Passage to East Africa: A Cookbook of East African Ismaili and Indian cuisine Paperback – 13 Dec. 2023

I recently had the pleasure of diving into the culinary world presented in "Passage to East Africa: A Cookbook of East African Ismaili and Indian Cuisine," and I must say it was a delightful experience from start to finish. This cookbook is not just a collection of recipes; it's a vivid tapestry that beautifully weaves together the rich cultural heritage and diverse flavors of East Africa.One of the standout features of this cookbook is its meticulous attention to detail. The author has taken great care to provide clear and concise instructions, making the recipes accessible even for those new to East African and Indian cuisine. The step-by-step guides are accompanied by vibrant photographs that not only showcase the final dishes but also capture the essence of the ingredients and the cooking process.The diversity of recipes is truly commendable. From savory stews to fragrant biryanis, the cookbook covers a wide range of dishes that represent the unique blend of flavors found in East African Ismaili and Indian cooking. Each recipe is accompanied by insightful anecdotes and personal stories, adding a personal touch that enhances the overall reading experience.I appreciate how the cookbook pays homage to the cultural roots of the recipes, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the significance of each dish. The inclusion of historical and cultural notes adds an extra layer of richness to the book, turning it into more than just a cookbook but a cultural exploration.What sets "Passage to East Africa" apart is its ability to cater to both beginners and seasoned cooks. The author strikes a perfect balance between authenticity and approachability, making it easy for anyone to recreate these flavorful dishes in their own kitchen.

A unique, creative and authentic 250 recipe cookbook, styled as a fond culinary family album which has lovingly grown and developed for years! Recipes have been systematically and meticulously curated. Proper measurement and method of cooking has been explained excellently. The useful index at the end of the book helps navigate any recipe quickly. Beautifully photographed throughout the book, capturing the colourful presentation of dishes which are easy to follow. Find familiar staples and discover delightful varieties. The glossary in English is helpful when purchasing ingredients from the asian grocery.

A must-have recipe book for your kitchen & coffee table . What a creative and authentic recipe book. I love the family album with a history of Shenaz's family's "passage " from their roots in India ,then travel to Africa ,& then onwards to other parts of the world ! Such easy to follow recipes with such heartwarming notes of how she came across the foods.Beautiful photographs too throughout the book, capturing the colourful presentation of dishes with easy to follow instructions

I am really enjoying this beautifully illustrated Passage To East Africa cookbook by Shenaz Shamji. It brings back nostalgic memories of life spent in Kenya, always centred around these delicious meals, with family and friends. It’s vibrantly presented with a lot of warmth, grace and humility. Shenaz’s excellent recipes are concise, foolproof and flavoursome. Her choice of the recipes are what one could easily cook in a family household, without too many fancy ingredients or methods. She is also very generous in sharing her cooking tips, learnt over the years. I am pleased to say that Passage to East Africa has taken a much deserved pride of place on the Cookbook Shelf which will be relished by future generations of my family!

Really well detailed and descriptive with great background knowledge. Easy to follow the steps so fun to experiment recipes.

Very well written, easy to follow cookbook with lots of excellent food photos throughout the book. Has a very East African ambience to it with lovely photos of artefacts, stamp and coin collection etc and beautifully portrayed family history of the author's life, together with the history of her ancester's migration from India to East Africa . A must buy book! A great coffee table book and perfect for gitfting to younger generations and friends.

I was taken into an amazing Dream World as I started reading the fantastic cookery book, " Passage to East Africa" by Shenaz Shamji.My overwhelming experience of this Dream world is simply beautiful .Going through each page of this book was Fantastic. All the stunning photos of yummy dishes fascinated me and I was lured into trying some enriching recipes which are written and explained very well and easy to follow.Well done to the author Shenaz.I am extremely proud of Shenaz and lucky to have her as my Special friend .I thank her immensely for this " Treasure" which has enhanced my home with the aroma of delicious food .ByFarida Verjee