YASMINE IDRISS TANNIR
From graphic design to recipe development, Yamine Idriss Tannir has carved a unique path in the world of food creation. A proud Beirut native now based in Dubai, she has transformed her love for cooking into a thriving digital presence, sharing heartfelt recipes that connect people across cultures. In this interview, Yamine opens up about her Lebanese roots, her culinary inspirations, and the journey that led her to become a digital creator. She also shares her favorite flavors, her thoughts on self-care, and the dreams she hopes to fulfill.
1- Can you tell us about your journey into becoming a digital creator and recipe developer? What inspired you to start, and how did it all begin?
I’m from Beirut and originally a graphic designer. I graduated in 2002 from the American University of Beirut. Dubai has been our home for the past 17 years.
I slowly learned to cook by reading books, observing my mom, and simply being curious. I have to admit that I only really started cooking when I got married! I believe cooking or baking for others is a sign of love—a way of sharing and showing affection. Home-cooked meals break barriers and create a convivial atmosphere where people feel relaxed, loved, and cared for.
My adventure in baking began when I first moved to Dubai with our daughter, Karma, who was just 40 days old at the time. I used to bake cookies for our neighbors as a way to connect with the community. In 2013, I started my presence on Instagram—not just to share cookies or cakes, but to create a platform where my voice could be heard.
As my passion grew, I ventured into corporate cookies. Then, when COVID hit and we were stuck at home, I decided to start sharing my recipes as a way to virtually connect with my community. If I couldn’t physically feed them, at least I could share my recipes!
Food holds many meanings for me. As a mother and wife, I see cooking as a way to nurture my loved ones while creating happy memories. But beyond that, cooking and baking have helped me build a network of like-minded people, a community of friends, and a meaningful presence on social media. Most importantly, it has allowed me to connect with myself—it’s truly my escape and my passion.
2- How has your Lebanese heritage influenced your work and the recipes you create?
Growing up in war-torn Lebanon, food meant gathering—family and friends coming together around a table, laughing and chatting for hours. I think that’s what instilled my passion for cooking and baking because the memories around food were always happy ones.
I often find inspiration in flavors that remind me of special occasions. It could be as simple as a snack at my grandmother’s house or a meal discovered in one of Lebanon’s beautiful villages. I take those memories, those feelings, and try to recreate them using flavors and ingredients that reconnect me to my country.
3- What is your favorite ingredient to work with?
My favorite spice is cumin, and one of my favorite flavors is vanilla.
As for ingredients, it’s tough to choose just one! I love fresh, local, sustainable ingredients that have a story behind them—like Lebanese or Palestinian olive oil, local Emirati dates, or French cheeses and butters.
4- What is your favorite dish?
My favorite meal varies. It could be macaroni with garlic yogurt, minced meat, and toasted pine nuts, or something as simple as toasted sliced bread with French butter. It could be a manousheh on my parents’ balcony in Beirut or freshly picked berries on a farm.
But I have to admit—the best meals, by far, are the ones shared with family and loved ones. Those are my favorite.
As for my least favorite? Anything that involves unusual animal parts—brain, tongue, or reproductive organs are a hard pass for me!
5- What is your motto?
Oufff… I have so many mottos in life! But one that resonates deeply with me is: Self-care is not selfish.
As women, mothers, and wives, we often forget ourselves while prioritizing others. But we cannot pour into others if our own cup is empty. I’m learning to be present for myself—through my passions and hobbies—so I can be a better person. When we feel happy, fulfilled, and complete, we naturally become better parents, partners, and individuals in society.
I truly believe that adults should prioritize their hobbies and passions. It’s so important.
6- What is your dream in life?
In many ways, I feel like I’m already living my dream! I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by my loved ones, family, and friends. I’m in Dubai, one of the most exciting places in the world right now.
I’m taking pivotal steps in my career, meeting inspiring people, and collaborating with brands I love.
That said, I would love to travel more—to explore different cuisines and experience authentic street food from around the world. I’d also love to spend more time with my parents and sisters back home in Beirut.
RECIPES BY YASMINE IDRISS
