Book of Dishes

hello, i’m hind—the creator behind Book of Dishes. ahlan w shaman. welcome to my kitchen.

this blog is a space where I connect with my third culture identity. I share my favorite recipes, along with thoughtful tips for the home. my cooking is deeply inspired by my egyptian-american upbringing in culturally rich brooklyn, New York. here, you’ll find a blend of traditional SWANA dishes, alongside my own interpretations and more modern takes. my husband is lebanese-syrian, and our pantry is a reflection of our rich cultures! this blog is where i document it all—my own “book of dishes.”

i’m particularly drawn to the artistic side of food. over time, i’ve curated a collection of serveware and ceramics that I use to present my dishes in a way that feels both intentional and inviting—because we truly eat with our eyes first. travel has played a big role in this, as I often seek out handcrafted pieces from bazaars, small boutiques, and even roadside finds. one of my favorite activities is thrifting–one thing about me is I’ll find an antique shop in any city or country I am in.

when I’m not developing recipes, I enjoy hosting family and friends, gardening, exploring the outdoors with my two boys, and spending time in the city I love. I love drinking tea and curling up with a cookbook in hand, savoring the stories and traditions behind each recipe.

the name Book of Dishes is inspired by Kitab al-Tabikh (كتاب الطبيخ), which translates to “The Book of Dishes.” it is the earliest known surviving cookbook in the Arabic language, compiled in the 10th century by Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq. the text offers a rich glimpse into the ingredients, techniques, and culinary traditions of the Abbasid era in what is now modern-day Iraq, and continues to serve as a meaningful reference point for Middle Eastern cooking.

thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me and my journey. if you have any questions, feel free to reach out via email or connect with me on social media.