Leen Al Zaben | Building a Real Arab Culinary Community

Leen Al Zaben | Building a Real Arab Culinary Community

From Matbakh | Food of the Arab World by afikra

November 22, 2024 · 30 min · Episode 38

About this episode

Leen Al Zaben discusses her journey in the food industry and the importance of community-building through food.

Vanessa Zuabi interviews Leen Al Zaben in this one in two Matbakh special, recorded live on stage at What The Food by alserkal in Dubai. They discuss Leen's unexpected journey into the food industry, which began 15 years ago as a food blog and evolved into a full-blown career. The conversation touches on the importance of community-building through food, such as organizing food festivals that highlight regional talent and shed light on local culinary traditions, particularly those that have been overshadowed by Western narratives, reclaiming and celebrating their original names. Leen also emphasizes the need to tell our own stories and celebrate original recipes, especially amidst our ongoing regional challenges. She reflects on the role food plays in bringing people back to their traditions and modes of living despite the pressures of globalization. Finally, the interview explores Leen's work in promoting Arab food culture globally, stressing the significance of mentorship, cultural advocacy, and creating a space for collaboration and dialogue within the culinary world.

People in this episode

Host: Vanessa Zuabi

Guest: Leen Al Zaben

Topics covered

  • Arab culinary community
  • food festivals
  • cultural traditions
  • globalization
  • mentorship
  • food culture

Keywords

  • Arab food
  • culinary traditions
  • community building
  • food culture
  • globalization
  • mentorship
  • food festivals

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: What The Food, alserkal

Places: Dubai

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