Middle Eastern food amalgamates a variety of different flavours, it’s alluring in aroma and is so beautifully vibrant in colour. Often it’s characterised by its spices and has the kind of rich mouth-watering taste so flavourful that it will have you wanting to come back for more. It’s really no wonder that it is one of the most treasured gourmets in the world.
Surprisingly, only twenty-five percent of the chefs worldwide are female, which is surprising considering that many of us have received traditional recipes handed down as heirlooms from our mothers, grandmothers and elders before them. We barely recall someone mentioning that a family recipe was passed down by their father or grandfather. So why is it that women are so poorly represented in the gastronomical industry?
Nowadays many women are independent with careers and some have also made careers in the kitchen. In honour of this, we have put together some of our favourite Middle Eastern cookbooks written by females.
Palestine on a Plate by Joudie Kall
London-based Palestinian chef Joudie Kalla has whipped together a cooking guide paying homage to her roots, where the dishes are so commending, that it won ‘Best Arab Cuisine Book‘ in 2016. This book is filled with ravishing meals for you to recreate for your friends and family time after time. BUY NOW
The Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cook Book by Salma Hage
A perfect choice for super healthy and appetizing dishes suited for vegetarians as well as vegan and gluten-free dishes. A multitude of over 150 recipes, all influenced by the divine taste of the Middle East. BUY NOW
Feast in The Middle East by Blanche Araj Shaheen
It really says it all in the name, if you are ready to cook up a feast then you’ve just found the perfect manual. Food was the centre of author Blanche’s family life, and to pay homage to her roots and document some of the delicious dishes she enjoyed growing up, she was inspired to create this traditional and easy to follow Arabic cookbook. BUY NOW
The New Book of Middle Eastern Food by Claudia Roden
Egyptian born Claudia Roden is legendary for her top-shelf cookbook writings from over the decade. Here she recreates an enlarged re-edition that was originally published over 30 years ago and has been hailed as a “staple in the kitchen” with 800 mezze style dishes from all over the Middle East and North Africa. BUY NOW
Persiana by Sabrina Ghayour
Talented chef Sabrina Ghayour bring us her debut cookbook that will inspire your home-cooked meals for several years. Persiana has been accredited by world-renowned and fellow female chef Nigella Lawson and international bestseller. BUY NOW
The Food of Morocco by Jane Lawson
The Food of Morocco takes you on a gastronomical journey through the essence of real Morrocan flavours. Tasteful meals to cook in your very own kitchen, this is a book that will become one of your most-used cooking guides as it not only teaches you how to cook but also how to prepare and preserve food. BUY NOW
