PLANTS, CUISINE AND CULTURE:
Memi's Egyptian Kitchen
Join Memi, the heart and soul behind Memi’s Egyptian Kitchen, for a cooking demo celebrating the vibrant flavors and rich history of Egyptian cuisine. Discover how plants and herbs have been central to Egyptian cooking for centuries, from fresh vegetables to aromatic spices. Memi will guide you through traditional dishes, showing how ancient food practices connect with modern plant-based eating and sustainability.
Through this demo, you’ll learn not only new recipes but also the cultural significance of food in Egypt, leaving with a deeper appreciation for how plants nourish both the body and spirit.
Menu:
Welcome
Pita and Hummus
1st Course: Dolmas*
Stuffed grape leaves with seasoned rice, herbs, and spices
Paired with Karkada, an Egyptian hibiscus tea served cold
2nd Course: Mulukhiyah*
Egyptian soup made with jute leaves
Paired with Sobia, a traditional Egyptian creamy cold coconut beverage, with a non-dairy milk option available
Third Course: Stuffed Eggplant*
Memi’s roasted eggplant, homemade tomato sauce, spinach, onion, cheese, and beef, with a vegetarian option without beef available
Paired with Massaya Le Colombier (2020) Red Wine Blend from Lebanon or Shai bi na’na, comforting hot black tea with fresh mint
Fourth Course: Kanafa
Spun pastry with cream soaked in a sweet syrup
Paired with Ahwa Egyptian Coffee (aromatic, thick, espresso-forward)
*Courses 1-3 are gluten free
Note: We are able to accommodate vegetarian requests and non-alcoholic beverages. Please be sure to indicate those preferences during registration.
Fee is all-inclusive and covers the talk with Memi, all food and beverage and Richmond City Meals tax and gratuity. Please note that this class will meet off-site at Memi’s Egyptian Kitchen (2229 W. Main St. Richmond, VA 23220).
Fees: Member $78, Non-Member $94
All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact meganc@lewisginter.org or call 804-262-9887 x320 and we will make our best effort to help.