In the heart of Palestinian identity lies stories that are told not just through words but through the sizzle of a skillet and the comforting aroma of time-honoured recipes. To Palestinians, the kitchen isn’t just a place to cook—it’s where they whip up stories of resistance and preserve their identity, one delicious meal at a time. Over the years, they have been putting together lots of cookbooks as a celebration of their diverse culinary traditions and a declaration of their unwavering resilience. From the aromatic spices of musakhan to the hearty goodness of maqluba, Palestinian cuisine has gained widespread recognition, making its mark in restaurants across the Middle East. Let’s look at some of the most delicious Palestinian dishes, interesting cookbooks, and expert chefs who generously share their unique recipes with the world.
DISHES
MUSAKHAN
Musakhan is a delectable Palestinian dish with tender roasted chicken infused with aromatic spices, nestled on a bed of sumac-seasoned onions, all atop a traditional flatbread. It’s a flavorful and heartwarming culinary delight.
MAQLUBA
Maqluba is prepared in a manner where rice, meat, and veggies are layered, cooked, and flipped to create a flavorful upside-down casserole.
Hashweh
Hashweh is a yummy Palestinian dish with seasoned ground meat mixed with rice for a tasty twist. It’s a delicious and simple meal that hits the spot!
MANSAF
If you’re a meat lover, you’ll love Mansaf, a dish with tender lamb, fragrant rice, and creamy yogurt sauce. It’s a delicious meal that brings rich flavors together in a comforting way.
DAWALI
Dawali is a delicious Palestinian dish where grape leaves are stuffed with seasoned rice, creating a flavorful and bite-sized treat. It’s a tasty dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
COOKBOOKS
The Gaza Kitchen
Palestine on a Plate
Dine in Palestine
Zaitoun
Falastin
Bethlehem
PALESTINIAN CHEFS
Joudie Kalla
Joudie Kalla is a Palestinian-British chef, cookbook author, and culinary entrepreneur. She is known for her expertise in Palestinian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Joudie Kalla has written several cookbooks that showcase the rich flavors and diverse recipes of Palestinian and Middle Eastern cooking.
Reem Assil
Reem Assil is a Palestinian-Syrian chef and restaurateur based in the United States. She is known for her work in promoting Arab and Middle Eastern cuisine. She is renowned for her bakery and restaurant called “Reem’s California” in Oakland, California.
Muayad Ali
Chef Muayad Ali is a renowned Halal Chef in the UK, having worked with top chefs like Gordon Ramsay. La Sophia, his restaurant, features a menu that reflects his diverse global culinary experience. Beyond the kitchen, Chef Ali shares Palestinian recipes on social media, giving people a glimpse of the rich flavors and traditions from his homeland.
Wafa Shami
Wafa Shami, originally from Ramallah, Palestine, moved to the U.S. for education. While in the U.S., she continued to be actively involved in Middle Eastern issues as a volunteer. Inspired by her son’s birth, Wafa began writing children’s storybooks based on her childhood memories, such as “Easter in Ramallah” and “Olive Harvest in Palestine,” both published recently. Residing in California, Wafa, who is a devoted mother, also has a passion for cooking. She shares her family’s recipes through a food blog.
Fadi Kattan
Fadi Kattan, franco-palestinian Chef and hotelier has become the voice of modern Palestinian cuisine. When Fadi started his Fawda Restaurant in 2016, he created a cuisine honouring Palestine’s best produce with a modern twist, raising to the challenge of rendering this traditional kitchen into a gourmet dining experience
