Bahari - by Dina Macki (Hardcover)

About the Book

"With honesty and curiosity, British-born Omani-Zanzibari chef Dina Macki explores the unique foodscape of Oman, in the first Omani cookbook to be written by an Omani chef. Bahari, meaning "ocean" in Swahili, is a culinary exploration of the rich flavours and history of Omani cuisine, a food culture shaped by boundless coastlines and complex maritime history, with origins and influences spanning Pakistan, Iran, India, the Swahili coast, and Portugal. In this distinctive cookbook, Dina Macki travels across Oman and Zanzibar, unearthing regional delicacies and recreating the food of her heritage. With more than 90 recipes for meat, fish, and vegetables, homemade breads and dips, desserts and drinks, Macki invites us into her kitchen, showing us how to create exquisite Omani dishes at home. Tapping into the stories behind the recipes and ingredients, Macki brings a fresh perspective in nuanced essays and identity exploring how food connects us to our past and our communities"--Publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

With honesty and curiosity, British-born Omani-Zanzibari chef Dina Macki explores the unique foodscape of Oman, in the first Omani cookbook to be written by an Omani chef.

Bahari, meaning "ocean" in Swahili, is a culinary exploration of the rich flavors and history of Omani cuisine, a food culture shaped by boundless coastlines and complex maritime history, with origins and influences spanning Pakistan, Iran, India, the Swahili coast, and Portugal.

In this distinctive cookbook, Dina Macki travels across Oman and Zanzibar, unearthing regional delicacies and recreating the food of her heritage. With more than 100 recipes for meat, fish, vegetables, homemade breads and dips, desserts, and drinks, Macki invites us into her kitchen, showing us how to create exquisite Omani dishes at home. Tapping into the stories behind the recipes and ingredients, Macki brings a fresh perspective in nuanced essays on migration and identity, exploring how food connects us to our past and our communities.

Combining personal essays and contemporary twists on traditional recipes, Bahari takes us on a journey through the flavors of Oman, in a tale that is as fascinating as it is delicious.

Review Quotes

"For "Bahari," which means "ocean" in Swahili, she traveled throughout Oman and to Zanzibar for a collection of recipes that is both deeply researched and intensely personal. If you're the type who likes to travel through gorgeously photographed cookbooks packed with personal stories and history, this is my pick for you this year." - The Washington Post

About the Author

Dina Macki is a chef, recipe developer, food writer, and presenter. She has quickly garnered over 24,000 followers on Instagram and works with British and international brands across socials and TV to present and develop recipes, including Waitrose, Tesco's, Cuisinart, Middle East Eye, Vita Coco, and Tastemade. She has written for gal-dem magazine, Pit magazine, and BBC Good Food magazine. By day, she also works for The Anglo-Omani Society, which has deepened her knowledge of Oman's history and given her access to an incredible global network. Bahari is her first cookbook.

"I find Dina's work so inspiring, her feed is a source of joy and education. Dina has been teasing us for ages, the world (and I) are screaming out for a book on Omani food, especially after drooling over it for so long - virtually on Dina's feed. On top of this, I cannot advocate enough for Dina's beaming energy, beautiful nature and extreme likeability - definitely one to watch."
Ravneet Gill

"Dina's vivacious spirit shines through every plate she cooks. Her dishes are equal parts personal and cultural and truly bring to life the diversity offered by the beautiful land and people of Oman". Noor Murad

"What's not to love about Dina Macki, the bright and ebullient rising star of the food world who has shone a light on the little known cuisine of Oman. Dina's food is the dazzling kind, all glossy and lacquered with recipes so vibrant the spices leap off the page. She has an easy style of storytelling, a warm tone that feels like you are talking to an old friend. I am immediately drawn to her mouthwatering 48hr Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, and can't wait to tuck into the inviting flavours of her lively Spinach, Coconut, Turmeric Shakshuka. Dina's proposal is as colourful and animated as the woman herself, and I hope to one day see her tempting recipes in print." Lara Lee