My Egypt

In 2022 and 2023, I worked with Michael Mina and his team (especially chef Adam Sobel), to craft a book about one of America’s most celebrated chefs going back to where he was born: Cairo, Egypt.

In 2022, we traveled from Cairo to Alexandria with Moustafa Elrefaey, one of the most knowledgable chefs I’ve met. He was also generous, showing us parts of Egypt that would be hard to access otherwise. The book covers those moments, from a pit roast on the outskirts of Cairo to the fish markets set along the Mediterranean. John Lee, the photographer I worked with on Lavash and Burma Superstar, captured modern-day Egypt in a fresh way. The book comes out October 8, 2024, with Voracious, an imprint of Little, Brown.

Overheard//

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly: “Clear instructions, plus an informative pantry list and glossary of Egyptian staples (“Picture hummus made with fava beans and you have bessara”), make this accessible for home cooks of all levels and familiarity with Middle Eastern cuisine. Vibrant photos and fascinating cultural tidbits … complement the recipes. The result will make for an outstanding addition to any kitchen library.”