A Palestinian American Chef on Creating Community Through Food

Reem Assil, a Palestinian American chef and owner of the acclaimed bakery Reem’s in Oakland, shares her journey of building community through the rich flavors of Arab cuisine. She explores the cultural significance of bread as a connector and reflects on her transformative trips to Lebanon. Winning a James Beard award is surreal for her, but she emphasizes the importance of cooking as a form of healing and activism. Reem’s story intertwines culinary heritage with her family's resilience, showcasing food's power to foster connection and cultural identity.