Meat skewers are cooked at Levant in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Courtesy of Levant

In the bustling city of Jeonju, nestled next to Jeonbuk National University, a unique Turkish-Arabic restaurant named Levant has been making waves in the local culinary scene. Owned and operated by the dynamic duo of Yara Abu Dakka and Mohannad Al Ajami, this family business has successfully carved a niche for itself by offering a fusion of Southern Turkish and Syrian flavors since its inception in 2021.

Yara Abu Dakka shows off a tray of baklava at Levant in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Courtesy of Levant

Levant's journey began as a passion project, born out of the owners' desire to connect with their diverse backgrounds. Abu Dakka, half Palestinian and half Turkish-Syrian, and Al Ajami, half Moroccan and half Syrian, both born and raised in Dubai, embarked on this culinary adventure during their time as students at Jeonbuk National University. The homesickness and the need for familiar food prompted them to create a restaurant that not only offered a taste of home but also introduced their unique blend of cultures to the local community.

"We always had a special recipe that no one else had. It usually combines a taste of two or more cultures that we belong to," Abu Dakka explained.

The couple's culinary experimentation during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic eventually led them to the realization that all their cultures were rich and unique in their own ways, sparking the decision to turn their passion into a profession.

Levant, aptly named after the Levant region encompassing Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, the southern side of Turkey and other countries, offers a broad yet precise menu. Handmade hummus, pita bread, falafel, grills and other authentic dishes grace their menu, each prepared freshly on a daily basis.

Starting a business in Korea presented its own set of challenges, especially considering the language barriers. Abu Dakka recalled, "It was very difficult to start as I didn't speak much Korean when we started. We had to do a lot of paperwork, take classes and hygiene tests among other things while speaking little to no Korean." However, with time, the couple adapted and overcame these challenges, now using their language capabilities to continue improving and learning.

Tea is served at Levant in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Courtesy of Levant

The reception from the local Korean community exceeded their expectations. "We were afraid that Koreans wouldn't accept or like our food," Abu Dakka said. "However, we were surprised that we almost never had an unhappy Korean customer." Levant has become a favorite among Koreans, with a diverse clientele that appreciates not only the delicious food but also the culturally reflective interior of the restaurant.

Several little side dishes are gathered on a table at Levant in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Courtesy of Levant

Abu Dakka told The Korea Times that a big motivating factor was that, being raised as a third-culture person, she's always been intrigued to learn more about other cultures. But she's also always wanted to show hers off, as it's one of the oldest in history, despite rarely being seen or mentioned nowadays.

"Our families were the biggest inspiration here," Al Ajami said when asked about their influences. Their dedication to showcasing their culture, especially in a country where their origins are often misunderstood, serves as the driving force behind their venture.

When it comes to work-life balance as chefs, the couple acknowledges the inherent challenges but emphasizes the importance of effective delegation and self-care. "Weekends and holidays, typically cherished by others, become peak work hours. Staying current with culinary trends and managing a kitchen add further stress," Abu Dakka said.

Since its inception, Levant has expanded its reach by opening an international grocery store that sells food ingredients from around the world. The couple's love for connecting with people is evident in their enjoyment of communicating with visitors and online followers.

One memorable aspect for Abu Dakka and Al Ajami is the heartfelt responses they receive from customers. "This smells like home," and "It felt like I've traveled to the Middle East" are just a couple of the touching comments they've received. Such reactions reinforce their belief that food has the power to create a sense of belonging and nostalgia.

In terms of support from other chefs and entrepreneurs, Abu Dakka mentions Derrek Brown, who runs Chico's restaurant in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. "He gave me a lot of support and insights that I won't forget. Chef Derrek, if you're reading, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart."

Levant doesn't limit its reach to the local community alone; the restaurant also offers nationwide delivery. Abu Dakka encourages customers to visit imlevant.com to explore the shippable menu or reach out via social media on fb.com/imlevant or @im.levant on Instagram.

Dozens of trays of food are waiting to go out at Levant in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Courtesy of Levant

In the heart of Korea, Levant stands as a testament to the power of passion, cultural connection and the universal language of food. Abu Dakka and Al Ajami's journey continues to enrich the culinary landscape, bringing a taste of the Levant region to the diverse culinary landscape of Jeonju.

Chantal Terblanche, from South Africa, lives here with her dog, Samsung. She runs the blog ClumsyinKorea.com and the Korea Events group on Facebook.