times there are a number of kids’ activities available. These range from one-day activities or workshops to camps which are on daily for the entire week.
This is not an exhaustive list (and feel free to send additional links) but will provide some suggestions for keeping children occupied and social during their time off. Please note: these activities tend to be popular, and you should enrol your child(ren) as soon as possible to be sure of a place. Some are more expensive than others. If your child is not a Dutch speaker, be sure to check if the activity is suitable.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AHere is a list of Sport Camps and activites in an around Antwerp. The price given is for the full week. For more information (and even details of the Easter holiday agenda) there are contact details on this page.
The Youth Film festival (JEFF) is running workshops and film showings at two locations: the Zuiderpershuis and the Eco -huis). Each activity consists of the screening of a children’s film (Dutch) and a creative activity. Here is the schedule for Antwerp order tickets and enrol here to receive your ticket as a .pdf via email.
Idee Kids is running a workshop for kids (7+) who like to cook at the Koninklijk Lyceum daily from 9am -4pm. This one (same times, same location) is for younger kids (5+) and has a viking adventure theme. This one completes the offering at KLA for the youngest group (3+).
[caption id="attachment_1435" align="alignright" width="203"]
Museum Mayer van den Bergh[/caption]
Museums in and around Antwerp also offer art-based and creative activities at this time. These tend to be one-day workshops, or interactive guided tours, rahter than a course for the whole week. You can search by location and age-group here.
For musical kids who play an instrument the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp is offering two days of workshops on the 9th and 10th February. Details here. Register here.
All meals are examples of Syrian street food culture. “Even though we are Christians, we make sure our food is halal”, explained Sally. “Special requests can be made. And we do get various orders during Ramadan.”
Freshness and hygiene are their hallmark. Every day, they spend about three to four hours cleaning and sterilising. Every morning, fresh vegetables are bought. All sauces are prepared by hand to ensure their authentic flavour. With Dilby Falafel they can put their country in a positive light.
How everything started
“At first I had no idea of what I wanted to do, but it was certain I wasn’t going to give up. I simply refused to succumb to depression.”, she said passionately. She used to be a music teacher in Syria and soon felt like widening her passion for art. In Dubai she studied to become a film director, while she helped her husband to run his business. The economic crisis forced her to leave the country and she got entangled in Syria’s war again.
“I had no idea of what I wanted to do, but it was certain I wasn’t going to give up.”
“We arrived in Europe by the regular route, in essence by boat.” She spoke about her journey as if it was the most common thing in the world, like going to buy bread at your local bakery on a Sunday morning.
“And then those attacks at Brussels took place”, there was an uncomfortable silence, “I was so angry! YOU DO NOT DO SUCH A THING. If you don’t love this country, simply leave!”
All Belgian schools have a week’s holiday at the same time (8th- 12th February) and some of the English speaking schools (for example Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AAntwerp International School) are also off that week.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0ADuring holiday times there are a number of kids’ activities available. These range from one-day activities or workshops to camps which are on daily for the entire week.
This is not an exhaustive list (and feel free to send additional links) but will provide some suggestions for keeping children occupied and social during their time off. Please note: these activities tend to be popular, and you should enrol your child(ren) as soon as possible to be sure of a place. Some are more expensive than others. If your child is not a Dutch speaker, be sure to check if the activity is suitable.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AHere is a list of Sport Camps and activites in an around Antwerp. The price given is for the full week. For more information (and even details of the Easter holiday agenda) there are contact details on this page.
The Youth Film festival (JEFF) is running workshops and film showings at two locations: the Zuiderpershuis and the Eco -huis). Each activity consists of the screening of a children’s film (Dutch) and a creative activity. Here is the schedule for Antwerp order tickets and enrol here to receive your ticket as a .pdf via email.
Idee Kids is running a workshop for kids (7+) who like to cook at the Koninklijk Lyceum daily from 9am -4pm. This one (same times, same location) is for younger kids (5+) and has a viking adventure theme. This one completes the offering at KLA for the youngest group (3+).
[caption id="attachment_1435" align="alignright" width="203"]
Museum Mayer van den Bergh[/caption]
Museums in and around Antwerp also offer art-based and creative activities at this time. These tend to be one-day workshops, or interactive guided tours, rahter than a course for the whole week. You can search by location and age-group here.
For musical kids who play an instrument the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp is offering two days of workshops on the 9th and 10th February. Details here. Register here.
While they were recording, she always brought along a meal prepared by her husband. She let her fellow students have a taste. They were so impressed that it didn’t take long before Issam started to cater for the film crew. “That’s how we got the idea to start a restaurant.”
Once they had their residence permits, they started to look for a proper location. Sally coincidentally stumbled upon a restaurant for rent in the Diepstraat at Antwerp. “I immediately took it”, she said with a gloominess in her voice, “although this decision turned out to be quite costly.”
