Reem Kassis

Her debut cookbook, The Palestinian Table, was published in October 2017 by Phaidon Press. The volume was aimed at preserving traditional Palestinian dishes and introducing Western readers to Palestinian cuisine and culture. In the preface Kassis wrote: “The Palestinian Table spans our entire geography from the mountains of the Galilee to the valleys of the south, from the coast of Yaffa all the way to the West Bank. It is scattered across the globe and built from memories of a time when most of us lived in the same land.” The Palestinian Table consists of 150 recipes, with photography, personal anecdotes, and origins of the dishes.

The reviews for The Palestinian Table were generally positive. NPR named it one of the best books of the year. The Guardian, The Independent, New York Magazine, Buzzfeed, San Francisco Chronicle, The National Post, Saveur Magazine, Departures, and Milk Street all listed the work in their lists of the best cookbooks published in 2017. A journalist in the Institute for Palestinian Studies recommended the book for newcomers, calling Kassis “a humble guide who doesn’t dazzle with intimidating recipes”. Tanuahka Marah, the reviewer for the Morning Star described the photography as “stunning”. In her nomination for the Palestine Book Award, a critic praised the author's anecdotes for providing “valuable cultural insight as well as specifics about how the local dishes are prepared and served”. The late chef Anthony Bourdain praised the book saying, "With The Palestinian Table, Reem Kassis gracefully demonstrates the power of food to transcend the political divisions that are, too often, all we know of a place like Palestine. Reading and cooking from this essential book - a thoughtful collection of great recipes, historical and cultural insights, and beautiful photographs - will move you closer to understanding this complex, fascinating part of the world."

Reem Kassis was born and raised in Jerusalem. She attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia where she earned her undergraduate degrees in business and international studies. She earned her MBA from the Wharton School in 2010 and studied further at the London School of Economics obtaining an MSc in social psychology. Kassis also worked with the World Economic Forum and as a business consultant at McKinsey & Company. After the birth of her daughters, she decided to leave the business world and pursue a writing and culinary career. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two daughters.

Reem Kassis (born 1987) is a Palestinian writer best known for her award-winning cookbook The Palestinian Table.