Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Reporter
For Sabeha Arbee, food is not just about nourishing the body; it’s about bringing people together, honouring traditions, and creating new memories.
A celebrated makeup artist and food blogger from Durban, Sabeha’s journey into the world of food began at the age of 14. Over the years, her passion for cooking has blossomed into a way to share her love for food with the world.
“I’ve always been passionate about exploring different cuisines, trying new recipes, and discovering unique flavours,” she said.
Her food journey started with an Instagram page and a blog, where she connected with like-minded food lovers.
“I wanted a platform where I could document and share my favourite recipes and food stories. My love for cooking can be traced back to watching my mother in the kitchen. Growing up watching her cook, I also liked to experiment with flavours,” said Sabeha.
Her early culinary adventures were fuelled by a desire to recreate beloved dishes and add her own twist.
“It was a way for me to combine my love for food with my desire to be creative and share that joy with others,” said Sabeha.
For her, food is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life.
“Cooking is a way to show love and create memories with my husband and kids. I love seeing my kids get excited about the food we make together, and it’s such a joy to see them developing their own tastes and preferences. The kitchen is where they bond, and dinner time is a sacred moment of connection,” said Sabeha.
When it comes to celebrating Eid, food holds a special place in her heart.
“Eid is a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Food plays a huge role in this, as it’s not just about eating; it’s about sharing love, tradition, and joy,” she said.
Her fondest memories of Eid revolve around the delicious smells that filled her childhood home. “Eid was always a time for all the ladies in the family to gather in the kitchen. My mother would spend hours preparing big pots of biryani, and the table would be beautifully set with a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury,” said Sabeha.
While she honours those traditional recipes, Sabeha has added her own twist to the family’s Eid meals over the years.
“Initially, I followed recipes exactly as they were, but over time, I started experimenting more with flavours and ingredients. Eid meals became an opportunity for me to not only stick to tradition but also put my spin on things. I’ve added new dishes to our celebrations, exploring fusion recipes and new trending desserts,” said Sabeha.
Her Eid table is never complete without some must-have dishes.
“A good pot of spicy biryani, a chicken roast, and a sweet dish of either sojee or gajar halwa. Sometimes the traditional dishes just hit the spot. Some Eid dishes will remain the same for generations to come, such as biryani, as those recipes are perfect,” said Sabeha.
One of the most nostalgic dishes for Sabeha is her mother’s “Eid milk,” a rich, creamy drink made with cardamom, saffron, and a blend of nuts like almonds and pistachios.
“It’s something we’ve always looked forward to as kids, sipping on it in the mornings at Eid breakfast. Now, I love the idea of honouring traditional dishes while adding a modern twist or new ingredients to make them a little more unique,” she said.
Inspiration for her comes from various sources, such as travels abroad, cooking shows, and trends.
“I try to keep the recipes accessible, focusing on easy-to-find ingredients and clear instructions. I want even beginners to feel confident trying new dishes for Eid,” said Sabeha.
For Sabeha, one of the best parts of sharing her recipes is hearing from her followers.
“The best part is receiving messages from my followers telling me how much they enjoyed the dishes and how much confidence it gave them to try new recipes for Eid. Knowing that my recipes have become part of others’ Eid traditions fills me with pride. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear that my recipes have made a difference in their celebrations,” she said.
Looking ahead, Sabeha hopes her recipes inspire others to create their own traditions.
“I hope my recipes encourage families to spend time in the kitchen, creating something special together. Food has such a unique ability to bring people closer, and I hope that by trying my recipes, people feel inspired to make their own adjustments and build lasting traditions for future celebrations,” said Sabeha.
RECIPE
Sabeha’s easy Eid drop donuts
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup castor sugar
- 1tbls melted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
- 1/2cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup flour sifted
- 1tsp baking powder
Method:
1. Mix the above ingredients until a smooth consistency is formed.
2. Heat some oil and drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry on medium heat until golden.
3. Toss in cinnamon sugar (Use a 1:1 ratio for sugar and cinnamon) and drizzle some melted chocolate on the top or the side if you’d like.
