About Muna

How My Love for Cooking Began

My mother taught me how to cook, and it all began with bread.

Every morning she’d make us khubz khameer for breakfast. I really enjoyed watching her work the dough, put it on the tawa and wait for it to puff. One day I asked if I could make one myself.

At first, I was only allowed to shape the dough, then I progressed to making the bread all the way through. I was only nine at the time, and because my hands were smaller than hers, mine naturally produced smaller breads. Our neighbors next door could always tell when it was me making the breakfast bread!

Hearing people praise my bread encouraged me to learn more. I spent more time in the kitchen with my mother, watching and helping her prepare different dishes. Even when we visited her cousins, I would find my way into their kitchen to see what they were cooking.

I still love cooking all kinds of dishes, but baking has a special place in my heart. Maybe it’s because bread was the first thing I learned to make, and I’ve loved working with dough ever since.

How I Develop and Test My Recipes

After years of cooking, I can often tell a lot about a recipe just by looking at its ingredients and method. Sometimes I can even imagine how it will taste, although I still get surprised now and then!

When I’m trying out a new recipe (especially one that involves an unfamiliar technique), I usually start with a small batch. I keep making adjustments and test the recipe again until I’m happy with the flavor and texture.

I also think about the person who will be making the recipe. Not everyone visiting Munaty Cooking is an experienced home cook. Some may be trying a dish or a cooking technique for the very first time.

That’s one reason I prefer recipes with smaller servings when possible. An experienced cook can always double the quantities, while a beginner can practice without spending too much on ingredients if something doesn’t turn out as expected.

I do my best to include clear instructions, step-by-step photos, and the tips I’ve learned while making the recipe. My goal is to help you know what to look for as you cook, so you’re more likely to get it right the first time.

What You’ll Find on Munaty Cooking

I share recipes from different cuisines, including many Middle Eastern dishes I grew up eating and still enjoy preparing today.

You’ll also find homemade breads, cakes, desserts, and everyday meals. I enjoy experimenting with flavors and cooking techniques, but I always try to keep the instructions practical and easy to follow.

Whether you’re making bread for the first time or preparing a familiar family dish, I hope you’ll find something here that you’ll enjoy making and sharing.

Where My Recipes Have Been Featured

I’ve been developing, testing, photographing, and sharing recipes on Munaty Cooking since 2012. Along the way, I’ve continued learning about food photography and videography to help readers follow the cooking process more easily.

Publications such as ELLE à Table, BuzzFeed, Tasty, Country Living, and HuffPost have featured or mentioned my recipes and work.

I’ve also worked with brands including Hellmann’s, Nestlé, Arla, and Swissmar.

I’m grateful that recipes I started sharing from my own kitchen have reached readers around the world.

A Few Recipes to Explore

If you’re new to Munaty Cooking, here are a few recipes you might enjoy:

• Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani — A flavorful rice dish with aromatic spices.
• Uzbek Plov — A comforting rice and chicken dish.
• Namkeen Gosht — A simple meat dish with delicious flavor.
• Japanese Milk Bread — Soft, fluffy homemade bread made with all-purpose flour.

You can also browse my main meal recipes for more ideas.

Let’s Keep Cooking

I hope Munaty Cooking encourages you to try something new, enjoy the process, and feel more confident in your kitchen.

Thank you for being here and for letting my recipes become part of your meals.

Happy cooking!

Muna