BOCA introduces a special menu featuring a prized micro-seasonal ingredient from Palestine and the Levant currently in bloom.
In our ongoing commitment to unearth hidden yet treasured ingredients from the region and to share stories of community and resistance through food, BOCA is highlighting Akkoub in a limited-time menu.
ABOUT AKKOUB
Akkoub عكوب is an artichoke-like thistle plant (Gundelia or Tumble Thistle) that’s been foraged, wild-harvested and part of Palestinian, Jordanian, and Levantine cuisine for generations. In 2005, the Israeli Nature Authority enforced a ban on foraging Akkoub, making the act of harvesting it a criminal offense punishable by fines and imprisonment. Foragers are conservationists by nature and are in tune with the earth, knowing where to harvest and how much to keep regenerating. Since the ban, Akkoub has become more than just about cuisine; it has become about land and other basic rights of Palestinians. Today, it’s a symbol of resistance, culture, hope, survival, and community.
ABOUT ‘ANDEK AKKOUB?’
Our menu is a collaborative effort with ‘Andek Akkoub?’ (translated as ‘do you have Akkoub?’), an educational initiative led by Janine Kaselitz, a justice for nature advocate, and illustrated by Radina Galabova.
As the permitted amount of picking is limited to 5kg per person, Palestinians started their own micro economy selling Akkoub in villages, and ‘andek Akkoub?’ becomes the golden question to ask whether anyone has any of this sacred plant left. Learn more about Akkoub and its significance here @andek_akkoub
SEASONAL AKKOUB MENU
BOCA’s Chef Patricia Roig has meticulously crafted a limited-time four-course menu featuring Akkoub in three dishes: AKKOUB MOUTABAL with homemade artichoke bread, pomegranate, pickled chili, sumac, and fresh herbs; AKKOUB in ‘ESPARRAGAO’ with beef pancetta, sunchokes, and a traditional Andalusian garlic, paprika, and almond dressing; and AKKOUB & LAMB STEW made with roasted lamb shoulder, cannellini beans, and spring onions.
See menu here
ANDEK AKKOUB T-SHIRT
The story of Akkoub doesn’t end with this meal. You can get your hands on one of the limited ‘Andek Akkoub’ hand embroidered t-shirts. The t-shirt serves as a conversation starter to tell the story of a wild plant native to Palestinian land but forbidden to be foraged. A story about both, Palestinians and Akkoub who are deeply rooted to their land, yet not free to live off it. A story about care, family traditions, resilience, and love.
100% of the proceeds of the t-shirt will be donated to Palestinian land and nature cultivation projects and organisations who preserve nature in Palestine. Follow @andek_akkoub to stay up to date on all projects.
IMPORTANT NOTE & BOOKINGS
Due to the micro-seasonal nature of Akkoub, this menu is available via pre-order and on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy four individually plated dishes and a hand embroidered ‘Andek Akkoub’ t-shirt for AED 395
Book now through WhatsApp using this link, through the phone 043231833 , or email hola@boca.ae
Prices are inclusive of 5% VAT and subject to 7% authority fees.
