Liban Tahlil, founder of Sabiib arrived in England as a young boy, clutching little more than a suitcase and a heart full of dreams.
Separated from his parents, he navigated a foreign land with resilience, embracing every hardship as a stepping stone toward a brighter future.
Today, Liban is the visionary behind Sabiib, the world’s most celebrated Somali restaurant, an epicenter of culture, pride, and hospitality.
Liban built Sabiib on the foundations of Somali traditions-stories passed down through generations, recipes that taste of home, and the unyielding warmth of Somali hospitality.
With every dish, he crafted not just meals but experiences, serving sambusas and suqaar alongside the richness of his culture and the spirit of his people.
Sabiib became a beacon for unity and pride, where the mayor of London dined shoulder-to-shoulder with celebrities like Chunkz and Mo Farah.
Influential voices like Mohamed Hijab and Sheikh Uthman Farooq praised its authenticity, while Somali youth saw it as a place to bring their non-Somali friends, offering them a glimpse into the beauty of Somali life. It wasn’t just about the food-it was about the joy, the laughter, and the pride of saying, “This is who we are.”Liban’s success is an ode to the Somali diaspora.
Through Sabiib, he bridged worlds, connecting the Somali heritage with the global stage. He reminded Somalis everywhere that their story is worth telling, their culture worth celebrating, and their future worth dreaming of.
We’re honoured that his first ever podcast interview is with the @TheSomaliCircle.