Sami Tamimi on his Palestinian heritage and the food of his childhood

Samuel Goldsmith

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Acclaimed British-Palestinian chef and co-owner of Ottolenghi restaurants and delis, Sami Tamimi shares his favourite flavours and thoughts on seasonality

The Good Food Podcast

Join host Samuel Goldsmith in conversation with Sami Tamimi – chef, award-winning food writer and co-founder of Ottolenghi – as he shares the inspiration behind his latest cookbook Boustany, a love letter to Palestinian vegetables and home cooking. From his roots in Palestine to life in London and a pivotal year in Umbria, Sami reflects on how culture, memory and simplicity shape his approach to food. We explore his creative process, the importance of seasonality and the beauty of making vibrant dishes from everyday ingredients. He also dishes on kitchen confessions, his favourite recipes and the ingredient he thinks is totally overrated. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just getting started, this episode offers practical tips, heartfelt stories and a reminder of food’s power to connect us.

Sami Tamimi, born and raised in Jerusalem, began his culinary career as a commis-chef before becoming head chef at Lilith, a top Tel Aviv restaurant. He moved to London in 1997, leading Baker & Spice’s Middle Eastern kitchen, and co-founded Ottolenghi in 2002. Sami co-authored Ottolenghi: The Cookbook and Jerusalem, named one of the New York Times’ 25 most influential cookbooks. His third book, Falastin, co-written with Tara Wigley, won Fortnum & Mason’s 2021 Cookery Book of the Year. His best-selling works have sold over a million copies worldwide.

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