In Bibi's Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries That Touch the Indian Ocean [A Cookbook]

Hawa Hassan, a Somali chef, and Julia Turshen present seventy-five recipes gathered from grandmothers across eight eastern African nations. These countries include South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, and Eritrea. The text highlights the region's role in the spice trade, noting its history as an exporter of pepper and vanilla. The volume features stories from women such as Ma Shara, who teaches visitors to make Ajemi Bread with Carrots and Green Pepper in Zanzibar. It also profiles Ma Vicky, who prepares Matoke in New York, and Ma Gehennet, who shares recipes for Kicha and Shiro. The book uses food to discuss themes of family, war, loss, migration, refuge, and sanctuary. Evocative photography by Khadija Farah and food photography by Jennifer May accompany the text. This work suits readers interested in African regional cuisine and personal narratives of displacement. It may not appeal to those seeking standard American comfort food or quick weeknight meals without cultural context. The book stands as a record of culinary traditions from the Indian Ocean coast.