Rouba Shahin – Lebanese Food Specialist, Content Creator & Food Blogger

This week on The Travel Date, host Angelica-Hazel Toutounji sits down with Rouba Shahin , a Lebanese food specialist, content creator, wife, mother, and food blogger.

In this warm and heartfelt conversation, Rouba talks about growing up in Lebanon and shares powerful memories from her childhood in Tripoli. She reflects on how Lebanese hospitality — the warmth, the sweetness, the endless offering of food and care — remains one of the country’s greatest treasures.

Her recent return to Lebanon allowed her to reconnect with her roots, revisit cherished streets, and see the country’s beauty despite its struggles.

Beyond Lebanon, Rouba tells stories from the road: a chaotic but unforgettable road trip from Darwin to Broome, a hilarious night in a tiny Scottish cabin, the incomparable kindness of the Irish, and slow-paced adventures in New Zealand, cooking with her husband in apartments and discovering local produce together.

Rouba’s passion for culture, tradition, and honest food weaves through every story she tells. From her ultimate comfort dish — fatteh with the all-important “tush sound” — to her dream of visiting Japan and her heartfelt longing to one day travel to Palestine, this conversation is rich with emotion, curiosity, and beautifully human moments.

This episode is a love letter to food, family, culture, and the ways travel reconnects us with who we are & the world around us.

🌍 Destinations Mentioned in This Episode

• Lebanon: Tripoli, Baalbek, Beirut & guest houses in the mountains
• Australia: Sydney, Darwin to Broome, Adelaide
• New Zealand: Queenstown
• Scotland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Palestine

👤 Guest Bio – Rouba Shahin

Rouba Shahin is a Lebanese food specialist, recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller who celebrates culture through the joy of cooking. Born in Sydney and raised in Tripoli, Rouba’s work is deeply inspired by Lebanese tradition, hospitality, and family connection.

She is the creator behind Rouba’s Food Journey, where she shares approachable, flavourful, Middle Eastern-inspired recipes designed to bring people together around the table.

Her warmth, authenticity, and love for community make her a beloved voice in the food and culture space.

🌐 Website: roubashahin.com.au

🎧 Episode Credits

Host:

Angelica-Hazel Toutounji

📸 Instagram: @angelica_hazel_nutrition · @the_travel_date_

🌐 Website: angelicahazel.com.au

📧 Email: [e-mail]