Noor Murad celebrates the release of her first cookbook and prepares for the London Marathon

In April 2025, Chef Noor Murad, a Bahraini-born chef with a British mother, began an exciting season marked by the release of her first solo cookbook, Lugma. The cookbook showcases her unique blend of Middle Eastern flavors and personal culinary influences drawn from her upbringing in Bahrain. As she prepares for the London Marathon, she emphasizes the importance of rice, dates, and black limes in her cooking, noting that rice has become her go-to energy source for both running and cooking. Having previously worked at Ottolenghi for seven years, Murad seeks to express her identity through this cookbook, even amidst the turmoil affecting the Middle East. Writing during a time of conflict has presented challenges, but she believes that food can bridge divides and promote understanding of the diverse ways people in the region express their culture and warmth through their cuisine. With the London Marathon on the horizon, Murad is also focusing on her training essentials, which include a variety of running gear that enhances performance during long runs, demonstrating her commitment to both her culinary and athletic pursuits.