This book is about humanity. Life. Beauty. Family. The heart of the home. The kitchen and The mother; whom ever she may be. Passing on a legacy of a place that was the hub of the gastronomic world. May she return once again from dark times. But until then, enjoy this book which takes you into a journey into the lives of Syrians, before the war, remembering home, the best way they know how, through the dinner table of their ancestors. This book is a delight and a celebration of everything that symbolises hope and connection. You just want to cook everything in it. Joudie Kalla, author of Palestine on a Plate, @palestineonaplate

‘With this book, I hope to build a bridge between Syrian culture and the rest of the world, with food as common denominator. But even more, I hope that Sumac will present a positive image of my country, in spite of all of the unfortunate events now taking place in Syria.’ - Anas Atassi

Sumac is a deep red spice that adds a vibrant lift to all kinds of food, and is a prized ingredient in both traditional and contemporary Syrian cuisine. This book includes over 80 recipes inspired by Anas Atassi’s family recipes and travels, as well as the stories, celebrations and memories of loved ones in Syria that inspired the recipes. It includes the wonderful Friday breakfasts he’d eat in his grandmother’s garden, his mother’s sfeeha, along with the falafel he now loves to make for his friends, along with many other mezze, salads, meats, vegetables, and desserts. Sumac is an evocative and inspiring food journey that offers a glimpse into Syrian food culture’s deep historical roots, which through millennia of cultural traditions and neighbouring influences have been shared and shaped to perfection.