Soufra

Soufra is a Lebanese social enterprise based in the Burj El Barajneh refugee camp that supports Palestinian refugee women through dignified income opportunities. Operating a catering business and Lebanon’s first refugee-run food truck, Soufra offers traditional Palestinian dishes to clients across Beirut. The enterprise also hosts community sobhiyyeh gatherings—providing psychosocial support and skill-building workshops for women in the camp. The enterprise's journey and impact are documented in the award-winning film Soufra, directed by Thomas Morgan and executive produced by Susan Sarandon.

Achievements

Alfanar began supporting Soufra in 2013, providing seed funding and business planning support to establish its catering unit. In 2014, catalytic funding helped Soufra professionalise its operations, improve service quality, and expand into new markets. This support enabled the launch of Lebanon’s first refugee-owned and operated food truck, purchased through a 2015 crowdfunding campaign backed by over 700 donors. Alfanar also supported Soufra in achieving cost recovery and enhancing its competitiveness in Beirut’s catering sector. Alfanar’s involvement concluded in 2015, with Soufra continuing to operate independently and sustain its mission of economic inclusion for refugee women.