April is Arab American History Month, a time that honors the unique cultural experiences, accomplishments, and histories of Arab Americans. We’re devoted to building a more equitable world by spotlighting associates who are celebrating the month and sharing their stories with us.

Mohammed Khallouki | Food Service Worker at Northeastern

“I was born in the city of Meknes, Morocco, where I spent over two decades in the vibrant culture of my homeland. My family is very important to me, and it’s all thanks to them that I started cooking. My parents taught me how to cook at a young age, and I helped out in the kitchen during Ramadan celebrations.

One of my most cherished memories growing up is cooking harira, a soup that my family and I love. I remember when my family would make it together and how you could smell the aroma from all across the house. We would always sit down to eat it together. Harira is a comforting memory of my family back home and all the meals we shared together, and it’s still one of my favorite meals.

After I left Meknes, I still made a point to celebrate the traditions I knew and loved, like Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. During Ramadan, we follow daily fasts and come together with our families after sundown for communal fast-breaking iftar meals. Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the prophet Ibrahim and his devotion.

Ramadan and Eid al-Adha both mean a lot to me, and they remind me of the importance of sacrifice and devotion in the spirit of community. To me, the students and the team at Northeastern Dining are my community.

I first joined the Chartwells team back in 2011, through JVS Boston, a workforce development program that helped me connect with a job where I can tap into my love of cooking. I’ve been working at The Eatery at Stetson East for thirteen years now, and now the students know me well. I love serving up meals that they love—it’s my favorite thing about working at Northeastern Dining.

To me, Arab American Heritage Month is a time to reflect back on the cultural significance that Arab Americans have brought to the States and their impact on food and cuisine here. It is a time to celebrate with loved ones and remember where we came from, and how important family and traditions are during this month.

I am proud to celebrate my history and share my experiences in Meknes. I’m delighted that I made my own community at Northeastern University and to honor Arab American Heritage Month with my teammates.”

Essam Elsayed | Culinary Associate at Wichita State University 

“I grew up in Cairo, Egypt, where I was immersed in many authentic Egyptian flavors and cultural experiences that helped form the way I cook today. I earned my degree in Cairo and joined the military, and after that, I started my career in the service and food industry.

Now that I live in Wichita, I share the traditions and flavors with my community through Egyptian cuisine. I had the chance to share some of my favorite recipes with Wichita State University students through a station takeover in honor of Arab American Heritage Month. We worked together to source authentic ingredients and produce an amazing meal so I could share this beautiful part of my Arabic heritage.

I tried to make a meal similar to the one I would make for my family at home, so I prepared some classic Egyptian dishes, like Egyptian lentil soup, a pasta soup with fideo, and makloubeh. Makloubeh is my favorite food, and I have lots of memories of gathering around with friends or family to eat it together.

Makloubeh includes meat, rice, and fried vegetables, and it is flipped upside down in a pot when it’s served. This dish holds a special place in my heart because it’s a very culturally significant dish that everyone in Egypt eats, and I have a lot of memories associated with it.

I’ve been working for Chartwells for the past three years. I was very excited to work for Chartwells because I have such a passion for cooking and uniting people around food. I like to work on the grill station, but I help out wherever the team needs me. One of my favorite things to do is experiment in the kitchen, like making this breakfast couscous topped with raisins and powdered sugar, and I’m glad the WSU team lets me share my heritage through these dishes. And of course, what I enjoy the most is cooking for everyone and serving them with passion and a big smile.

I believe that we can celebrate Arab American Heritage Month by taking pride in our history, reflecting on what the month means to you, gathering together, and sharing our love as family and friends. I’m proud to be celebrating the month with the Wichita State team.”