Levant brings taste of Middle East to Jeonju
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since its inception, Levant has expanded its reach by opening an international grocery store that sells food ingredients from around the world.
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.