Dendara was created by a family team, inspired to share their way of being and living through the alchemical nature of food. Founded by Salma, a Holistic Healthcare Consultant qualified in naturopathy, medical nutrition, medical herbalism and family constellations therapy. Salma has been developing recipes for businesses for over a decade; with the emphasis on food that can encourage and support embodied healing. Dendara is a reflection of the diverse cuisines that remind her of ‘home’, namely Arab with French and other continental influences. Ultimately, feeling ‘home’ is residing safely in our bodies and this is the belief our company roots in; an invitation to gaze inwards and move towards our body – rather than away. We believe questioning and becoming aware of what we consume (through each sense) is necessary.
OUR STORY
The guiding tenets of Dendara are that our offerings be ethically-sourced and nutrient dense, entirely free of gluten, dairy and refined sugars, be minimally sweetened, infused with herbs and spices, made with care and intention and consumed with mindfulness and gratitude.
Our name originated when visiting Hathor’s Temple in Dendara, Egypt. In ancient times, this temple was eminent for its healing rituals. Besides, Hathor was the goddess of love, joy, and celebration. For us, she symbolises what we strive to emanate, along with how we view and wish to share food: as medicine, nourishment, art and a blessing. Eating is an opportunity to consciously connect, relish and rejoice. We advocate choosing pleasure from a state of self-awareness. After all, life is an invitation to celebrate each other and the gift of aliveness.
OUR INGREDIENTS
We want to be as transparent as possible with what goes into our food. We pride ourselves on sourcing the finest and primarily organic ingredients from aligned local vendors. We prepare our food under the highest hygiene standards and use eco-friendly packaging.
Eating free-from not only supports our health without sacrificing taste but expands us to explore the wealth of natural ingredients available.
Our baked goods are created with flours from Shipton Mill that are certified gluten-free and organic and are rich in nutrients, which are then filled with fresh produce (from Ted’s Veg). We are keen to keep the refined portion minimal and emphasise the inclusion of fresh produce in our baked goods. We make our vegan dairy-alternatives from scratch using whole ingredients and stick to the basics without any additives or preservatives. We use minimal organic unrefined sugar sources such as Egyptian Medjool dates, maple, coconut and agave, and rarely, cane to sweeten – only if needed. Our primary source of sweetness is derived from fruits and root vegetables, which we aim to honour as nature intended without much added sugar. When in use, our soy is organic and animal proteins include free-range eggs, sustainably-farmed or wild-caught fish and organic and halal meat sourced from farms and artisan sellers we have been personally buying from for decades.
EMBODY ESSENCE
We believe people are moved by one another’s presence. It is not merely the intention and energy we put into the food we serve that matters, but how we show up and be of service.
FOLLOW NATURE
We start with inspiration from the abundant soils. Our recipes are created with whole pure ingredients and we emphasise nutrient density aiming to keep each element as close to its natural form. Our catering salads also follow the seasons.
CHOOSE WISELY
We choose to foster our self-awareness, connect over vitality and joy, keep things light and playful, and always lead in love, regardless of the noises around us.
SACRED COMMERCE
As an employee or guest, you are seen and heard fully in our environment. We understand that personal and professional growth are intertwined and create and hold the space for each individual to blossom at their own rhythm.
MA'AT PRINCIPLE
We strive to live in reverence and harmony towards our being, all creation, and Mother Earth and do our best to create and serve you in line with this belief. We focus on sustainability, waste management and regeneration and aim to educate ourselves continually.