Apparently, the building did not have the official status of a restaurant. Through word of mouth they found out how to apply for such a license. It subsequently took five months before they received an answer. “We ended up paying rent and utilities for quite some time, without having an income.” That was quite a tough period. They did not qualify for a bank loan. Sally praises her friends. “Whoever we talk to, people are always confident. They believe in our project. I receive both monetary and practical support. And I always keep my promises to pay back.”
Home is where you’re welcome
All Belgian schools have a week’s holiday at the same time (8th- 12th February) and some of the English speaking schools (for example Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AAntwerp International School) are also off that week.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0ADuring holiday times there are a number of kids’ activities available. These range from one-day activities or workshops to camps which are on daily for the entire week.
This is not an exhaustive list (and feel free to send additional links; I’ll edit to add them) but will provide some suggestions for keeping children occupied, happy and social during their time off. Please note: these activities tend to be popular, and you should enrol your child(ren) as soon as possible to be sure of a place/places. Some are more expensive than others. If your child is not a Dutch speaker, be sure to check that the activity is suitable. Also be aware that some places provide a lunch, and for other activities you need to make sure your child has lunch with them.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AHere is a list of Sport Camps and activites in an around Antwerp. The price given is for the full week. For more information (and even details of the Easter holiday agenda) there are contact details on this page.
[caption id="attachment_1471" align="alignnone" width="865"]
Publicity image from JEFF Facebook page[/caption]
The Youth Film festival (JEFF) is running workshops and film showings at two locations: the Zuiderpershuis and the Ecohuis). Each activity consists of the screening of a children’s film (Dutch) and a creative activity. Here is the schedule for Antwerp order tickets and enrol here to receive your ticket as a .pdf via email.
Also, ISF Active English run activity weeks in English, every holiday, except for Christmas. The February courses are filling up fast. Contact them via Facebook for more information.
Idee Kids is running a workshop for kids (7+) who like to cook at the Koninklijk Lyceum daily from 9am -4pm.
This one (same times, same location) is for younger kids (5+) and has a viking adventure theme.
This one completes the offering at KLA for the youngest group (3+).
[caption id="attachment_1435" align="alignright" width="203"]
Museum Mayer van den Bergh[/caption]
Museums in and around Antwerp also offer art-based and creative activities at this time. These tend to be one-day workshops, or interactive guided tours, rather than a course for the whole week. You can search by location and age-group here.
For musical kids who play an instrument the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp is offering two days of workshops on the 9th and 10th February. Details here. Register here.
“In my opinion, only death is inevitable.”
She looked at me insistently. “Whatever happens in life, you’ll always have a home. Nothing is impossible. In my opinion, only death is inevitable. Never give up hope.”
Want to discover Issam’s kitchen and Sally’s hospitality?
Dilbi Falafel, Diepestraat 60, 2060 Antwerpen
All Belgian schools have a week’s holiday at the same time (8th- 12th February) and some of the English speaking schools (for example Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AAntwerp International School) are also off that week.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0ADuring holiday times there are a number of kids’ activities available. These range from one-day activities or workshops to camps which are on daily for the entire week.
This is not an exhaustive list (and feel free to send additional links) but will provide some suggestions for keeping children occupied and social during their time off. Please note: these activities tend to be popular, and you should enrol your child(ren) as soon as possible to be sure of a place. Some are more expensive than others. If your child is not a Dutch speaker, be sure to check if the activity is suitable.
Antwerp%20International%20School)%20are%20also%20off%20that%20week.
%0ADuring%20holiday%20times%20there%20are%20a%20number%20of%20kids%E2%80%99%20activities%20available.%20These%20range%20from%20one-day%20activities%20or%20workshops%20to%20camps%20which%20are%20on%20daily%20for%20the%20entire%20week.
%0AHere is a list of Sport Camps and activites in an around Antwerp. The price given is for the full week. For more information (and even details of the Easter holiday agenda) there are contact details on this page.
The Youth Film festival (JEFF) is running workshops and film showings at two locations: the Zuiderpershuis and the Eco -huis). Each activity consists of the screening of a children’s film (Dutch) and a creative activity. Here is the schedule for Antwerp order tickets and enrol here to receive your ticket as a .pdf via email.
Idee Kids is running a workshop for kids (7+) who like to cook at the Koninklijk Lyceum daily from 9am -4pm. This one (same times, same location) is for younger kids (5+) and has a viking adventure theme. This one completes the offering at KLA for the youngest group (3+).
[caption id="attachment_1435" align="alignright" width="203"]
Museum Mayer van den Bergh[/caption]
Museums in and around Antwerp also offer art-based and creative activities at this time. These tend to be one-day workshops, or interactive guided tours, rahter than a course for the whole week. You can search by location and age-group here.
For musical kids who play an instrument the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp is offering two days of workshops on the 9th and 10th February. Details here. Register here.
Translated by: Veerle Masscheleyn
Photo credit: Just Alvaro Photography
