Reem Kassis

Reem Kassis is an award-winning author and advocate for the cuisine and cultural heritage of Palestine and the Arab world. Her journey into food, however, was anything but planned. Leaving Jerusalem at 17 to pursue bigger dreams in the U.S., she earned an MBA from Wharton and an MSc in cultural psychology from the LSE, determined to avoid the kitchen and defy stereotypes. For nearly a decade, Reem built a career working with major corporations and NGOs, including McKinsey & Co and the World Economic Forum.

But life had other plans. After the birth of her first daughter, Yasmeen, Reem began reflecting on what kind of legacy she wanted to leave behind. During maternity leave, she found herself drawn back to food, not just as sustenance, but as a way to tell stories—of family, tradition, and identity. This reflection led her to start writing The Palestinian Table, a cookbook that interwove generations of family recipes with historical and cultural narratives. To her surprise, the book received wide acclaim, and what began as a personal project turned into a celebrated work.

Though Reem initially thought The Palestinian Table would be her only cookbook, curiosity and frustration with the misconceptions around food inspired her next book, The Arabesque Table. This deep dive into the history of cuisine examines the way food—much like arabesque patterns—is shaped by cross-cultural influences. Through her research, Reem discovered that cuisine is not just a marker of identity but also a bridge connecting people and places.

Reem’s work extends beyond cookbooks. She has contributed to numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Food & Wine. She frequently speaks at universities, conferences, and corporations, and has appeared on NPR’s Fresh Air and other radio shows.

With her books and storytelling, Reem aims to share the generosity and rich history of Arab culture, inviting readers to explore the region’s food and feel welcome at any Arab table. Through food, she hopes to connect people and offer a glimpse into the spirit and heritage of her homeland.