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Imad's Syrian Kitchen

A Love Letter to Damascus

Illustrated by EVI-O Studios / Photographs by Andy Sewell
Published by Interlink Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

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About The Book

Complete with heartfelt stories, stunning photography, and beautiful illustrations, Imad's Syrian Kitchen features 90 sensational recipes celebrating the flavors of Syria.

This is the first cookbook by Imad Alarnab, a renowned chef from Damascus. Imad now runs an acclaimed restaurant in London, which was named GQ’s “Best Breakthrough Restaurant 2022.” Imad’s Syrian Kitchen is a bustling tour through 90 traditional and adapted Syrian dishes that can be made in the comfort of your own home. Imad introduces us to the delicious flavors and techniques of the Syrian kitchen. And alongside delicious recipes, mouthwatering photography, and beautiful illustrations, Imad shares the unforgettable details of how he came to settle in London, as well as the story of his home country, Syria. This book is a celebration of how food has the power to bring people together.

From Imad: “From the traditional dishes that my mother first taught me to cook, to the imaginative food that has become my own, my recipes tell my story. Enjoy them simply on their own or pile your table high and gather with family and friends. Come, join the feast, and let me share with you the unforgettable flavors of my Syrian kitchen.”

About The Author

Imad Alarnab is a Syrian chef, entrepreneur, and refugee who ran three successful restaurants, several juice bars and cafes in Damascus. Imad's businesses were destroyed in the war, and he was forced to flee the country in search of safety. Making his way from Lebanon through Europe, Imad shared his skills cooking for other refugees, up to 400 at a time. Imad arrived in London in 2015 and eventually his family was able to join him. He burst onto the London restaurant scene four years ago with a series of fundraising events that were hugely popular. Imad opened his much-anticipated restaurant in London in May 2021, which was named GQ’s “Best Breakthrough Restaurant” in 2022.

About The Illustrator

Product Details

  • Publisher: Interlink Books (January 30, 2024)
  • Length: 256 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781623711160

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Raves and Reviews

“In this moving debut collection, restaurateur Alarnab writes plaintively of migrating from Syria … His unvarnished descriptions of the immigrant experience (‘We were cold, exhausted, afraid of what came next’)—are movingly rendered and segue smoothly into recipes where generosity is the watchword … Instructions are clear and thoughtful throughout, but it’s the author’s personal experiences that make this heartfelt cookbook shine.”

– — Publishers Weekly

“In July 2015, restaurateur Alarnab bade farewell to his family and fled his beloved Damascus … Damascene cuisine will seem familiar to anyone experienced in Middle Eastern cooking, but the particular flavors that infuse Alarnab’s hummus, baba ganoush, fattoush salad, falafel, kuftah, tabbouleh, kibbeh, and much more reflect his own take on Syrian traditions … Recipes are clear, and many questions may be answered by the color photographs. But the beating heart of this cookbook is the saga of Alarnab’s escape … Anyone who wants to know what it means to be a refugee will be staggered by Alarnab’s harrowing account.”

– — Booklist

“In 2015, chef and restaurateur Alarnab fled his home in war-torn Syria and began his perilous journey to the UK. Like many refugees, he worked a variety of jobs before he began cooking pop-up dinners for UNICEF, catering, and ultimately opening a restaurant and reuniting with his family. This narrative is often raw and vivid and may seem out of place in a cookbook, but Alarnab’s food carried him on his journey, created his new livelihood, and connected him to the love of his home, making his powerful story a natural pairing with his recipes. The dishes and the narrative give a window into the culture and people of Damascus and how Alarnab maintains a connection with his homeland. The recipes, which have traditional roots but are adapted for the modern home kitchen, rely on building a solid pantry of ingredients and spices to deliver big flavors. The book’s design and illustrations evoke warmth, paired with appealing food styling and photos of Alarnab in his kitchen. VERDICT: Recipes that spotlight particular ingredients with vibrant tastes anchor this deeply personal refugee story and will remind readers of the power that food has to bring people together and help them heal.”

“The dishes and the narrative give a window into the culture and people of Damascus and how Alarnab maintains a connection with his homeland. The book’s design and illustrations evoke warmth, paired with appealing food styling and photos of Alarnab in his kitchen. VERDICT Recipes that spotlight particular ingredients with vibrant tastes anchor this deeply personal refugee story and will remind readers of the power that food has to bring people together and help them heal.”

– — Library Journal

"Imad’s Syrian Kitchen is an incredible pick for those interested in Syrian cuisine paired with personal stories and memories surrounding the food."

– Tara's Multicultural Table

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