On today’s episode, we hear from Ziyad Hermez, owner of Manousheh, a Lebanese flatbread shop in the West Village. After moving to the United States for graduate school, Ziyad found himself craving his favorite Lebanese comfort food — piping hot bread, fresh from the oven, topped with olive oil and za'atar. After testing hundreds of recipes in his home kitchen, Ziyad decided to travel back to Lebanon to perfect his craft by interning with some of the most highly respected Manousheh bakers. Now he’s spreading the Manousheh love throughout New York.

Find Manousheh online at https://www.manousheh.com/ and @manoushehnyc on Instagram. The Open Belly podcast is hosted by Danielle Lehman and shares the stories of immigrant and refugee chefs and restauranteurs across America. You can find the Open Belly podcast online at openbellypodcast.com or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter @openbelly. Thank you to our supporters, ChowNow and New American Economy. This episode was produced by Oliver J. Hughes, photography provided by Alyssa Broadus and Chris Dolt, and artwork created by Frank Norton. Data points and research provided by New American Economy.