Sami Tamimi

Chef and award-winning author of Falastin: A Cookbook

We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

Book Recommendations:

Recommended by Sami Tamimi

This book is bursting with the vibrant colors and flavors of the Middle East, with recipes that are a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary. Can’t wait to try the Crispy Cauliflower and Turmeric Bites, Arabic Coffee and Coriander Beef Ribs, and the Spicy Turkey Feteer. (from Amazon)

TASTE CANADA AWARDS GOLD WINNER 100 recipes to celebrate the bold flavors, bright colors, and fresh tastes of the Middle East. In Arabic, "habibi" translates to "my darling," and it is this loving endearment, reserved for the closest friends and family, that permeates every recipe that Canadian-Egyptian chef and television host Shahir Massoud has to offer. Sharing mouthwatering street foods and casual everyday staples, as well as new interpretations of traditional dishes, Eat, Habibi, Eat! encourages you to explore the rich spices and irresistible dishes of the Middle East at home. And Shahir's personal stories, all told in his warm and playful voice, are just as captivating as his food (you'll burst out laughing at his mother's insistence that the Egyptian people would never forgive him if he altered the definitive recipe for ful mudammas). Combining his family's heritage meals with his French and Italian chef training, Shahir teaches you how to build the ultimate Egyptian pantry using some special food items, but mostly ingredients that can be found at your local grocery store. From there, you'll dive in to the over 100 mouthwatering recipes for every meal and time of day. From classic mainstays like Shakshuka, Shawarma and Fattoush Salad, to modern plates like Chickpea Fries with Harissa Mayo and Coffee and Coriander Beef Ribs with Pomegranate BBQ Sauce, Eat, Habibi, Eat! is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you already love Middle Eastern cuisine or have never heard of sumac before, Shahir's sumptuous book will inspire you to try something new in the kitchen and have fun doing it.

Recommended by Sami Tamimi

Food has a way of bringing people together. Cooking and sharing food with people and loved ones is a basic ritual around the world. And what a beautiful way of capturing the life and soul of Beirut through food. (from Amazon)

Forever Beirut: Recipes and Stories from the Heart of Lebanon (Cooking with Barbara Abdeni Massaad) book cover
Barbara Abdeni Massaad, Chef José Andrés

A new cookbook from the bestselling author of Soup for Syria to support the Lebanese Food Bank and help families in dire need of food after the devastating blast and ensuing economic collapse Beirut, nicknamed “Paris of the East,” is the capital of Lebanon. It is the culinary capital of the Arab world, with an unmatched cuisine that has ancient roots and is influenced by a number of civilizations and cooking styles, including Arab, Turkish, and French. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and one of the most cosmopolitan and religiously diverse in the region. Situated on the Mediterranean coast and flanked by the majestic Mount Lebanon, it boasts an abundance of flavorful ingredients and spices, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Written by renowned Lebanese chef and award-winning cookbook writer Barbara Abdeni Massaad, Forever Beirut is a collection of 100 easy-to-prepare recipes that celebrate Beirut’s rich culinary heritage, its resilience, and healing power. It is Barbara’s way of honoring the city of her childhood, her dreams, her Lebanese family kitchen, and the food that roots her. It is filled with stories and anecdotes about the customs, food, people, and traditions, with sections for soups, salads, breads and savory pastries, mezze, kibbeh, grilling, main dishes, pickles and preserves, and sweets. With beautiful food and location photography, Forever Beirut is a must-have for cooks who love healthful and delicious Middle Eastern food.