Nice to meet you! My name is Iptisam.

I was born and raised in Palestine, and I have been living in Japan for 17 years now. Palestine is a beautiful land facing the Mediterranean Sea—roughly a bit smaller than Shikoku in Japan—and is blessed with fertile soil perfect for growing grapes, olives, and wheat. In fact, it is said that agriculture and animal husbandry first began there over 7,000 years ago.

I live with my husband and our four children (two sons and two daughters). Our family of six is always full of life!

Palestinian cuisine is a beautiful blend of history and tradition. We use fresh ingredients like garlic, olive oil, yogurt, and wheat, along with plenty of tahini sauce, mint, and parsley. Our dishes are seasoned with an aromatic array of spices—pepper, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom. Many of our recipes require careful, time-consuming preparation, resulting in a unique dining experience that ranges from light and refreshing salads to rich, festive main courses.

Back in Palestine, I worked as a school teacher. Since moving to Japan, I have enjoyed sharing my heritage through cooking classes and Arabic language lessons. I am truly looking forward to introducing you to the flavors and culture of my homeland.

I can’t wait to see you at my table!