The Harissa Avocado Sandwich that changed everything
I remember pulling a sandwich out of the bottom of my school bag, completely squashed and wrapped tight in cling wrap. It didn’t look great. Honestly, it looked pretty average. But I loved it.
That familiar smell hit straight away. Soft bread, avocado mashed just right, and harissa spread through the whole sandwich. Nothing fancy, no effort to make it look good, it just tasted right. Every time.
It wasn’t trying to impress anyone. No neat boxes or fancy packing. Just a simple sandwich that did the job. I wouldn’t have swapped it for anyone else’s, even on a good day.
Some things just stay with you. That sandwich became my thing at school. It was familiar, a bit messy, spicy, and real. Looking back now, I realise how much love went into those lunches. My mum would be up early, making noise in the kitchen while I was still half asleep, putting together food that carried culture, tradition, and care. That sandwich wasn’t just lunch, it was home.
Funny how life works. What started as a schoolyard joke ended up becoming the heart of a business. You spend years trying to blend in, only to realise the things that made you different were your strength all along. The harissa avocado sandwich lives on, not just in my memory, but in every jar I make now. Because if something that simple could mean that much to me, maybe it can mean something to you too.
Soo, who’s Dalia?
As soon as you saw the title of this section, I’m sure a few guesses popped into your head. And yep your first guess is right. It’s my mum.
Now, as much as it would be perfect if this whole business was based on my mum’s secret recipe… it’s actually not.
I’m the one who developed this harissa from scratch, the formula, the ingredients, the flavour balance, the heat level, everything. But here's the thing...
When it came time to choose a name for this crazy idea I had, a name that would sit on every jar, every label, every shelf, I sat down on the couch and just started brainstorming. At first, it was all about catchy names: Harissa Club? Too cheesy. Harissa World? Sounds like a travel agency. Nothing felt right.
So I changed my approach. I asked myself:
“What actually matters to me?”
“What name would mean something to me?”
“What would make me feel proud every time I saw it?”
And then the answer was clear, I wanted my mum’s name in it. Dalia.
But I still needed something to go with it.
When I was a kid, I had this habit: whenever I was bored at home, I’d wander into the kitchen. I’d open the fridge even if I wasn’t hungry, close it, and then go through every cupboard just looking for... something. Something tasty. Something comforting. And all of that, the smells, the good food, the late-night snacks, the Friday dinners, the warmth, was my mum’s pantry.
That’s when it hit me: Dalia’s Pantry.
A name that’s more than a brand, it’s a tribute.
A reminder of home, of love, of gathering around a table.
And a promise that this isn’t just a chilli sauce.
It’s a mission. A purpose. A vision.
Weekends at Bondi Market
I remember when I first started this business and began going to farmers markets. For those who know me, you probably remember how it all began, Bondi Farmers Market in Sydney.
No fancy setup, no branded gear. Just a tablecloth, some plastic shelves, and a couple of average signs.
There’s something special about farmers markets. Everyone’s setting up early in the morning, half-awake, still sipping coffee to shake off the sleep. The cold morning breeze hits your face, and for a second you wonder, why am I not still in bed? It’s the weekend after all, wasn't the whole week of work enough?
But then, something shifts. As the sun rises and the stalls begin to come to life, the energy changes. The smell of fresh vegetables reminds you of a holiday in the countryside, staying in a wooden cabin in the middle of nowhere. The scent of warm, crusty bread hits you, and suddenly, you're starving, realising you haven’t even had breakfast yet.
Soon, all the cool, quirky concepts start showing up. Farmers markets are where people bring their passion projects, maybe a recipe passed down through generations, or a product they created because they saw a gap and decided to do something about it. Some just believe they can do it better than what’s already out there, so they show up to share it with the world.
Some people carry giant backpacks or trolleys. Some carry big boxes full of veggies. And if you live in Sydney, you definitely know the tote bag crew, the effortlessly cool ones. Baggy clothes, a floppy hat that barely stays on, iced almond matcha in a reusable cup, untightened Birkenstocks... honestly, without them, is it even a farmers market?
And there I am, just standing at my stall, watching people come and go.
About Me
So here’s the thing, ever since I was a kid, I’ve been creative. How creative? I built a bloody flying bicycle at one point.
