Leen Al Zaben | Building a Real Arab Culinary Community

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.