In a bustling corner of Rome, amidst the historical grandeur, there’s an extraordinary story unfolding, powered by the culinary magic of HummusTown. Founded in 2018 by Shaza Saker and Joumana Farho, this unique initiative began as a humanitarian catering service aimed at raising funds for Syrian families affected by the devastating civil war. But its mission has grown far beyond its original intent, now serving as a beacon of hope and integration for migrants and vulnerable individuals in the Italian capital.
Shaza Saker, a long-time U.N. employee, teamed up with Joumana Farho, who brought her exceptional cooking skills to the table. The duo combined their expertise and passion to create something remarkable. What started as a crowdfunding campaign that raised 45,000 euros has blossomed into a small business that employs 13 full-time and 10 part-time staff. Their kitchen kiosk near Rome’s train station and a small bistro have become emblematic of their success, with plans to open a full-fledged restaurant in the works.
As the Syrian war raged on, the founders realized that their mission could evolve to meet new challenges. With more refugees arriving in Rome, Saker and Farho shifted their focus to providing employment and support networks for Syrian asylum-seekers. Their vision expanded to include all vulnerable people, including Italians, creating a diverse and inclusive community centered around the universal love of food. The HummusTown team now organizes cooking classes, cultural events, and summer aperitifs, seamlessly blending humanitarian aid with gastronomic delight.
A powerful testament to the impact of HummusTown is the story of Fadi Salem, a Syrian refugee from Damascus. After living for seven years in Lebanon, Salem arrived in Rome in 2022 and discovered HummusTown through the local Syrian community. What he found was far more than a job; he found a family. As the current manager of HummusTown, Salem practices his Italian, English, and Arabic daily, interacting with a diverse clientele. The integration he found here, he believes, is more profound than anything he could have experienced through traditional migration centers.
On any given day, you can find the kitchen filled with the rich aromas of traditional Syrian dishes. Farho, alongside other cooks of Syrian and Palestinian origin, meticulously rolls spiced rice into grape leaves, their hands moving with practiced ease and love. This vibrant setting is not just a place of work; it’s a melting pot of cultures, languages, and stories, all united by the shared experience of migration and the transformative power of community support.
HummusTown stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of its founders and members. By turning a simple idea into a thriving community, Saker and Farho have shown how food can be a powerful vehicle for change. Their journey from a small crowdfunding initiative to a successful social enterprise is a compelling narrative of hope, integration, and the delicious possibilities that arise when people come together for a common cause. In the heart of Rome, HummusTown continues to serve not just meals, but a lifeline to those in need, proving that sometimes, the most impactful revolutions start in the kitchen.