Our TeamReem Assil

About Me

Reem Assil is a Palestinian-Syrian chef based in Oakland, California and founder of Reem’s California, a nationally-acclaimed restaurant and commissary kitchen in Oakland and Reem’s California Mission in San Francisco. She has garnered an array of culinary accolades, including James Beard Semifinalist nods for Best Chef: West (2020-21) and Finalist for Outstanding Chef (2022). Before dedicating herself to a culinary career, Reem spent over a decade as a community and labor organizer. Reem has been featured in and has contributed to over 100 publications, podcasts, videos, and mixed media since 2017. Her newest book is Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora (Ten Speed Press, April 19, 2022).


Latest Stories

Khobz Arabi Is the Soft, Chewy Flatbread of Your Dreams
These pita breads rise into beautiful bubbles in your home oven.
Apr 1, 2022
Sourdough Dough Takes Love and Patience — The Results Are Worth It
San Francisco chef Reem Assil takes you step by step through her sourdough starter process.
Apr 1, 2022
This Date-Walnut Pie Is My Arab American Homage to Pecan Pie
The combination of walnuts, dates, spices, and an orange blossom-scented syrup make this pie something special.
Apr 1, 2022
The Herby, Spicy Tomato Salad You’re Going to Want to Serve with Everything
This quick salad is a mainstay of the Arab table and is equally at home alongside cheese and eggs for breakfast, or a meat main for lunch or dinner.
Apr 1, 2022
American Azoumeh: Chefs Reem Assil and Mohammad Abutaha Talk Arab Hospitality and Cooking in Diaspora
When we invited Reem Assil to join us in celebrating Arab American Middle Eastern Heritage Month, she already had an idea bubbling: Host an azoumeh with her friend and fellow Arab chef Mohammad Abutaha, the owner of Oakland-based shawarma joint Shawarmaji.
Apr 1, 2022