On Food in Diaspora - With Reem Assil

Join us as we speak with chef Reem Assil about food and the diaspora. We reflect on questions like: What is home for people of the diaspora? How can food traditions shape our families and ourselves? What can we learn from Arab hospitality practices? 

Reem Assil is a baker, community organizer, and founder of the Bay Area restaurant group Reems California. She’s the author of the recently released cookbook “Arabiyaa: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora.”

This conversation is so rich and a must-listen for anyone interested in how our food, home, and culture shape our lives. Listen in.

You can find Reem Assil on Instagram at @Reem.Assil or @ReemsCalifornia.

Purchase Reem’s new book, “Arabiyaa: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora.”

Visit www.reemscalifornia.com to learn more about Reem’s work in the restaurant industry.

Consider supporting The Edible Theology Project: edibletheology.com/fundraiser 

Follow The Edible Theology Project on Facebook or Instagram.


After you've listened to the episode, use these discussion questions to reflect further. Consider discussing them around the table with a friend or two.

How would you describe home?

What are some rhythms or traditions your family/friends have surrounding food?

How has food positively or negatively impacted your well-being?


Along with the Kitchen Meditations podcast, we send out a weekly newsletter called The Weekly Digest. It’s simple, consistent, and a great resource for Sunday reflections. We also include a free PDF download with the week’s prayer, discussion questions, and a unique seasonal recipe created by Kendall Vanderslice. This week’s recipe is Spinach Feta Handpies.

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