This is a stunning cookbook! It is a wonderful homage to all grandmothers everywhere. As for me, this is going to be an adventure! I’ve never cooked African food and I’m so thrilled to try. Especially since these recipes are authentically sourced – grandmothers!
This cookbook starts off as a journey just in the introduction. It is set up for us to learn about these home cooks and what they have gone through. Their stories are important and the passing down of recipes is an exploration of history. I can’t wait to learn more!
There are 75 recipes and stories covering 8 regions in Africa: Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, and Comoros. Each told by bibis (or grandmas) from each nation. This creates a beautiful narrative for each recipe giving them life. This is how we connect with food and each other!
There are 100 beautiful images that will help you immerse in the story the bibis are telling through this cookbook. There is a combination of images from Africa and the food you will be making!
The book itself was beautifully created. In Bibi’s Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries that Touch the Indian Ocean (via Amazon; affliate link) is made with paper over board with cloth case and deboss. This was meant to stay in your kitchen and pass on to your family and friends. Clearly, this was made with love!
Not only do these recipes look scrumptious, but honestly this cookbook is unique! There are hardly any cookbooks that represent Africa in the Western world and this one does a stunning job.
Take a peek and please let me know what recipes you make! Would love to hear about your journey!
~Kaiti
