A meal cooked by three Assyrian refugees at a Katoomba restaurant was enjoyed by a full house at 8 Things Eatery.
Sisters Kamila, Aida and Souad Kifarkis produced the dinner to showcase their culture.
All three came to Australia as refugees from Hasaka in Syria. Kamila came in April 2014 and then sponsored her two sisters, who arrived in 2015 (Aida) and 2017 (Souad).
They were forced to leave their home after ISIS attacked their city and fled to ensure the safety of their children and family.
Restaurant owner, Misha Laurent, said the night was "a great success" with "dancing chefs, delicious food and amazing costumes".
Dancing chefs, delicious food and amazing costumes.
- Misha Laurent
It was the beginning of a concept of sharing culture through food that he intends to repeat with different cultures through the year.
Mr Laurent praised the many people involved in the night, including the originator of the idea, Ana Gomes, Core Community Services, which helps newly arrived refugees, and the Refugee Council of Australia.
He thanked Aylin and John from Core, who put him in touch with the Kifarkis sisters, and Deena from the Refugee Council, who shared her culture by curating the evening.
"Finally, I would like to thank all our diners for supporting this event by coming in and enjoying themselves," Mr Laurent said. All funds raised on the night will go back to the Kifarkis sisters' community.
Mr Laurent asked people to look out for future events. "We would love to see more people on this mailing list interested in cultures from around the world."
