Episode 12 - From Damascus to Yorkshire: The Inspirational Journey of Razan Alsous
Posted by Emma on 14th Apr 2019
In a story that seamlessly blends food, culture, and an unyielding entrepreneurial spirit, Razan Alsous' journey from Damascus to Yorkshire captures the essence of resilience and innovation. Episode 12 of The Ceres Podcast, hosted by Stelios, shines a spotlight on this remarkable tale, offering listeners a heartfelt and informative exploration into the making of "Yorkshire Squeaky Cheese." For anyone in the fish & chip trade, small business owners, or lovers of good food, this episode offers plenty of inspiration flavoured with humour and insight.
Razan, who fled war-torn Syria with her family in 2012, talks candidly about the struggles of starting over in a foreign land. Arriving in Huddersfield, where her husband's family history stretches back to the 1930s textile trade, Razan faced the stark reality of no job opportunities and no familiarity with the UK job market. But as she tells Stelios, giving up wasn't an option. Instead, she looked to food—a universal language—and decided to craft something familiar and entirely new: fresh, locally made halloumi-style cheese.
Yorkshire Squeaky Cheese's innovative use of creamy British cow's milk, a twist on the traditional halloumi made with sheep and goat milk. Razan explains how the UK's constant weather creates exceptional milk quality, an advantage she combined with her family's rich food culture. "If the Bedouins had cows, they would have made halloumi this way," she says, challenging tradition with a pragmatic and creative mindset.
The conversation dives deep into the nuances of cheese-making, highlighting how fresh milk gives Razan's cheese a softer, less salty profile compared to commercial halloumi—a fact that won over chefs, including fish & chip shop owners searching for premium, less salty alternatives. Stelios shares how one customer, frustrated with overly salty halloumi, was blown away by Yorkshire Squeaky's taste. "It's the best one I've ever tried," he recalls.
Beyond the cheese itself, Razan's ethos is what truly captivates. She speaks about failure as a stepping stone to success, stressing that "the number of times you stand up again" defines progress. From starting with a £2,500 loan to creating an award-winning product, her story is as much about grit as it is about food.
The episode also touches on external challenges, like Cyprus' attempts to secure PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status for halloumi, which would restrict its production. Rather than see this as a setback, Razan has embraced a unique identity for her product, turning Yorkshire Squeaky into a brand that marries local pride with cultural heritage. Her flavoured varieties, including chilli, rosemary, and the newly launched za'atar and onion seed options, reflect this creative fusion.
The podcast's conversational tone allows Razan's humour and warmth to shine. Whether it's tales of their first British summer—when they wore coats in 18-degree weather—or reflections on food as a bridge to the community, the episode feels both personal and universal. Stelios' curiosity and thoughtful questions create a natural flow, drawing out stories that inspire while subtly offering lessons for business owners: embrace quality, innovate within your means, and never stop adapting.
Listeners will leave with a new appreciation for the food they eat and the stories behind it. Yorkshire Squeaky isn't just cheese—it's a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, cultural exchange, and the power of local produce. For small food businesses and fish & chip shop owners looking to upgrade their menus, this episode provides a gentle nudge towards sourcing unique, high-quality products that resonate with customers.
Razan's final vision of expanding her product line and teaching others the art of cheese-making encapsulates her generous approach to food and life. She says, "When you do something good, you cannot stop people from saying it's good." And after listening to her story, you'll likely agree.
Discover the full story of resilience, creativity, and delicious cheese by listening to Episode 12 of The Ceres Podcast. Subscribe for more inspiring stories and insights that matter to food businesses and beyond. Don't forget to check out Yorkshire Squeaky Cheese at YorkshireDamaCheese.com and upgrade your menu with a product that's as inspiring as it is tasty.