I remember locking myself in my bedroom, coming up with the craziest ideas and actually building them.
At the same time, cooking was always part of that creativity.
I was just a little boy with a helmet haircut, whipping up meals that were not only edible, they were delicious!
Nothing fancy, but full of flavour.
One thing that stood out early on was my ability to find solutions. I’d run into problems in everyday life and think, "What the heck, how has no one thought of this yet?" And I’d immediately start coming up with creative ways to fix it. Sure, my ideas weren’t perfect, I was still just a kid with a bowl cut, after all, but they were something.
And if you’re wondering if that creativity faded? Not even close. If anything, it’s gotten worse. I literally can’t go a day without thinking of some wild idea.
Now you’re probably thinking: Out of all the things I could’ve done... I chose to make Harissa? I know, right? Ridiculous.
But here’s the truth: I started this because I couldn’t find a good Harissa anywhere.
So I made my own. And maybe I took it a little too far.
That’s me, a guy who loves taking risks, trying new things, and finding solutions to problems that shouldn’t even exist in the first place.
The same kid who used to build machines in his bedroom is now trying to change the world... starting with Harissa. Only this time, I’m going all in.
Oh, and I’ve got a proper haircut now too just in case you wondered.
What we do
At Dalia's Pantry, we take pride in creating exceptional harissa that elevates every dish with its bold, rich flavours. Our passion for authentic taste drives us to specialize in three distinct varieties—Original, Smoky Chipotle, and Truffle—each designed to bring a spicy kick and a deep, satisfying flavour that transforms everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Our Commitment to Quality
We believe that great food starts with great ingredients. That’s why every jar of Dalia's Pantry harissa is crafted with the highest standards of quality and care.
The passion
Creating our unique harissa flavours was a labor of love. We spent countless hours in the kitchen, meticulously selecting and blending ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of heat, spice, and depth. Each jar represents our dedication to quality and our passion for bringing new and exciting flavours to your table.
Our Mission
For us, Harissa represents more than just a sauce; it symbolises the connection between people and cultures. What better way to unite individuals and celebrate diversity than through food? That's what we're all about—fostering moments of togetherness among family and friends, where a dish infused with Harissa becomes the centrepiece of shared enjoyment.
Our Vision
At Dalia's Pantry, our vision is to inspire a culinary journey that transcends borders, encouraging people to create and enjoy dishes that celebrate the rich diversity of global flavours. We believe in the power of fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate any meal, and we're passionate about bringing the bold, vibrant tastes of different cultures into kitchens everywhere. Whether it's a traditional family recipe or a new culinary experiment, we want to spark creativity and joy in cooking, making every dish an extraordinary experience.
Friendly for you... and the environment
We are dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet while delighting our customers. We prioritize sustainability by choosing glass packaging, which not only preserves the quality of our harissa but also helps reduce plastic waste. Our world is filled with breathtaking landscapes, pristine oceans, and incredible natural wonders, and we believe in doing our part to protect these treasures. By embracing environmentally friendly practices, we’re committed to preserving the beauty of our planet for future generations, all while providing you with the finest culinary experiences.
What is Harissa?
Harissa is a vibrant and flavourful chilli paste that originates from North Africa, particularly Tunisia. It has become a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines, celebrated for its bold, smoky, and spicy profile. Harissa's versatility and unique taste have made it increasingly popular in kitchens around the world, finding its way into a variety of dishes from sauces and marinades to soups and stews.
History and Origin
The exact origins of harissa are somewhat debated, but it is widely believed to have been developed in Tunisia, where it is a crucial part of the local cuisine. The name "harissa" comes from the Arabic word "harasa," which means "to crush or pound," referring to the method of making the paste by grinding the ingredients together.
Ingredients
Traditional harissa is made from a blend of dried red chilies, garlic, olive oil, and a variety of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. Some versions include tomatoes or bell peppers to add sweetness and depth. The specific combination of ingredients can vary greatly, resulting in different flavour profiles ranging from very hot to mildly spicy.
Health Benefits
Harissa is not just flavourful but also offers several health benefits. It is typically made with all-natural ingredients, many of which are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Chillies, for example, are a good source of vitamins A and C which has been linked to various health benefits, including pain relief and improved metabolism.