Heritage on a Plate: Sassool Spotlights Traditional Dishes by Longtime Team Members
Four Beloved Team Members Share Dishes from Their Home Countries
RALEIGH, NC - July 22, 2025 - This August, Sassool Café invites its guests on a flavorful journey across the Middle East with a special culinary series that shines a light on the heart and soul behind the restaurant - its people. In honor of the birthday month of the Saleh family matriarch, Cecilia “Sassool” Saleh, whose recipes and hospitality inspired the founding of the restaurant, they are featuring four long-time employees preparing traditional dishes from their native countries. These heartfelt meals will be available for preorder throughout the month, for pickup on designated Thursdays and Fridays.
“We wanted to celebrate the cultures and personal stories that have helped shape Sassool,” said Mounir Saleh, founder of Sassool Café. “Each dish is a tribute to tradition, family, and the incredible women behind our kitchen.”
Featured Home-Cooked Dishes:
1. Iman Ali – Lebanese Comfort
Iman immigrated from Syria 12 years ago and has worked full-time at Sassool for 6 years, bringing warmth and authenticity to her cooking every day. Her featured dishes (offered as a combo meal):
Molokhia with Chicken – A rich stew of garlic, cilantro, chicken broth, and molokhia leaves.
Bamia with Lamb – Okra and lamb simmered in tomato and garlic.
Chicken & Rice – A Lebanese staple with basmati rice, sweet peas, carrots, and aromatic spices.
🗓️ Pickup Dates: Thursday, August 7th and Friday, August 8
2. Fayzeh Hadad – Jordanian Soul Food
Originally from Jordan, Fayzeh has worked at Sassool since 2012 and is a mom of three. She’s also known as @ChefFOFO on TikTok and Facebook. Her featured dish:
Jordanian Mansaf – Tender lamb shoulder with Egyptian rice, served with a tangy dried yogurt sauce, and topped with pine nuts and almonds. (Pro tip: Pour the yogurt sauce over the dish just before serving for the authentic experience.)
🗓️ Pickup Dates: Thursday, August 14 and Friday, August 15
3. Aida Alobaidi – Iraqi Tradition
Aida immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon in 2015 and has been part of the Sassool team since 2018. A mom of three, she’s sharing one of her favorite comfort foods. Her featured dish:
Iraqi Biryani – A festive rice dish with chicken, vegetables, raisins, vermicelli, and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
🗓️ Pickup Dates: Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22
4. Selwa Ismail – Palestinian Friday Favorite
Selwa immigrated from Palestine in 1986 and has worked at Sassool since its opening in 2011, previously spending 14 years at Neomonde. A mother of five, she’s known for her traditional cooking and welcoming spirit. Her featured dish:
Freekah with Chicken – A hearty green wheat dish with chicken, almonds, cinnamon, coriander, and cardamom.
🗓️ Pickup Dates: Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29
How to Order:
All dishes are available via pre-order only and must be placed at least 48 hours before pickup.
🍽️ To place an order, visit their website to fill out a pre-order form: https://www.sassool.com/preordertasteofmiddleeast.
📧 For any questions, please email Simone Lawson: simone@sassool.com.
📍 Available for pickup at Sassool’s Raleigh and Cary locations.
Join Sassool this August in honoring the traditions and talents of the incredible women who help bring the flavors of the Middle East to the Triangle every day.
About Sassool
Family owned and operated since 2014, Sassool is a favorite restaurant and integral part of the North Raleigh and Cary communities. Sassool serves delectable, fresh, and healthy family recipes derived from their Lebanese heritage. All sides, main dishes, and dips are made fresh every morning. When visiting Sassool, guests feel like a part of their family. Follow Sassool on Instagram, Facebook, and X.