My Food Story unveils the authentic power of food diplomacy in Dubai, inspiring global connections

Dubai is where cultures collide, flavours fuse, and food tells the story of a world without borders. My Food Story, a coffee table book initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), is a delightful culinary tribute to the gateway city of the world.

More than a recipe collection, My Food Story celebrates food as an integral economic and cultural bridge by engaging with chefs, influencers, diplomats, and food connoisseurs who have kept their favourite recipes alive using US ingredients. Foreign shores have countless stories in their kitchens where, in between whisks and bakes, stirring and serving, food becomes a unifying bond of love and camaraderie amidst multi-cultural lifestyles.

“I led this initiative alongside my brilliant partner-in-crime, Fayrouz Zghoul, Senior Regional Marketing Advisor. Together, we set out to create something extraordinary: a book that brings together contributors from over 40 countries, each incorporating U.S. ingredients into their favourite recipes while sharing the personal stories behind who they are today and how they impact their world,” says Valerie Brown, Regional Agricultural Minister Counsellor, USDA- FSA.

Showcasing the USA’s rich food diversity— My Food Story captures not just flavours but the emotions, memories, and traditions that make food so meaningful. Home cooks, celebrity chefs, U.S. diplomats, and influencers opened their kitchens and hearts, offering glimpses into the dishes that define their lives. More than just a cookbook, this limited-edition volume was designed as a prestigious gift—never to be sold but to be presented to dignitaries, heads of state and VIP contacts all over the world as a symbol of culinary diplomacy.

“Bringing this vision to life required creative brilliance, and that’s where the expertise of The Purple Stroke came in. Their skilful execution transformed our ideas into a stunning reality, ensuring that every page reflected the warmth, authenticity, and artistry of its contributors,” added Valerie.

It takes a single idea to unleash a driving force, and the reception to My Food Story has been nothing short of spectacular. A community of its own took shape of home-cook competitions, a global guild, a dynamic knowledge-sharing platform, media engagement and features, and immersive U.S. culinary experiences. What started as a book has become a culinary movement that keeps finding its own audience globally.

My Food Story excels at being relatable to all; the narratives are not just about food but about survival, hope, and a sense of community. All in all, it is a book that will appeal to cultural enthusiasts and anyone interested in the global food system. Its collection of stories reminds us of the interconnectedness of our world and how, through food, we are all linked in the most fundamental ways.

Bon appétit, and revel in this culinary adventure!