The summer after my first year of law school, I’m back in Tokyo, solo, interning at a multinational company. It’s different, or I’m different. It’s less Hello Kitty– nostalgia and more irasshaimase (welcome) to the real world, kid.

The ancient wurrwurrwuy stones are a compelling look at the story of early cross-cultural exchanges between Yolŋu people and Makassan traders.

Black bean hummus can be prepared using canned black beans. Alternatively, dried black beans can be cooked by simmering them in water for 40-50 minutes. Cooked black beans can be frozen and used for other dishes when needed. The potato chips can be reheated the following day and this adds an extra crispiness … that’s if you haven’t devoured them all!

These baked falafels represent Middle Eastern cuisine at its healthiest. By using the oven instead of the deep-fryer, you preserve the integrity of the olive oil while dramatically reducing unnecessary fats. Chickpeas are true nutritional champions, offering a remarkable combination of plant protein, resistant starch that feeds your beneficial gut bacteria and soluble fibre that helps regulate cholesterol levels. The abundant fresh herbs aren’t mere garnishes; they’re concentrated sources of antioxidants and chlorophyll, which supports your body’s natural detoxification pathways. When paired with the tahini-rich hummus, you create a complete protein profile comparable to animal sources, making this an ideal dish for those transitioning to more plant-based eating patterns.

Traditional Sfeeha calls for using minced lamb, but substituting with cooked lentils gives the textual taste of meat and makes for a great vegetarian alternative. The spices can be adjusted to your liking.

This tasty eggplant and tomato borani is a vibrant, flavour-packed dish loaded with nourishing ingredients to support good health.

Pistachios are a great source of prebiotic fibre, which supports gut health by nourishing beneficial
bacteria in the digestive system. This helps improve digestion, enhance nutrient absorption and promote a healthy gut microbiome. Pistachios are also rich in heart-healthy fats and protein, making them beneficial for overall cardiovascular health and balanced blood sugar levels.

This Lebanese moussaka is a wonderful twist on the traditional Greek version — lighter and absolutely bursting with nutritional benefits. The humble eggplant is the unsung hero here, offering compounds that support blood sugar regulation and impressive amounts of fibre for gut health. Cinnamon isn’t just a warming spice; it’s actually a powerful blood sugar stabiliser that helps prevent those post-meal energy crashes. The combination of roasting and gentle simmering preserves the nutritional integrity of each ingredient while creating depths of flavour that belie the dish’s simplicity. This is comfort food that genuinely comforts your body’s systems, not just your taste buds. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something substantial but nourishing.

This vegan Lebanese rice pudding is a creamy, plant-based take on the traditional dessert, infused with fragrant spices and coconut milk for a rich, indulgent flavour. Elevate this nourishing treat with crunchy pistachios packed with prebiotic fibres that nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support digestive health and immune function.

A stuffed capsicum dish is a perfect example of what I call “nature’s edible bowl”. The capsicum not only serves as a convenient container, but also provides a substantial dose of vitamin C to support your immune system and collagen production. The mint isn’t just a flavour accent; it contains menthol that aids digestion and helps soothe an upset tummy. I’ve included nutritional yeast for its cheesy flavour and impressive B-vitamin content, while the almonds add a delightful crunch along with heart-healthy fats and magnesium, often called “nature’s relaxant”. This single-serve meal is particularly beneficial for those looking to maintain lean muscle mass while supporting metabolic health.

This gluten-free version swaps out the bulgur for the brown Jasmine rice, which gives it that chewy texture among the freshness of the other ingredients. The labneh tops it all off with its creaminess — a perfect pairing.