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 • Brand New  • Our Exclusive Interview With Rania Ghanem of Calm Down Foodies
Rania Ghanem

Our Exclusive Interview With Rania Ghanem of Calm Down Foodies

Founded by Rania Ghanem Calm Down Foodies is food blog to share love & take you on an exploring journey through her favorite restaurants

What inspired you to become a food Instagram influencer?

My love for food and the encouragement of friends and family. My life’s most memorable moments have revolved around food. Watching my dad make his famous “Kunafa”, my grandmother teaching me how to make “Kubbeh”, and gathering around my mom’s kitchen table with my aunts making “kaek el eid “. For me, food means happiness, love, fun, adventure and togetherness.

My parents exposed us to different cuisines on our family trips since we were young. This made food and restaurants a main part of traveling for my family. Both my husband and son are big foodies as well. We love to explore new restaurants and make lists to share with our friends.

How did you come up with the name “Calm Down Foodies”?

My family helped me come up with the name, I wanted it to have the word “foodies” because it is for people who are looking for good food and where the locals eat. I didn’t want it to be about the Michelin star restaurants that anyone can google.

What makes a foodie a foodie?

Their passion for food, exposure to different cuisines and appreciation of the creativity and details of each dish.

What is your favorite cuisine?

Peruvian cuisine is one of my favorites, not only for its exquisite tastes, but also for its variety and how it combines and is influenced by the flavors of different cultures and continents. It is fusion at its best!

Although I must add that there is nothing like our Arabic levant cuisine, the big selection of dishes and ingredients is amazing!

What food do you dislike?

I don’t like very spicy (chili) food. It just kills the taste for me.

How often do you eat out?

Mostly when I travel. In Amman on the weekends.

Do you cook at home? If so, how often?

I love to cook and try new recipes especially if I am stressed out, it’s a kind of meditation for me. If you are invited to my home I will cook for you. Cooking for my family and friends is a way of showing them love.

If you could take your family anywhere for dinner, where would it be?

I will take them to Arzac San Sebastián, Spain. San Sebastián is one of my favorite cities, it’s so magical. Nothing tops walking around for tapas at the cozy delicious Pintxo Bars in town.

Name a restaurant you recommend over and over again?

Dining’s Marylborn 22 Harcourt St, in London, for the food more than the atmosphere.

Top 3 eateries in Jordan.

Izzakaya, Fakhridin , Bar in the back.

What’s the weirdest thing you have eaten?

Sea Urchin sushi and I didn’t like it !

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Halaweh Zalabya, it’s a Nabulsi fried dough with pumpkin jam . I love Arabic sweets .

What’s on your food bucket list?

  • Sashimi and Wagu steakhouses in Japan
  • Eat at Central in Lima, Peru
  • Go on a food trip like Guy Fieri in Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 🙂

You couldn’t live without:

Cheese

Top 3 restaurants (anywhere)

I was very disappointed in many of my favorite restaurants after Covid. The food standard and quality is not what it used to be. The inconsistency makes it hard to pick.

My top 3 now are:

  • Due Ladroni Rome
  • Gold Notting Hill London
  • Septime Paris