James Beard Award winner
Anissa Helou
- Discipline
- James Beard Award winner
Portrait of Anissa Helou
i. Biography
Anissa Helou received the Foodics Icon Award in 2023. Lebanese-born, British, and born in Beirut, she has built her work around the cuisines and culinary heritage of the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. *Sweet Middle East* sits within that line of work as a signature book.
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Coming Up
Anissa Helou’s early training in London came through interior design studies, a background that later sat alongside work in objects, advising, and food. That path moved through Sotheby’s, an antique shop in Paris, freelance art consultancy in London, and a period from 1978–1986 advising members of the ruling family in Kuwait. In 1999, she became owner at Anissa's Kitchen in Shoreditch.
Where They Are Now
The work stays fixed on the cuisines and culinary heritage of the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and North Africa.
Signature
Anissa's signature dishes include Feast: The Food of the Islamic World, Lebanese Cuisine, Sweet Middle East, and Levant.
Honors
Anissa's honors include Foodics Icon Award (2023), Most Innovative UK Food Book, Best Mediterranean in the English Language, and André Simon Award shortlist.
FAQ
Asked of Anissa
What is Anissa Helou's current role?
As of 2026, Anissa Helou is a cookbook author.
Where did Anissa Helou train or study?
Anissa Helou trained at London.
What recognition has Anissa Helou received?
Foodics Icon Award (2023).
Explore
The Sunday email
Get new Made By stories every Sunday.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.