In an exclusive interview with Natasha Syed, Noor Murad, a celebrated cookbook author and recipe developer, takes us on a journey through her personal and professional life, leading to the creation of her debut cookbook, Lugma. A fusion of heartfelt memories, Middle Eastern cuisine, and personal stories, Lugma reflects her deep love for her heritage and the people who shaped her culinary path. Here’s a closer look at her story, her culinary inspirations, and the unique process behind the book.
The Birth of Lugma
Noor’s dream of writing a cookbook began when she was a child. Inspired by the cookbooks she perused at home, she grew fascinated by food and the stories it could tell. Her career in the culinary world began at 16, and she went on to work in renowned kitchens across the globe, from New York to London and Germany. It wasn’t until her tenure at the Offlane Test Kitchen that she found her true calling in cookbook publishing.
“Writing was always my first love, and food was my second,” Noor explains. “At the Test Kitchen, I got the balance I had longed for. I could be creative and write, but I had never truly written for myself.”
Noor worked on various cookbooks, including the successful Fall Asleep by Sami Timi, where she developed recipes. This experience eventually led her to the realization that she was ready to tell her own story through food. Lugma was her chance to combine her two passions—cooking and writing—and share her journey.
A Cookbook Rich in Heritage and Love
When asked about the inspiration behind Lugma, Noor shared how her book is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s an ode to her upbringing in Bahrain. It was during the writing process that she realized how much her background shaped not just her cooking, but her identity. “The more I cooked and wrote, the more I realized that my upbringing was the foundation of everything I do,” she reveals. “I cook the way I do because of Bahrain. That connection is deeply embedded in me.”
The cookbook features over 100 recipes, all carefully selected to represent the essence of Middle Eastern food, while also offering a fresh perspective on familiar dishes. “I didn’t include some of the more popular dishes, like falafel or shakshuka, because I felt they already had a strong platform. The Middle East is so diverse, and I wanted to highlight that,” Noor says.
Her personal connection to the recipes in Lugma is evident in every page, from the intricate details of each dish to the stories she weaves before every recipe. Her aim is for readers to feel as though they’re sitting at the table with her family, sharing meals, and creating memories.
Comforting, Abundant, and New
Describing Lugma in three words, Noor chooses “comforting,” “abundant,” and “new.” These words capture the essence of the book—its comforting flavors, its abundance of recipes, and its fresh take on Middle Eastern cuisine that invites everyone, regardless of their cooking experience, to try something new.
When asked about a standout dish in the book, Noor recommends Madroba—a comforting, hearty chicken and rice dish perfect for Ramadan. The dish, rich in flavour and history, is a staple in her grandparents’ home and has become a personal favourite. “It’s a dish that’s very gentle on the stomach, and you can eat quite a lot of it, which makes it perfect for Ramadan,” she explains.
The Personal Challenge of Writing Lugma
While Noor had experience working on multiple cookbooks, Lugma posed unique challenges due to its personal nature. Writing a cookbook that is a reflection of one’s own life and memories isn’t easy, and Noor admits there were moments of self-doubt. “I had to ask myself, ‘Does this really represent who I am? Is this something I want to share with the world?’ It was a journey of self-reflection,” she shares.
Despite the challenges, Noor found solace in the creative process. She spent months perfecting the recipes and writing the stories behind them in her North London home. “It was all within me already,” she says, “It wasn’t just about the recipes; it was about the memories that came flooding back as I cooked.”
The Influence of Ramadan
Noor also reflects on the influence of Ramadan in the book. While the book isn’t solely focused on Ramadan, it features dishes that were often served during this special time. Family gatherings during Ramadan were always centered around food, and many of the recipes in Lugma are deeply connected to those memories. “Ramadan brings people together, and the food becomes part of that tradition. It’s about celebrating family, food, and love,” she says.
Looking Ahead
As she reflects on the success of Lugma and the journey it took to bring it to life, Noor is optimistic about the future. She’s excited to continue sharing her love for Middle Eastern cuisine and its rich diversity. “I hope Lugma inspires people to explore new flavors and try their hand at cooking dishes they might not have encountered before,” she says.
Lugma is more than just a cookbook—it’s a celebration of Noor’s identity, her heritage, and her deep love for the food that has shaped her. It’s a love letter to the Middle East and a beautiful introduction to the flavors and stories that lie within. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, Noor’s book invites you to connect with the food, the memories, and the love behind every recipe.
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
Under her leadership, British Muslim Magazine continues to set the standard for authentic, and engaging trusted narratives, making it the go-to source for Muslim traveler's and lifestyle enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
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