Food is not just nourishment—it’s a storyteller. For many Palestinians living abroad, flavors from home evoke nostalgia, comfort, and connection. The reopening of the legendary Kazem Ice Cream in Ajman, UAE is a perfect example of this timeless bond between food and memory.
A Journey Across Borders
Founded in Gaza in 1950, Kazem Ice Cream quickly became an iconic part of Palestinian culinary culture. Known for its signature citrusy slushy, barrad, the parlour was a hub for families, friends, and celebrations. Following the unfortunate closures during the 2023 conflict, this beloved brand seemed lost—until now.
Ajman’s multicultural environment, coupled with a strong Palestinian community, made it the ideal location for Kazem’s revival. Owner Mohammad Kazem Abu Shaban envisioned not just a business, but a cultural touchstone—offering expatriates a taste of home while introducing new audiences to Gaza’s culinary heritage.
Beyond the Scoop: Heritage on a Plate
Unlike ordinary dessert parlours, Kazem carries a story. Each scoop reflects decades of tradition, resilience, and the undying spirit of a people determined to preserve their identity. Recent trends show that food nostalgia is more than emotional—it’s a global phenomenon, with communities worldwide gravitating toward flavors that remind them of home, much like how other ethnic cuisines are being revived and celebrated across the UAE.
Connecting Cultures Through Taste
The UAE has recently witnessed a surge in restaurants and cafés that celebrate heritage—from Palestinian ice creams to authentic Indian sodas like Campa Cola, now gaining popularity in Dubai. These culinary revivals demonstrate how food acts as a bridge between cultures, offering both nostalgia for expatriates and discovery for locals.
Kazem Ice Cream’s return is also a lesson in sustainability and community-building. By sourcing local ingredients and preserving traditional recipes, the parlour ensures that the legacy is both authentic and responsible.
Why It Matters
- Cultural Preservation: Keeps Palestinian culinary traditions alive in the diaspora.
- Community Engagement: Serves as a meeting point for expatriates and locals.
- Global Food Trends: Part of a broader movement celebrating ethnic and nostalgic foods in the UAE.
Final Scoop
Kazem Ice Cream’s reopening is more than a sweet treat—it’s a symbol of resilience, heritage, and shared memory. In every bite of barrad, patrons taste history, culture, and the undying spirit of Gaza. For Ajman and the UAE at large, it’s a reminder of how food can connect communities, spark memories, and build bridges across borders.