The inspiring story behind the new food business E&J Syrian Cuisine is one of resilience, perseverance, passion, a dream – and a love of food and cooking.

Eyad and Joyhana arrived in Chichester four and a half years ago with their five children. Eyad, with years of experience in the culinary world, had established a street food restaurant in his hometown of Homs, Syria, before the war. “I have been cooking for a long time,” he shares. “I worked extensively in Syria and love working. My aim has always been to make customers happy with my food.”

The couple set up their new food delivery service earlier this summer, delivering dishes to trial the business (our volunteers were their first customers, providing feedback and ideas for improvement), then starting their page on Deliveroo. They explain that the dishes all have their own culturally important histories and that they want trying the food to feel like a journey into the heart of Syrian culture. The menu celebrates the country’s rich culinary heritage, with each dish crafted with love and narrating a different story, from the bustling streets of Aleppo to the serene landscapes of the countryside. We recommend the aromatic Shawarma or the tasty Kabsa Rice, and for vegetarians, the Falafel Wrap is also a must-try.

When asked about his dreams since arriving in the UK, Eyad’s aspirations are clear: “I dream of owning a restaurant where everyone comes to eat and leaves happy. If my financial situation improves, I want to help the less fortunate, especially orphaned children.”

Setting up their own business in the UK has been transformative for the family after several years of struggle trying to get on their feet. Eyad describes the feeling as “stepping into the light from the dark, like stepping onto the moon.” His hopes for the future are simple yet profound: to meet his children’s and parent’s needs, travel with them, and own their own restaurant.

Eyad said, “I want to thank Kerry, who dedicated much time to help us set up. Fern, who convinced and encouraged me to start this project. Simon for finalising the menu, and Toby and Pzemek for their contributions. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the initial food purchase; finally, thank you, Sanctuary in Chichester, for their unwavering support.”

Kerry Foster, Sanctuary’s Pathways to Independence Manager, said, “It has been a pleasure supporting this family to realise their dreams.  When I was first introduced to the family, they had been here nearly four years and felt that they were not moving forward. They were desperate to utilise their skills and love of Syrian food and share this with their local community as well as become independent through working and running their own business.”

E&J Syrian Cuisine has already garnered lots of positive reviews from the community. There was excellent volunteer feedback during the pilot, and positive reviews are also starting to come in on Deliveroo. ‘Very tasty and plenty. We all enjoyed it very much and will order again!’ and compliments on the friendly service, value for money and ‘Best hummus in a long while!’.

Kerry continues: “There have been and continue to be many steps on their ‘pathway to independence’ and starting up a new business in a new country with many barriers to progress is no easy feat, but they are hardworking, motivated, proactive, resilient and determined and that is the recipe for success!”

She added: “A big thank you to all the SiC volunteers who have and continue to support the family along their journey to independence”

So why not give them a try? By supporting E&J Syrian Cuisine, you’re not just enjoying a meal but celebrating a culture, nurturing a personal dream, and becoming part of a larger human story.