I have known Anissa for just under three decades. Throughout that time I have admired not only her wonderful cooking but also her unwavering dedication to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Arabic food. Her deep knowledge, meticulous research and genuine love for Lebanese home cooking shine through on every page of Lebanon a culinary celebration – a beautiful journey to the country's rich food and heritage. This is a book to cook from, filled with recipes that are authentic, generous and full of heart.

Sami Tamimi

Anissa's books have taken us across the entire Islamic world and back again, but Lebanon: Cooking the Foods of my Homeland takes us deeper and more personal than ever. I had no idea of the enormous diversity of cooking styles and recipes in Lebanon before I read this book. From the Kibbé Pie to Stuffed vine leaves with lamb chops, I can't wait to throw a dinner party with these recipes.

Michael Zee

“A meticulous, heartfelt account not only of the rich and diverse cuisines of Lebanon, but of its cooks and artisans, threaded through with childhood memories and fascinating cultural and culinary information. An exceptional cook and a brilliant writer of recipes, Anissa Helou is the perfect chronicler of the food of her homeland. I've rarely seen, in a single book, so many recipes I long to make.”

Fuchsia Dunlop

“I am continually astonished by the depth of knowledge and generosity that Anissa brings to her work, and Lebanon is no exception. With her characteristic warmth, Anissa continues bringing to life the richness of a small country that harbours centuries of influence, resilience and cultural exchange. We are incredibly fortunate to have Anissa preserve these traditions in print, gifting us a book that is both beautiful and timeless.”

Noor Murad

"Helou's career embodies permeability. Having lived in London, Paris and beyond, she writes as both insider and observer. She documents Saudi culinary heritage, explores Mediterranean street food and returns repeatedly to Lebanese domestic kitchens. Her scholarship is not
romantic nostalgia; it is deliberate preservation."

Nida Bano Qureshi