NYT Bestselling Cookbook Author Adeena Sussman on Finding Love (of Tahini and People) and Why It Matters That the Coffee Shop Knows Her Order

In this episode of Yalla, Let’s Go!, Erica and Abbey sit down with Adeena Sussman, bestselling cookbook author of Sababa, Shabbat, and her newest book Zariz, for a conversation about food, identity, and building a life in Israel.

Adeena shares her journey from Palo Alto to New York’s food scene to Tel Aviv, why she made aliyah, and how Israeli culture - especially the shuk - transformed her career and cooking style. She opens up about writing cookbooks rooted in Israeli ingredients, adapting Middle Eastern flavors for a global audience, and creating simple, joyful recipes during complex times.

They also discuss life in Israel today, community, October 7th, and why she continues to double down on building her life here.

Also on the docket:

• Making Aliyah and finding community in Israel

• Life in Tel Aviv and the Carmel Market (shuk)

• Israeli food culture and pantry staples

• Tahini, harissa, and modern Middle Eastern cooking

• Adeena’s new cookbook Zariz

• Cooking during wartime and simplifying recipes

• Career growth in Israel vs. New York

• October 7 and supporting Israel globally

• Advice for anyone considering moving to Israel

This is a conversation about food, culture, resilience, and creativity in Israel today.

Subscribe for more conversations with people who live, build, and create in Israel.