The Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 (SIBF 2025) witnessed an unexpected yet delightful scene, not just the turning of book pages but the flipping of pancakes. Amidst the literary discussions and author signings, renowned Bahraini British chef and author Dr. Noor Murad took the spotlight with her live culinary performance, preparing her signature creation, the Chef Noor Murad pancake.
This was not just another cooking demonstration. It was a heartwarming blend of storytelling, culture, and gastronomy that brought the audience together in a celebration of creativity through food. The aroma of cardamom filled the air as Dr. Noor Murad gracefully demonstrated how a simple pancake could carry deep meaning, connecting her British upbringing and Bahraini roots in one memorable dish.
A book fair that celebrates more than books
Over the years, the Sharjah International Book Fair has evolved from being a literary hub into a full-fledged cultural festival. The 2025 edition of the fair reflected this beautifully, merging food, art, and storytelling under one roof. The Cooking Corner became a lively attraction as celebrated chefs from around the world shared their recipes and the personal stories behind them.
When Dr. Noor Murad took the stage, the audience immediately felt her warmth and energy. She introduced herself as half English, half Bahraini, and explained that her dishes often represent this blend of East and West. For her, cooking is more than creating flavors; it is about expressing identity. The Chef Noor Murad pancake, she said, is a dish that reminds her of childhood mornings and family gatherings, reimagined with the flavors of the Arab world.
The Chef Noor Murad pancake: simple yet full of soul
At first glance, the Chef Noor Murad pancake might look like an ordinary breakfast staple. But as she began preparing it, the audience quickly realized it was something special.
The base was a classic British-style pancake, light, thin, and soft. But the flavor twist came from a sprinkle of cardamom and a drizzle of honey lime syrup, inspired by the aromas and spices of the Middle East. The fusion of these elements turned a familiar dish into a sensory experience, connecting two worlds through taste.
Dr. Noor Murad explained how she loves combining nostalgic comfort foods from her English childhood with the vibrant, spice-rich flavors of Bahrain. She described the pancake as a story in itself, simple in appearance but layered in heritage. For her, food is a way of preserving memories, and every dish carries a piece of her cultural journey.
More than a cooking demo, a story told through food
As the pan sizzled, Dr. Noor Murad spoke passionately about her inspirations, her family, and the emotional power of food. She reminisced about her mother’s Sunday breakfasts and her father’s fondness for traditional Arabic flavors. The pancake she prepared on stage was a reflection of that balance, a meeting of both her worlds.
Throughout her session, she engaged the audience with humor and warmth, inviting them to reflect on their own food memories. Many attendees noted that her way of storytelling felt as nourishing as her cooking. She was not just teaching a recipe; she was sharing her life.
When she finally plated the pancake, its golden hue glistening under the lights, the crowd broke into applause. The Chef Noor Murad pancake had become more than just food; it was an artistic performance, a culinary narrative that resonated with everyone present.
The significance of the moment
The Chef Noor Murad pancake at SIBF 2025 carried meaning beyond its ingredients. It represented how culture and creativity can merge in unexpected ways.
For the book fair, this event symbolized the evolution of literary festivals into broader cultural celebrations. Visitors did not just experience books; they experienced stories brought to life through taste, smell, and emotion. The presence of a cooking demonstration among authors and artists showed that creativity knows no boundaries.
For Dr. Noor Murad, the moment was both personal and professional. It allowed her to showcase the essence of her work, blending East and West, past and present, to a diverse international audience. She demonstrated that food can serve as a universal language, one that connects people regardless of background.
And for the audience, it was a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere, even a pancake. Many left the session feeling moved, seeing how the simplest of dishes could represent identity, history, and belonging.
The philosophy behind Dr. Noor Murad’s cooking
Dr. Noor Murad’s culinary philosophy revolves around authenticity and connection. Born to a Bahraini father and British mother, she grew up surrounded by contrasting yet complementary flavors. Her cooking reflects this duality, grounded in tradition yet open to reinvention.
Her recipes often balance the richness of Middle Eastern spices with the comfort of Western classics. Through this, she tells stories of home, heritage, and heart. The Chef Noor Murad pancake exemplifies this perfectly, a dish that looks simple but carries a deeper message of unity and creativity.
She believes that cooking is a bridge between people and cultures. Whether it is through a cookbook or a live event like SIBF, her goal is to remind everyone that food is not just about eating, it is about remembering, sharing, and celebrating life’s small joys.
Highlights of the live cooking experience
The demonstration at SIBF 2025 unfolded like a carefully crafted performance.
- Introduction: Dr. Noor Murad began by introducing the story behind her recipe, sharing how it symbolized her mixed heritage.
- Cooking process: She poured the pancake batter onto the pan, describing each step in detail. The scent of cardamom spread through the air, instantly capturing attention.
- Cultural connection: As she cooked, she spoke about how flavors can bridge cultures, comparing the British pancake to the Bahraini chabab, both similar in spirit but distinct in identity.
- Audience engagement: She invited laughter, answered questions, and encouraged people to think of their own favorite comfort foods.
- Grand finale: When the pancake was ready, she added her final drizzle of syrup, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The crowd responded with enthusiasm and admiration.
The Chef Noor Murad pancake became the talk of the event, a simple dish that carried a profound message of cultural harmony.
A taste of inspiration
The Chef Noor Murad pancake demonstration at SIBF 2025 left a lasting impression. It was not just about showcasing a recipe; it was about connecting through flavor, story, and emotion. The event reminded everyone that creativity comes in many forms, in books, in art, and even in food.
Dr. Noor Murad’s performance captured the heart of what the Sharjah International Book Fair represents, an open space for ideas, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Her pancake became a metaphor for the fair itself, a beautiful blend of global influences served with warmth and sincerity.
As visitors left the Cooking Corner, many carried not just the aroma of cardamom in their memory but also a deeper appreciation for the power of shared stories, whether told through words or through the delicious simplicity of a Chef Noor Murad pancake.
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