Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora [A Cookbook]

Not only are the recipes easily broken down for the American home kitchen, the stories that go along to describe how the foods belong to the culture. It feeds my soul as well as my belly and brings me home.

This book is like a warm hug. I love everything about it. The recipes are easy to follow and one trip to a market will get you the staples you need to take off with this book!I learned about Chef Assil by frequenting her former Fruitvale location and making her fattoush salad in the La Cocina cookbook a staple in my lunch rotations. Anyone who has ever experienced the magic of Reem's in Fruitvale or their spot in the Mission knows Reem Assil's food is magic. Every recipe is so flavorful! I also love that Reem beautifully weaves in her thoughts about diaspora, food as a vessel for social change, and the importance of community all throughout the book. 10/10, already looking into how to give this as a Christmas gift to everyone I know. I can't wait to see what Chef Assil does next.

I really am happy I purchased this book to add to my collection of international cookbooks. The recipes are simple and delicious, and I appreciate all the beautiful photos of the dishes to compare with. I especially found the narratives worth reading and can place myself in her shoes when she describes how she felt living here after 9/11. I had to purchase another copy of this book to gift to a friend who also enjoys Middle East cooking. I know she will love it!Jeanne R.

Have a lot of recipes to choose from. Learned this this area likes their gluten.

There are many good looking and well-explained recipes throughout and the photos are wonderful. Why make a cookbook political?

This is such a beautiful cookbook filled with heartfelt stories and mouthwatering recipes! I have several hundred cookbooks and this is definitely a keeper! You do not need to be Arab or have ancestors from the region to enjoy this beauty. In fact, it’s so informative and well written that it is a wonderful introduction to this cuisine as defined by the author. It contains fabulous photos and I look forward to diving in! I only wish I did not need to eat gluten free because I regret I will never be able to sample anything in the savory bread section!

I bought this book after hearing an interview with the author on NPR and I am so glad I did. Full of gorgeous photography, very manageable recipes, helpful hints and workarounds, and essays about her life as an Arab in the U.S. and the meaning of hospitality and home. This book delivers in every way. Reem Asil is one vital part of the rise to make People of Color heard, valued, and respected in American culture.

This cookbook has many great recipes. I was so excited for the arrival of this cookbook and it did not disappoint. It has so many good recipes and pictures. As someone married to an Arab, I honestly feel I can cook from this book and satisfy my family's nostalgic cravings with these delicious recipes of home.

I’ve been really looking forward to the release of this book. Think I built up my expectations too high. Was quite disappointed and I wish I wouldn’t have thrown away the package so that I can return it. I’m a bit fed up with buying cook books only to to use one or two recipes in them…this is one of those. I’m not Arab, but my husband is so I’m quite familiar with many of their dishes. I was expecting ore traditional main courses. I also prefer when every dish comes with a photo. This one doesn’t.Anyway, to cut the story short, this one is not for me, unfortunately.