emirates January 11, 2026 at 5:15 pm

Trying Team Cultures Through Food Jordanian Edition FT. Mahdi Shafiei

The office was buzzing with excitement as the team embarked on a delicious cultural journey, introducing their boss to the vibrant flavors of Jordan. This heartwarming moment, shared by Mahdi Shafiei, captured the joy of experiencing Jordanian cuisine for the very first time.

The culinary adventure kicked off with the iconic Mansaf, a true Jordanian staple. As the boss took his first bite, his reaction was immediate and enthusiastic, exclaiming, ‘It’s so good. Oh my god.’ He even declared it the ‘best Mansaf I’ve had,’ particularly appreciating its soft texture, noting, ‘I LIKE SOFT.’ The dish, described as having ‘the perfect balance of sweet and savory,’ clearly made a profound impression. In fact, after just one plate, work was officially paused, a testament to the irresistible allure of this traditional meal and the delightful experience it created for everyone present.

Just when everyone thought the feast couldn’t get any better, the team brought out the legendary Kunafa Khishneh. The boss’s reaction was equally ecstatic, proclaiming it ‘THE BEST KUNAFA I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE.’ This rich, sweet pastry, however, came with a playful warning about ‘Jordanian diabetes,’ a humorous nod to its indulgent nature. Feeling delightfully heavy after such a generous spread, a team member suggested a cup of red tea to help, promising, ‘It’ll all go away.’ This led to a fun cultural tidbit: ‘You know in Jordan, we’re known for not having red tea. We have orange tea. It’s because of how much sugar is inside,’ highlighting the sweet traditions embedded in Jordanian hospitality.

Beyond the incredible flavors, this shared meal proved to be a powerful unifier, truly bringing the whole team together. The experience wasn’t just about enjoying delicious food; it was about sharing culture, laughter, and creating memorable moments. The grand finale, with the announcement ‘Guys, it’s Kunafa for everyone!’, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of generosity and camaraderie that Jordanian food naturally fosters. It was a delightful reminder that a good meal, especially one as rich in tradition and taste as Jordanian cuisine, does more than just fill you up – it builds connections and strengthens bonds within the team.

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