Australian chefs help Syrian children during #CookForSyria this March

The ongoing Syrian conflict is now one of the largest humanitarian disasters in living memory. There are eight million children in danger and the need for relief is growing daily.

Enter #CookforSyria, a campaign conceived in London by Instagrammer Clerkenwell Boy and Suitcase Magazine that's gone global, to raise funds for UNICEF's crisis relief for Syrian children through charity dinners, a month-long campaign in restaurants and cookbooks.

In London the likes of Yotam Ottolenghi, Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver got behind the cause, and now Australia has rallied with equal force. On February 27, top Sydney chefs including Peter Gilmore, Kylie Kwong and David Thompson were part of a Syrian-inspired charity dinner at Three Blue Ducks that raised $30,000. On March 6, it's Melbourne's turn to host the gala at the Point Albert Park.

It's unlikely such a line-up of talent has ever before or will again fill one room. The 11 chefs include Jacques Reymond, Long Chim's David Thompson, Karen Martini and Embla's Dave Verheul, who will each serve a Syrian-inspired dish in a share-style feast.

Working the floor will be some of the city's top sommeliers, while prizes to be auctioned on the night have been donated by Attica's Ben Shewry and Dan Hunter at Brae.

The dinner will kick off with Arabic espresso martinis, quince and labne cigars by MoVida's Frank Camorra, chased by Shane Delia's chicken and saffron moghrabieh, Iranian figs, eggplant and sucuk and a pomegranate salad, and prawns by Nahm and Long Chim chef David Thompson. Lume's Shaun Quade and Dave Verheul are on dessert duty.

Magnums of wine, beers and locally made spirits have been donated by Victoria's top producers.

All-inclusive tickets are $329 (including booking fee), with 75 per cent of profits going to UNICEF Australia. The money will go towards essential supplies such as food, clothing, vaccinations and school supplies. Final seats are available at goldentix.com/e/cookforsyria.

Backing the gala dinners, a month-long campaign begins today, March 1, in both Sydney and Melbourne with restaurants serving a signature dish given a Syrian twist and donating at least $3 from every one sold.

In Melbourne, Chin Chin is serving wagyu rump steak with Chinese black olive tapenade, Darren Purchese of Burch and Purchese Sweet Studio is adding Arabic coffee and cardamon to its signature cannele and Rumi will serve its classic lamb shoulder with Syrian cherry sauce.

Part of the idea behind the program was not only to raise money, but to draw attention to the beauty of Syrian culture and cuisine.

A huge number of other industry heavyweights have joined the campaign, including Lee Ho Fook, Long Chim, Bomba and Tipo 00.

You can support the cause by looking for the #CookForSyria hashtag on Instagram, and find out how to host your own supper club at cookforsyria.org.au.