The Uber Eats application is showcased on an iPhone in Toronto on December 18. The food delivery app has officially announced its plan to add a Palestinian category next month. (Photo by Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Uber Eats has announced the creation of a new category specifically for Palestinian cuisine, following concerns raised by several Toronto restaurant owners. This move comes after establishments were inaccurately listed under searches for "Israeli" cuisine, sparking discontent within the community.
The food delivery app confirmed on Saturday that the new category will be introduced globally next month. This decision was welcomed by Costa Warwar, a Palestinian and the head chef and part owner of Flaming Stove, who expressed his gratitude, calling it a "Canadian-made gift for all Palestinians."
Warwar, emotionally reflecting on the significance of the change, highlighted the typical challenges faced by Palestinians and the sense of inequality. He noted that this small victory feels like being acknowledged and treated as equal to any other chef with a unique cultural background.
Levant Pizza, a Palestinian Lebanese pizzeria, emphasized the profound impact of the change in an Instagram post, stating that Palestinian cuisine will now have a prominent presence on a global food platform, allowing restaurants worldwide to showcase their identity.
The issue gained attention when Levant Pizza raised concerns about the mislabeling, calling it a "blatant anti-Palestinian action." The restaurant's social media posts, along with a TikTok video by Toronto content creator Hamsa Diab Farhat, garnered significant public support, with some users expressing anger and calling for a boycott of Uber Eats.
The public uproar prompted discussions between Toronto restaurant owners and Uber Eats representatives, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Palestinian category. Notably, Uber Eats already offers specific categories for various international cuisines, including Lebanese, Pakistani, Egyptian, Turkish, Afghan, and Iranian.
Uber Eats spokesperson Keerthana Rang explained that the issue was related to search results, influenced by factors such as selection, frequency, and conversion. The term 'Israeli' had been searched more frequently than 'Palestinian,' contributing to the misclassification. Additionally, the absence of a Palestinian category played a role in this oversight.
Rang announced that the Palestinian category will be available on the app by January 14, and merchants can request the category tag through the support team starting in early January.
Warwar, while uncertain about the impact on Flaming Stove, acknowledged the potential risks of speaking out on a controversial issue. However, he emphasized the importance of standing up for what is right, expressing pride in his identity as a Canadian-Palestinian for the sake of his children's future. Despite potential business challenges, he affirmed his commitment to this cause.
