Food has always been at the heart of Nayran Tabiei’s life, and became a precious connection to home when the Syrian chef was forced to flee Damascus during the civil war. Now a proud Melburnian, Tabiei recently opened Flavours of Syria – a colourful cafe in a St Kilda laneway that doubles as a base for her cooking classes and catering business.

Follow Nayran on Instagram: @nayran_catering