Our Story

Message from the Co- founder

Passion for good food has been a tradition in my family for generations. As a young kid, I watched my grandmothers and grandaunts work magic in the kitchen – grinding bright, fragrant spices, kneading layer upon layer of feather-light dough, and transforming cuts of meat into mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone deliciousness – all accomplished with the simplest of ingredients. These formative years in the hot, colorful kitchens of our family’s matriarchs were integral in shaping me into who I am today. With a diverse culinary education – thanks to my father’s mother’s affinity for preparing exotic desserts and dishes, and my mother’s mother’s loyalty to solid traditional recipes – I developed a strong foundation in our Middle Eastern roots, paired with an openness and eagerness to explore my own culinary curiosity.

Much of that curiosity was satisfied by growing up in Dubai, where I was further exposed to many exotic dishes like Indian, Emirati, Persian, Chinese, and Pakistani. As I grew older and began to travel, I became appreciative of even more cuisines like that of Indonesia, Thailand, Italy, Mexico and many others. All of this sent me on a wonderful journey where I have continued to explore and learn about food.

My academic engineering background and my career in the food industry taught me precision, accuracy, standardization and quality. Along this journey I have modified, adapted and invented many recipes that I have kept in two cookbook manuscripts and notes that I keep updating over the span of twenty years. I now believe it is time to share the culmination of those experiences with other food enthusiasts so that they, too, can embrace the magic of a truly delicious, especially healthy, home cooked meal.

-Maan Sardast, 2022

Cofounder & Culinary Enthusiast

Our Team

Our Family

Maan Sardast

Maan is a seasoned F&B development and project manager with a passion for culinary innovation. Armed with chemical engineering degrees from Tennessee Technological University and the University of British Columbia, he brings a unique perspective to recipe creation. As a co-founder deeply committed to sustainability and community, Maan has authored two cookbooks blending Middle Eastern and fusion flavors.

Hania Maraqa

Hania is a dedicated mother and social entrepreneur who co-founded Sumac to address a universal challenge: providing healthy, home-cooked meals for busy families. With a background in public policy and urban planning from MIT and the University of Arizona, she brings a strategic approach to creating positive change. Driven by a deep commitment to social justice and inclusivity, Hania is passionate about building communities through shared experiences around food.

Pustam Pudasaini

Pustam is a passionate cook from Nepal. He has 20+ years of experience with food items. Making sure that all kits are prepared to the best hygienic and food standards possible. His attention to detail is unmatched.

Yasmine Sardast

Yasmine Sardast, Kids meal advisor. Yasmine is a third grader at Clarion School in Dubai. She started developing passion for tasting and cooking at the age of three. With a genuine interest in world’s cuisines, Yasmine has been helping Sumac adapting more recipes to be child-friendly, as well as exploring ways through which families and kids can enjoy healthy meal time together.