Manakeesh Za'tar or (and) Cheese

Manakeesh Za’atar and Cheese capture the essence of Levantine mornings — a symbol of tradition and comfort. Baked on soft, golden dough, they carry the soothing aroma of home and the rustic elegance of the Mediterranean. Each morning with this bread is unique — a spark of delight etched into Palestinian memory, infused with the scent of the earth, olive oil, and wild thyme (Za’atar). The word Mankoshah in Arabic derives from its meaning — an engraved canvas of art.

The Za’atar Manakeesh is brushed generously with fragrant olive oil and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. As it bakes, its aroma rises — earthy and utterly inviting — awakening the senses like the first sunlight over ancient hills. The Cheese Manakeesh, meanwhile, melts with silky richness: a blend of creamy Akkawi or salty Nabulsi cheese (among others), bubbling into a golden layer that stretches with every bite. Its edges are crisp, yet its heart remains soft — the perfect canvas for flavours to come alive.

Together, Za’atar and Cheese form a resilient Palestinian duo, enduring for centuries against the tides of fast food, mass production, and fleeting technological trends. While civilisations have risen and faded, Manakeesh remains a proud emblem of heritage — a culinary flag that asserts its presence and grace in the world of food, thanks to the artistry of TETA( grandmothers). These women shaped recipes that honour health, taste, and dignity, transforming humble ingredients into timeless nourishment for both body and soul.

The bond between the Palestinian woman and her land is deeply reflected in every Manakeesh. She knows when the crops are ready, how to choose the finest ingredients, and how to craft her treasured creations with care and charm. It is a secret language whispered each morning — from the first breath of thyme to the steam rising from the taboun, the traditional clay oven — an intimate lamguage of love and devotion. In every bite, this legacy lives on: a morning ritual, a tribute to centuries of resilience, and an enduring ode to home, earth, and the women who made it all possible.

Manakeesh stands as a true reflection of Palestinian steadfastness in the face of time.