About the Book

"Kiano Moju was born to a Kenyan mother and a Nigerian father and raised in California. While she spent her summer breaks in Kenya, her home in the states during the school year held African house parties where Nigerian jollof rice, moin moin (steamed bean cakes), roasted chicken legs, and plantains were a common part of life. On weekends and special occasions, they would make Kenyan dishes like samosas, sauteed collard greens, barbecued meat, and other favorites from her childhood, including Ethiopian and Eritrean recipes. As Kiano says, 'Californian cuisine embraces the flavors of its immigrant communities while celebrating the state's agriculture and the flavors of fresh produce,' and that's the concept behind her cooking"

Book Synopsis

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Saveur, Food & Wine, Los Angeles Times, and Food Network

Turn readily available ingredients and pantry staples into easy yet flavorful weeknight meals and dinner party dishes that celebrate a unique fusion of Nigerian, Kenyan, and Californian cuisines. From jollof rice and Swahili chicken biriyani to spice blends and peri-peri recipes, discover the best of African flavors and Cali flair--without ever leaving your kitchen.

Kiano Moju was born to a Kenyan mother and a Nigerian father and raised in California. While she spent her summer breaks in Kenya, her home in the states during the school year held African house parties where Nigerian jollof rice, moin moin (steamed bean cakes), roasted chicken legs, and plantains were a common part of life. On weekends and special occasions, they would make Kenyan dishes like samosas, sauteed collard greens, barbecued meat, and other favorites from her childhood including Ethiopian and Eritrean recipes. As Kiano says, "Californian cuisine embraces the flavors of its immigrant communities while celebrating the state's agriculture and the flavors of fresh produce," and that's the concept behind her cooking.

AfriCali is not a traditional cookbook, but rather one inspired by the delicious meals Kiano has experienced in life. The recipes are unfussy but dedicated to flavor including:

• Peri Peri Butter
• Herby Harissa
• Lentil Nuggets
• Cherry Tomato Kachumbari
• Kijani Seafood Pilau
• Chicken and Okra Wet Fry
• Berbere Braised Short Ribs
• Coconut and Cardamom Mandazi
• Garlic Butter Chapos
• Pili Pili Pineapple Margarita

The gorgeous food photography as well as photos from the author's travels in Africa make this a cookbook like no other. Dive in and enjoy the delicious, unique meals that the whole family will love.

Review Quotes

"Moju's chic yet approachable dishes reframe the many influences behind West and East African cooking, with zesty herbs, piquant chiles, and aromatic spices brightening up every dish."--Saveur

"Kiano Moju's AfriCali cookbook shares her perspective as someone who was born to a Kenyan mother and a Nigerian father, grew up in the Bay Area (with summers often spent visiting her Maasai family in Kenya) and has since traveled all over the world... Moju demonstrates the universality of the cuisines that shaped her with dishes that merge influences."--Named a Los Angeles Times Best Cookbook of 2024

"Recipes are fusion at its best... Moju flexes her recipe-creation talents and shares her love of cooking in this collection that highlights her roots with great taste... Moju delivers a culinary journey that is infused with personality and flavor, designed for modern home chefs looking for kitchen inspiration."--Library Journal

"Explore the world of AfriCali, Kiano's debut book that weaves together the flavors of her California upbringing with the richness of her Kenyan and Nigerian roots. Through enticing recipes, she invites you on a culinary journey that not only fills your kitchen with delicious aromas but also celebrates the joy of family and community. Join Kiano as she shares the warmth of her heritage, one recipe at a time."--Marcus Samuelsson

"Kiano Moju turns up the flavor on traditional African recipes with a California-cool vibe in AfriCali. Reading through it is like having a seat at her dinner table, where every recipe is carefully crafted to keep things relatively unfussy while maintaining a dedication to flavor. AfriCali is a must-have for anyone seeking a contemporary take on time-honored dishes."--Hawa Hassan, author of In Bibi's Kitchen

"The best cooks can imbue their dishes with deliciousness and heart, and Kiano Moju does both in abundance in AfriCali. Each recipe and picture make me feel invited to stand with Kiano at the stove as she talks about her favorite memories growing up in California, the Kenyan and Nigerian dishes her parents made for her, and the world of flavors she found in her travels."--Korsha Wilson, writer and host of A Hungry Society podcast

"With each recipe in AfriCali, I find a connection to my roots, a taste of California living, and a celebration of rich history. AfriCali is more than a cookbook; it's a journey of flavors that resonate with the soul."--Amin Joseph, actor